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

You’re Only as Good as Those with Whom You Contract

I have been beating the drum of the need to have a solid construction contract as the basis for your construction project and contractor/subcontractor/supplier relationships. I have also emphasized that communication early and often is one of the best ways to assure a smooth project.  However, the sad truth is that even with the best

When is an Improvement not an Improvement on a Construction Project?

Originally posted 2012-09-21 08:00:01. Today I am back on the legal analysis/interesting case train after a few weeks of getting my new solo practice (thank you to all who have wished me well in this endeavor) up and running and discussing various green building trends and topics. This week’s case discusses the operation of the

ConsensusDOCS Hits the Cloud

Originally posted 2012-05-14 09:00:07. I have discussed the ConsensusDOCS here at Musings on a few occasions.  These relatively new form documents, endorsed by the AGC among other trade organizations, are a great counterpoint to the AIA documents that we all are more than familiar with and as construction attorneys and contractors have likely reviewed on

Incorporation, Indemnity and Statutes of Limitations, Oh My!

Originally posted 2017-02-07 09:00:55. We all know that the contract is king in Virginia.  We also know that Virginia will allow for a so called “incorporation” clause that will allow for “flow down” of certain prime contract provisions in a way that will make those provisions applicable to subcontractors.  We also know that a claim

A New Statute of Limitations on Construction Claims by VA State Agencies?

I have discussed the Hensel Phelps case and the potential issues caused by both poorly drafted indemnity clauses and the lack of a statute of limitations applicable to the Commonwealth of Virginia and its agencies in 2017. New legislation (supported by various contractor groups including my friends at the AGC of Virginia)  has been proposed