Posts Categorized: Construction

A Guide to Florida Mechanics Liens – Levelset

A Lien (or ‘Mechanic’s Lien’) is a potentially powerful tool for contractors, architects, engineers, or suppliers of materials to secure payment for work performed ‘improving’ a property. Levelset, a company that helps contractors and suppliers receive payment, outlines the perfect Mechanic’s Lien Guide for the State of Florida, and their rules and regulations. To view… Read more »

The Top Ten Questions to Ask your New Contractor

Time and time again, homeowners are so excited about a new construction project, they go into the project blindly, forgetting to ask basic questions which can make or break their relationship with a contractor or architect. Before starting any type of construction project, it’s wise to ask these ten most-forgotten questions to ensure your construction… Read more »

Understanding the Importance of Building Permits

What do you need a building permit for? This is one of the most common questions regarding construction. Building permits are both important and necessary and the failure to obtain one can cause major obstacles down the road.  Building permits are needed whenever a homeowner is altering or expanding their current home, installing a swimming… Read more »

Construction and Design 101 – Your Home Office

Long Island Construction Law does not own this content. This content was written by Suzie Wilson. Suzie Wilson is an interior designer with more than 20 years experience. What started as a hobby (and often, a favor to friends) turned into a passion for creating soothing spaces in homes of every size and style. Ms…. Read more »

Networking Opportunities in Florida Construction

Construction, in particular, adapts and responds to changes as a regular course of business. From changes in codes, regulations, and client preferences, staying abreast of the trends influencing the industry is essential for those who hope to earn their living from it. Networking has always been an important function for anyone running a business.

What is a Surety Bond and When is it Used?

A surety bond is defined as a three-party agreement that legally binds together a principal who needs the bond, an obligee who requires the bond and a surety company that sells the bond. The bond guarantees the principal will act in accordance with certain laws. If the principal fails to perform in this manner, the… Read more »

Protecting Yourself from Usury and Racketeering in Construction

Whenever we hear the terms Usury and Racketeering, we think of two things, organized crime, and the RICO Act. But did you know that these two terms are very common within the Florida Construction industry? Whether you are a homeowner, a contractor or a commercial business owner, usury and racketeering come in many different shapes… Read more »

2017 AIA Modifications, Insurance and Bond Exhibits Recap

Long Island Construction Attorney, John Caravella, Esq, co-presented Strafford’s AIA virtual webinar. Along with Steven Nudelman and Warren F. Jacoby, Mr. Caravella and his other co-presenters discussed the fine details of AIA Contract Documents: 2017 Modifications, Insurance and Bond Exhibit, Owner – Contractor Documents and Owner – Architect Agreements. Within this article, you will have… Read more »

How and When Filing a Mechanic’s Lien Protects you from Payment Refusals

Throughout time, circumstances arise where a homeowner feels the need to breach their contract by refusing to pay their contractor or architect for services that were already performed and/or provided.  For example, perhaps a homeowner feels that the contractor’s work is not what was agreed upon or is subpar, or maybe even because the project… Read more »