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: Contracts

Don’t Waive Too Much In Your Mechanic’s Lien Waiver

In the past few years, the Virginia General Assembly has, with certain caveats, precluded pre-furnishing waiver of mechanic’s lien rights.  While this essentially outlawed the types of mechanic’s lien waiver clauses that pervaded construction contracts in Virginia, the key to the previous sentence is “pre-furnishing.” What the General Assembly left intact were the usual waivers

Reminder: Pay if Paid Not All Encompassing (but Could it be?)

Originally posted 2011-11-04 09:00:46. On numerous occasions, I have discussed the need to be careful with so-called “pay if paid” clauses in construction contracts.  While such clauses are enforceable in Virginia (when phrased correctly), there are exceptions and limitations (for instance in the Miller Act context). One such exception (that I frankly would have thought

Be Careful When Walking Off of a Construction Project

Originally posted 2017-08-10 10:29:18. I am truly grateful that my buddy Craig Martin (@craigmartin_jd) continues his great posts over at The Construction Contractor Advisor blog.  He is always a good cure for writer’s block and once again this week he gave me some inspiration.  In his most recent post, Craig discusses a recent Indiana case

A Teaming Agreement is Still a Contract (or, Be Careful with Agreements to Agree)

I have discussed teaming agreements in this past here at Construction Law Musings.  These agreements are most typically where one of two entities meets a contracting requirement but may not have the capacity to fulfill a contract on its own so brings in another entity to assist.  However, these agreements are contracts and are treated

Form Contracts are Great, but. . .

Originally posted 2011-06-24 09:26:58. Recently I was discussing the ConsensusDOCs with a colleague and friend and had a revelation. These forms are used often (though somewhat less than their AIA counterparts and less than they should be used). Quick disclaimer: I have been a part of a couple of drafting committees for ConsensusDOCs and am