07/12/2017
Virginia’s mechanic’s lien process provides potential added security for contractors. A properly perfected mechanic’s lien provides for a secured interest respecting the property’s improvement, which can provide a means of recovery for non-payment that contractors otherwise would not have to secure payment for contract breach claims. Virginia’s code suggests that the mechanic’s lien filing process… Read more »
07/09/2017
On June 29, 2017, the International Code Council (ICC), announced the release of an update to the 2009 ICC American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities Standard. The ICC is the publisher of the International Codes or family of I-Codes as they are commonly known. One member of this family… Read more »
06/19/2017
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) publishes one of the most widely-used sets of form contracts for use on construction projects. AIA, which historically has revised the forms every ten years, currently is publishing a new set. The focus of this article is the new version of A201 “General Conditions of the Contract for Construction.” … Read more »
06/02/2017
In March 2017, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued a Guidance concerning the legal rights of workers diagnosed with mental health conditions. The Guidance came in the form of a question and answer sheet aimed at informing employers and workers of their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The Guidance provides significant… Read more »
05/25/2017
On March 27, 2017, President Trump repealed the “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” regulations issued by Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). These “Blacklisting” regulations required contractors to disclose federal employment and labor law violations when bidding, to comply with pay transparency obligations, and to limit… Read more »
04/25/2017
Recent OSHA reporting identifies falling hazards as the leading cause of death on construction projects. OSHA or the Occupational Safety Health Administration was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act enacted by Congress in 1970. Under the Act, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace that complies with OSHA safety and health… Read more »
04/17/2017
The Architecture Billings Index showed a slight increase in billings at U.S. architecture firms in February 2017, reversing a slight decrease in January 2017. The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) is a composite index derived from monthly report surveys from member firms located throughout the country regarding “work-on-the-boards,” and is compiled by the American Institute of… Read more »
04/11/2017
ConsensusDocs continues to look to expand its use in the construction marketplace with its introduction of new 200 Series forms; the 235 Owner & Constructor Short Form Agreement (Cost of Work) and the 245 Owner & Design Professional Short Form Agreement. They update the prior 2014 versions; and are available at the ConsensusDocs website: http://www.consensusdocs.org/…. Read more »
04/04/2017
EFFECTIVE JUNE 23, 2017 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a final rule to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in America’s workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. 29 C.F.R. section §1926.1153. The rule is comprised of two standards, one… Read more »
03/27/2017
For several years, Virginia has been endeavoring to address employee misclassification in the Commonwealth, particularly in the construction industry. In a 2014 Executive Order, the Governor raised concerns that contractors who misclassify employees as “independent contractors” were depriving the Commonwealth of taxes and denying workers insurance coverage and other benefits. By avoiding these costs, such… Read more »
