Category: Construction

Mastering Contract Management in Construction: A Business Owner’s Guide

This article was written by guest blogger Suzie Wilson.

Contracts form the backbone of any construction business, establishing clear, effective communication and understanding between parties. They ensure that every project’s details are agreed upon, protect your interests, and help avoid conflicts. Understanding how to manage these documents efficiently is critical for success in the construction industry. This article, presented by The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., explores several key areas to enhance your contract management skills.

Continue reading “Mastering Contract Management in Construction: A Business Owner’s Guide”

The Methods and Benefits of Sustainable Construction – a Construction21 Article

The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. does not own this content. This content was created by Chris Jackson, and was published to Construction21 on 2/11/2/21. To view the full article, please click here. 

The construction industry is one of the most prominent consumers of minerals and natural resources by its very nature. The need and significance of sustainability in construction have become a debated topic due to the growing concerns over global warming and the finite nature of resources. This conventional truth caused increased pressure on construction firms to reduce their environmental impact.

Continue reading “The Methods and Benefits of Sustainable Construction – a Construction21 Article”

Changes vs. Cardinal Changes: The Limit of Construction Contract Changes


Changes are an unavoidable aspect of construction. Although thorough effort and coordination are required in preparing the original project contract, specifications and construction drawings, there will still be changes. This is why owners are provided the right to make changes to the work under a typical contract changes clause.

However, the ability for owner requested changes, even if provided in the contract, are not without limitations, restrictions, and consequences. After all, what purpose would any of the project documents, contracts and drawings serve if they were subject to constant change? What good would the contract serve if the owner could make any change(s) without consequence?

Continue reading “Changes vs. Cardinal Changes: The Limit of Construction Contract Changes”

Understanding Roles and Relationships of Construction Project Participants. Who Does What?

On October 17th, John Caravella was invited to speak at the AIA Contract Document Workshop where he was able to share his knowledge about Construction Contract Interpretation and Fundamentals. In this specific article, we share the Roles and Relationships of Construction Project Participants. This way, we can fully understand who really does what on a construction job site.

Continue reading “Understanding Roles and Relationships of Construction Project Participants. Who Does What?”

Governor Hochul Advances Nation-Leading Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Construction Program – Press Release

Long Island Construction Law does not own this content. This content was created by Gov. Hochul’s Office. To read the full press release, please click here. 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Public Service Commission made major changes to New York’s electric vehicle “make-ready” program to speed up the transition to zero-emissions electric vehicles. Today’s changes are designed to accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure to combat range anxiety and ensure New Yorkers have access to convenient and reliable EV charging. Combined, the programs announced today are expected to stimulate $4 billion in total investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. More and more New Yorkers are going electric every day, with 175,000 electric or plug-in hybrid EVs on the road today, and approximately 3 million anticipated by 2030.

Continue reading “Governor Hochul Advances Nation-Leading Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Construction Program – Press Release”

Top 5 Tips for New York Residential Contractors

Often times in discussions with contractors, I hear many of the same types of issues repeat themselves, and from the perspective of counsel, quite preventable. While not every potential problem on a project can be determined upfront, keeping the following 5 tips for contractors in mind might be helpful in preventing problems, improving business practices, and effectively managing risks.

Continue reading “Top 5 Tips for New York Residential Contractors”

Scaffold Law Claims Against Contractors Continue To Increase

Few topics in construction law are more controversial than Labor Law Section 240, better known as the Scaffold Law, which imposes absolute liability on contractors, property owners, and their agents for elevation-related injuries to construction workers. The number of Scaffold Law cases has increased by 500% since 1990.[1]

Continue reading “Scaffold Law Claims Against Contractors Continue To Increase”

Strings of a Marionette Puppet

Like the strings of a marionette puppet, after the completion of a New York construction project, there are various legal theories that serve as ties between the builder and the owner. For the builder, the sooner these lingering ties can be removed the less exposure they face for claims of defects. For the owners, the longer they are able to establish these connections, the longer they may have legal recourse against the builder for defects.

Continue reading “Strings of a Marionette Puppet”

New York Leads 2023 Top 10 States For Green Building and Construction – A Facility Executive Article

The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C. does not own this content. This content was created by Facility Executive and was published on 1-4-2024. To view the full article, please click here. 

For the first time ever, New York has earned the top spot on the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) annual list of Top 10 States for LEED. New York earned its number-one ranking based on LEED-certified gross square footage per capita over the past year, which led the country in green building. New York totaled 201 newly LEED-certified projects in 2023 that encompassed more than 93 million square feet, equating to nearly 4.6 LEED-certified square feet per resident. Continue reading “New York Leads 2023 Top 10 States For Green Building and Construction – A Facility Executive Article”

Contractors in New York may not be bound by Architect Certifications

Construction contracts in New York often place the architect or engineer in the additional role of an initial impartial decider as to any disagreement or disputes between the contractor and the owner, in addition to their roles as the design professionals.

Continue reading “Contractors in New York may not be bound by Architect Certifications”