Category: Construction Law

  • How Contractor’s Registration affects Construction Liens on Real Property Development

    By Thomas L. Dickson, Esq. Construction liens are an important part of Seattle real estate law and other high-growth areas of Western Washington. The lien, also called a “mechanic's lien,” represents a pre-judicial claim against title, and the owner of the land on whom the lien is recorded cannot sell the property or obtain a loan thereon until the lien is satisfied, removed, or otherwise accommodated. The Effect of a Construction Lien. Under RCW 60.04.021, “any person furnishing labor, professional services, materials, or equipment for the improvement of real property shall have a lien upon the improvement for the contract price of labor, professional services, materials, or equipment furnished at the instance of the owner, or the agent or

  • Can You Monitor Your Construction Employees Off The Job Site?

    If an employee is on the clock but is performing work off the job site, it is only natural that you may want to monitor their actions. Using GPS satellite technology1 is one way that many employers are monitoring their construction employees when they go off site. With GPS, you can monitor where employees go, how long they stay there, whether they make any unauthorized stops, and more. Monitoring can also help you improve your company efficiency and your bottom line while also ensuring compliance with Seattle & Tacoma construction law. While employee monitoring may be preferable for an employer to protect their business, employees may have some legitimate concerns regarding monitoring. You always want to ensure that employee monitoring is perfor

  • Common Types of Construction Fraud

    There are many opportunities for parties to use fraud in order to wrongfully take money or property during a construction project. The following are only some of common construction fraud schemes. False information on payment applications – Falsifying payment applications can cover up a wide range of fraudulent and wrongful actions, including funneling money, covering up the use of funds for personal purchases, and more. An accountant or project manager may falsify these applications in many ways, such as inflating rates, costs, or simply by using erroneous totals. You should always double check all payment applications for signs of errors, irregularities, or other signs of fraud.  Taking or substituting materials – If you pay for a higher-gr

  • Notice Provisions in Construction Contracts

    Construction projects require many different kinds of contracts1, which set out requirements for many different parties involved, including the landowner, the builder, and any contractors. Too many people simply sign contracts while overlooking important provisions, and construction contracts are no different. Today we are examining one very important yet commonly ignored clause in a construction contract: the notice provision. What is a notice provision? A notice provision requires parties to notify one another within a certain time frame if certain issues arise with a construction project. We all know that many issues may develop during construction that have the potential to increase costs or delay completion of the project. A notice provision

  • Construction Contracts

    The Importance of Notice Provisions in Construction Contracts Construction projects require many different kinds of contracts1, which set out requirements for many different parties involved, including the landowner, the builder, and any contractors. Too many people simply sign contracts while overlooking important provisions, and construction contracts are no different. Today we are examining one very important yet commonly ignored clause in a construction contract: the notice provision. What is a notice provision? A notice provision requires parties to notify one another within a certain time frame if certain issues arise with a construction project. We all know that many issues may develop during construction that have the potential to increase co

  • Construction Site Accident Claims Against 3rd Parties

    [caption id="attachment_1920" align="alignright" width="250"] Image of an injured construction worker[/caption] Construction sites are inherently dangerous places. At any given time, the average construction site may have hundreds of people around significant hazards, including open heights, heavy machinery, unfinshed buildings, and dangerous chemicals. As a result, thousands of people are injured in construction site accidents each year, sometimes seriously. Construction workers who are injured in on-the-job accidents are generally limited to bringing claims through Washington State’s workers’ compensation program1, the exclusive remedy for most workplace injuries. In some cases, however, workers who are injured in construction site accidents ma

  • How to Find A Great Attorney in Seattle

    Choosing the right attorney is a very important decision. Whether you are seeking representation for your business, need assistance in drafting a will, or want to resolve a real estate dispute with a neighbor, the right attorney will put your mind at ease. At Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, our decades of combined experience serving Seattle’s business, probate, real estate and construction law needs make us the perfect fit for Seattleites in search of the best possible representation. Qualities to look for in a great attorney: Experience The most important aspect of a great attorney is experience. Knowing not just the intricacies of the law, but also the ins and outs of the local court system and the best methods for negotiating a great settleme

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