Thoughts on construction law from Christopher G. Hill, Virginia construction lawyer, LEED AP, mediator, and member of the Virginia Legal Elite in Construction Law

Category Archives: Construction

No Damages for Delay May Not Be Enforceable in Virginia

Anyone who reads Construction Law Musings with any regularity (thank you by the way) knows that the contract is king in most instances here in Virginia.  Any commercial construction subcontractor in Virginia is likely also very familiar with so-called “no damages for delay” clauses in construction contracts.  These clauses essentially state that a subcontractor’s only

The Construction Lawyer as Counselor

Originally posted 2019-04-24 10:56:09. It’s been a while since I discussed the role that I believe a construction lawyer should serve.  Back in 2013, I discussed how those of us that practice construction law are seen as “necessary evils.”  I was thinking over the weekend about certain clients and matters (as I often do, particularly

Residential Contractors, Be Sure to Have these Clauses in Your Contracts

Originally posted 2018-04-27 09:11:50. I have often “mused” on the need to have a good solid construction contract at the beginning of a project.  While this is always true, it is particularly true in residential contracting where a homeowner may or may not know the construction process or have experience with large scale construction.  Often

Do We Really Want Courts Deciding if Our Construction Contracts are Fair?

Originally posted 2015-03-17 10:06:56. As I posted recently, the Virginia General Assembly has passed, and I can see no reason why the governor won’t sign, a bill that would essentially invalidate preemptive contractual waivers of lien rights as they relate to subcontractors and material suppliers.  It does not apply to General Contractors, but it is

Be Sure to Bring Up Any Mechanic’s Lien Defenses Early and Often

As those of you who regularly read Musings are aware, mechanic’s liens are a big part of my law practice and a big issue here at this construction law blog.  I’ve discussed the picky requirements of the mechanic’s lien statutes in Virginia and how the 90 and 150-day rules are strictly enforced. However, a recent