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: Business of Construction

Another Reason to Incorporate Your Construction Business

Originally posted 2013-03-05 10:07:54. I have discussed on prior occasions reasons why construction contractors should incorporate if they had not already.  While incorporation is not a total shield against all claims, particularly if a contractor is not careful in keeping up with corporate formalities, forming a corporation or an LLC can provide some liability protection

Mediation is (Almost) Always Worth a Shot

As Hurricane Ian is bearing down on Florida the economy is sputtering, it is easy to lose track of things that construction professionals (among others) can control.  One of those things is how to resolve your construction dispute.  When initial, and hopefully business-oriented, discussions break down and the construction lawyers get involved, often more formal

Starting July 1, 2020 General Contractors are “Employers” for All Workers on Their Jobsite

Originally posted 2020-05-13 11:56:14. I have discussed the impactful legislation to the Virginia construction industry in prior posts here at Construction Law Musings.  One of those statutes that will take effect on July 1, 2020 will fundamentally change the relationships between general contractors and their subcontractors and suppliers.

Why Attorney Fees Provisions Must Be in Your Contracts

Originally posted 2015-01-22 09:35:10. This past July, the Roanoke Circuit Court reminded us all of the need to put attorney fees provisions in construction contracts.  In the case of Shen Valley Masonry, Inc. v. Thor, Inc., et al., the Court, among other rulings, allowed the defendant to collect its attorney fees because Thor had such

Virginia Mechanic’s Liens- Defense Options

Originally posted 2015-08-24 09:00:15. Here at Construction Law Musings, I have discussed the filing of mechanic’s liens in Virginia and various cases discussing the pitfalls to be found in the filing of these powerful collection tools.  However, I have rarely discussed the affirmative steps that an owner can take in defending against the filing of