Around the Web in Construction Law – April 9, 2010
On April 10, 2010
By Scott Wolfe Jr
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For some time in 2009, the Construction Law Monitor published an “Around The Web” post each Friday, highlighting some of the top construction law updates around the web that week. We fell off the wagon a bit as 2009 came to a close, but starting this week we’re bringing the feature back.
A lot of the Around The Web material will come from my personal Google Reader Shared Items Feed. You can subscribe to its RSS directly.
This week, there was a great deal of Chinese Drywall issues in the news. And with the launch of the iPad, a lot of buzz about construction and construction law apps for it and the iPhone.
- Chinese Drywall. The week started good for homeowners with Chinese Drywall, and ended great. First, the Consumer Product Safety Commission released its “interim” protocol for remediating Chinese Drywall in homes, requiring all drywall, piping, wiring, fire alarm equipment, sprinklers and electrical equipment removed from the home. Judge Medley in Orleans Parish ruled that insurance companies couldn’t exclude Chinese Drywall from its insurance policies (great discussion by Merlin Law Group Property Insurance Blog), and Judge Fallon granted a $2.6 Million judgment in first the federal Chinese Drywall case.
- Matt DeVries from the Best Practices Construction Law Blog posted about some of his favorite iPhone and iPad Apps for the Construction Industry. My favorite: the AEC Info Phone App, which includes construction law news from a variety of construction law blogs, including our Monitor.
- Alan Middleton at the Washington Construction Law Blog updated its readers on recent legislation signed by WA Gov. Gregoire, including some bills that enable agencies to continue investigation of the underground construction economy and enforce certain licensing provisions related to electricians and electrical installations. Both of these bills are effective June 10, 2010. More on these bills and others at their blog.
- So What Exactly Is an Improvement? This question really matters to folks across the country who want to file a Mechanics Lien. While the law varies from state-to-state, claimants may typically only file liens for improvements to the property. In Virginia, like in many other states, what does and does not constitute an “improvement” can be a bit fuzzy. Heidi Meinzer at the Virginia Real Estate, Land Use and Construction Law Blog comments on this in their recent post: The Line Between Furniture and Fixtures: What Constitutes An Improvement, Part II.
About the Author: Scott Wolfe Jr
Scott Wolfe, Jr. obtained his J.D. degree from Loyola University of New Orleans, and his B.A. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. In 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, Scott was recognized as a Leader in Law by CityBusiness Magazine. The son and grandson of general contractors, Scott is a construction litigator in the Pacific Northwest, and the founding member of the bi-coastal law firm, Wolfe Law Group. Scott is also the founder and CEO of Express Lien, Inc., a legal document preparation service for contractors. In 2008, City Business Magazine recognized Scott as one of its Innovators of the Year for the Express Lien concept. As an entrepreneur himself, Scott has a strong background in business and commercial transactions and laws. He focuses his practice on the legal issues facing the construction industry, and has represented clients in multi-million dollar construction disputes in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Scott is a LEED AP.
