In today’s rapidly evolving solar industry, the challenge isn’t simply installing more panels — it’s about ensuring each stage of the value chain is resilient, the homeowner is protected, and the built environment is transformed. A recent piece in Solar Power World points out the critical importance of a strong domestic manufacturing base, robust partnerships and innovation in making large-scale solar projects less risky. At the same time, homeowners and developers are navigating warranty complexities, legal protections, and architectural integration of solar systems (as illustrated in blog posts from The Law Offices of John Caravella). Together, these threads paint a fuller picture of how to build a truly resilient American solar ecosystem.

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Each year, fire incidents in the United States increase during the Thanksgiving and holiday season, particularly from cooking and heating sources. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), Thanksgiving Day has more than twice the number of reported home fires compared to an average day.

Continue reading “Analyzing Thanksgiving-Season Fire Claims in New York and Florida”

Employers who learn about a dangerous condition or a defective product and fail to take reasonable steps to fix or warn about it raise sharply practical — and legal — questions. In New York the answers depend on (1) who was injured (an employee or a non-employee), (2) what statutory regimes apply (notably the workers’ compensation statutes and the Labor Law), and (3) what evidence exists showing the employer had actual or constructive notice of the hazard. Below I explain how notice figures into negligence and Labor Law claims in New York, how post-accident conduct (including failure to fix) is treated in evidence, and then walk through a representative case study so you can see those rules in action.

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When construction projects face legal challenges, experience matters. John Caravella, Esq., of The Law Offices of John Caravella, P.C., brings a rare combination of architectural knowledge and legal expertise to clients throughout New York and Florida. His practice focuses exclusively on construction law, helping contractors, property owners, and design professionals protect their rights, resolve disputes, and achieve successful project outcomes.

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When you hire a contractor for a residential renovation — or when you work as one — whether the contractor holds the correct local license matters a great deal.

Continue reading “Licensing Requirements for Home-Improvement Contractors & Subcontractors in New York State”

Deck Inspection Resources (2020) by Frank Woeste, P. E., Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech. Spring is a great time to inspect your deck to make sure it is safe for continued use by your family and friends. The inspection resources listed herein should be useful for accomplishing a meaningful inspection of an existing deck for occupant safety.

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The construction industry in New York is entering a new era—one that blends innovation, public well-being, and environmental responsibility. Recent developments across the state highlight how the field is expanding beyond traditional building projects to address worker wellness, sustainability, and community impact.

Continue reading “What’s New in New York Construction: Wellness, Sustainability, and Community Growth”

In 2023, New York construction sites saw the highest number of worker deaths in a decade. A report by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) revealed that 74 construction workers died statewide in 2023. Of those, 30 deaths occurred in New York City alone. Both the raw number and the fatality rates in NYC and the state marked troubling new highs. (Construction Dive)

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Construction has long been one of the most male-dominated industries in the United States. Over the last decade the sector has made measurable progress: more women are entering trades, taking leadership roles, and founding construction firms—but the pace of change is slow, and structural barriers remain. This article looks at where women are today in the construction industry, what’s driving growth, real-world examples (including Barbara Kavovit), and what employers and policy makers can do to accelerate meaningful, sustainable inclusion.

Continue reading “The Rise (and Remaining Gap) of Women in Construction”