US General Services Administration Prodded to Keep USGBC’s Rating System

Over 1,200 businesses, building professionals, environmental organizations, unions, cities, and individuals asked the General Services Administration July 25 to continue supporting the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. The administration requires new federal buildings and substantial renovations to federal buildings to be LEED-certified, though only six percent of LEED-certified […]

Green Retrofit Movement Hits Major Cities

Although in the past the majority of sustainable construction activity has been focused on new construction, today there is a movement in major cities toward green retrofits in both privately and publicly owned buildings. According to the United States Green Building Council, a “green retrofit” refers to upgrades to an existing building that improve energy […]

North Carolina Changes to Mechanics Lien Law Requires New Forms of Service

In North Carolina, beginning January 1, 2013, all claims of lien on real property must be served on the owner, and a claim of lien on real property asserted by a subcontractor or supplier by subrogation must be served upon the contractor as well as the owner. Prior law allowed a North Carolina claim of lien […]

Texas Contractors Can Use the RCLA to Their Benefit: Here’s How

The Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA) is the governing law for both residential construction disputes and the procedure to follow before there is litigation. The law provides a lot of guidance, but most contractors know little about it or how to use it. The RCLA can be used by contractors to limit liability and resolve issues out […]

A Short History of Construction

We found a fascinating article on the history of construction by Eugen J. Heady of Smith Currie & Hancock, which is below. This article was originally published in the Construction Connection Newsletter. See www.constructionconnection.com.) Disputes arising on modern day construction projects typically involve extraordinarily complex factual scenarios, technical issues and legal issues. Were the ancients concerned […]