Developing public projects in Oregon requires an understanding of the Oregon Public Contracting Code and the complexities of procurement requirements. In my recent article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, I discuss four facets of public contracting that can help you successfully navigate the procurement terrain. Read the full article here. “Public Contracting Code Reminders” was … Continue Reading
The increasing presence of liability waivers in construction and design contracts is of concern to owners, general contractors and architects alike. In my recent article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, I address a variety of clauses that limit liability and offer tips for negotiating more reasonable conditions and limits. Read the full article here. … Continue Reading
When terminating a contract, you want to have a high degree of confidence that termination is justified and done properly. In my recent Daily Journal of Commerce Construction column, I outline 10 important considerations in navigating this high-risk terrain. Read the full article here. “10 Important Termination Considerations” was originally published on Feburary 20, 2015 by … Continue Reading
In my recent article, “If You Build It, They Will Come,” I discuss the five keys of project risk management that contractors must take into consideration in the wake of the Great Recession. Read the full article here. “If You Build It, They Will Come,” was originally published on January 16, 2015 by the Daily Journal … Continue Reading
You may have recently heard that on December 11, 2013, the California Supreme Court denied the builder’s Petition for Review of the published decision in Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Brookfield Crystal Cove LLC, 163 Cal. Rptr. 3d 600, Cal. App. 4th 98 (2013). For builders and contractors, this is very frustrating news and undermines the … Continue Reading
In my latest Daily Journal of Commerce Construction column, I discuss the need to know Oregon construction contracting law to avoid unwanted consequences. In Oregon, construction contracts are subject to a wide variety of legal requirements, many of which are often ignored or, in some cases, violated with disastrous results. Following link will provide a summary … Continue Reading
In recent years, the Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”), the Legislature and the California courts have expanded the application of the prevailing wage law to projects through the broad definition of a “public works,” beyond what most contractors, owners and even counsel would expect. While most involved in construction anticipate that any work directly for, … Continue Reading
A California appellate court recently held that the value of an original construction contract is admissible as evidence to limit a contractor’s right to recovery under Civil Code section 3123(a), even by a property buyer that was not a party to the construction contract. Appel v. Los Angeles Superior Court (CA No. B244590, Mar. 11, 2013). The … Continue Reading
As they say, timing is everything, and the success of a development project often hinges on when it will be complete. Whether it’s a new business, a new school, or some other project, delay can be disastrous for an owner. Here are five tips to reduce the risks of project delay. Avoid terms that shift … Continue Reading
Litigation can be one of the most time-consuming and expensive ways to resolve disputes in the construction industry. Often, parties to construction-related disputes prefer to resolve them through alternate dispute resolution procedures, such as mediation or arbitration. However, sometimes litigation cannot be avoided. In his latest article in the Daily Journal of Commerce, Guy Randles … Continue Reading
A California appellate court has clarified for public owners and contractors (a) what the results may be if the owner does not timely sign a change order and (b) under what circumstances a change order is required. In G. Voskanian Construction, Inc. v. Alhambra Unified School District, No. B221005 (Cal. Ct. App. Mar. 29, 2012), … Continue Reading
The Department of Labor’s latest jobs report includes some encouraging news for the construction industry. In January, construction jobs increased by 21,000 and jobs in architectural and engineering services increased by 7,000. Over the past two months, “nonresidential specialty trade contractors” added 30,000 jobs. We’ll keep a close eye on next month’s jobs report to … Continue Reading
