Initial Highlights of the 2017 Edition of AIA A201
As you may be aware, the American Institute of Architects (“AIA”) revises its main contract forms every ten years and has recently released the 2017 Editions of their contract forms, including the AIA A201 – General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. I’ve just finished an initial review of the new AIA A201 2017 Edition….
Is Your Arbitration Clause Enforceable?
The South Carolina Supreme Court recently addressed the enforceability of an arbitration clause in a sales contract between a home buyer and a developer general contractor. Gregory W. Smith vs. D.R. Horton, S.C. Supreme Court Opinion No. 27645. The arbitration clause stated that the parties agreed to arbitrate any claim arising out of the construction…
NC Construction Firm to Pay $35,000 in Harassment Claim
Hiatt & Mason Enterprises, Inc., a structural steel erection services company, has agreed to pay $35,000 and provide other relief to settle a racial harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced today. The EEOC had charged that Hiatt & Mason violated federal law when it subjected a…
Turner Padget Invests $1M in S.C. Businesses
Turner Padget Graham & Laney, P.A. is pleased to announce the Palmetto Propeller initiative designed to help South Carolina start-up and small businesses achieve success by providing needed legal services at no cost. For nearly 90 years, Turner Padget has been serving small businesses in South Carolina, and has been a small business itself. Their…
The Duty to Defend in the Contractor’s CGL Insurance Policy
The Commercial general liability (“CGL”) carrier’s duty to defend an insured contractor for a claim for defective construction can be a huge cost savings tool. But, contractors should be mindful of the benefits and hazards of tendering a defense to its carrier before doing so. What is the duty to defend? CGL insurance carriers generally…
Insurance Law Podcast Discusses Construction Defect Litigation
A.M. Best and Best’s Recommended Insurance Attorneys and Adjusters have released the latest installment of its Insurance Law Podcast, a series that examines timely insurance issues from an attorney’s point of view. This episode features Attorney Terry Lavy from the law firm of Vernis & Bowling, with offices in several states throughout the southeast, including Florida, North Carolina,…
Construction Contracts 101 – Key Terms and Provisions
A construction contract can be a daunting document. It can be hundreds — if not thousands — of pages in length depending on the complexity of the project. In addition to the document that is signed by the parties, the full construction contract can include drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, general conditions, special conditions, and other…
AGC/FMI Risk Management Study Reveals Changing Environment
FMI Corporation, the leading provider of management consulting and investment banking services to engineering and construction, infrastructure and the built environment, is pleased to announce the release of the “AGC/FMI 2016 Risk Management Study”—a joint effort between FMI and AGC’s Surety Bonding and Risk Management Forum. In this study, AGC and FMI explore the key…
The American Institute of Architects Releases Customized State of South Carolina Documents
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced the release of eight customized AIA Contract Documents® for exclusive use on State projects in South Carolina. The South Carolina versions of the AIA documents include state-specific amendments to the standard text of the AIA documents, as developed by the Office of the State Engineer, and will…
Integrated Delivery – Why Is It?
Integrated delivery is a delivery method that embraced 360 degree collaboration between all the stakeholders on a project; including designers, consultants, general contractor, subcontractor, vendors, and yes the owner. Design-build (DB) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) are two examples of integrated delivery. There are numerous differences between the various contract forms of both DB and…
