BERT HOWE
  • Nationwide: (800) 482-1822    
    low-income housing building expert Seattle Washington casino resort building expert Seattle Washington parking structure building expert Seattle Washington condominium building expert Seattle Washington concrete tilt-up building expert Seattle Washington custom home building expert Seattle Washington office building building expert Seattle Washington production housing building expert Seattle Washington mid-rise construction building expert Seattle Washington Subterranean parking building expert Seattle Washington institutional building building expert Seattle Washington townhome construction building expert Seattle Washington industrial building building expert Seattle Washington structural steel construction building expert Seattle Washington custom homes building expert Seattle Washington high-rise construction building expert Seattle Washington landscaping construction building expert Seattle Washington retail construction building expert Seattle Washington tract home building expert Seattle Washington hospital construction building expert Seattle Washington condominiums building expert Seattle Washington Medical building building expert Seattle Washington
    Seattle Washington expert witness roofingSeattle Washington construction expert witnessSeattle Washington engineering expert witnessSeattle Washington testifying construction expert witnessSeattle Washington expert witness concrete failureSeattle Washington delay claim expert witnessSeattle Washington hospital construction expert witness
    Arrange No Cost Consultation
    Building Expert Builders Information
    Seattle, Washington

    Washington Builders Right To Repair Current Law Summary:

    Current Law Summary: (SB 5536) The legislature passed a contractor protection bill that reduces contractors' exposure to lawsuits to six years from 12, and gives builders seven "affirmative defenses" to counter defect complaints from homeowners. Claimant must provide notice no later than 45 days before filing action; within 21 days of notice of claim, "construction professional" must serve response; claimant must accept or reject inspection proposal or settlement offer within 30 days; within 14 days following inspection, construction pro must serve written offer to remedy/compromise/settle; claimant can reject all offers; statutes of limitations are tolled until 60 days after period of time during which filing of action is barred under section 3 of the act. This law applies to single-family dwellings and condos.


    Building Expert Contractors Licensing
    Guidelines Seattle Washington

    A license is required for plumbing, and electrical trades. Businesses must register with the Secretary of State.


    Building Expert Contractors Building Industry
    Association Directory
    MBuilders Association of King & Snohomish Counties
    Local # 4955
    335 116th Ave SE
    Bellevue, WA 98004

    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10

    Home Builders Association of Kitsap County
    Local # 4944
    5251 Auto Ctr Way
    Bremerton, WA 98312

    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10

    Home Builders Association of Spokane
    Local # 4966
    5813 E 4th Ave Ste 201
    Spokane, WA 99212

    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10

    Home Builders Association of North Central
    Local # 4957
    PO Box 2065
    Wenatchee, WA 98801

    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10

    MBuilders Association of Pierce County
    Local # 4977
    PO Box 1913 Suite 301
    Tacoma, WA 98401

    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10

    North Peninsula Builders Association
    Local # 4927
    PO Box 748
    Port Angeles, WA 98362
    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10

    Jefferson County Home Builders Association
    Local # 4947
    PO Box 1399
    Port Hadlock, WA 98339

    Seattle Washington Building Expert 10/ 10


    Building Expert News and Information
    For Seattle Washington


    Can I Be Required to Mediate, Arbitrate or Litigate a California Construction Dispute in Some Other State?

    New Mandatory Bond Notice Forms in Florida

    At Least 46 Killed in Taiwanese Apartment Building Inferno

    With VA Mechanic’s Liens Sometimes “Substantial Compliance” is Enough (but don’t count on it) [UPDATE]

    Eleventh Circuit Finds No “Property Damage” Where Defective Component Failed to Cause Damage to Other Non-Defective Components

    EEOC Focuses on Eliminating Harassment, Recruitment and Hiring Barriers in the Construction Industry

    The Construction Industry's Health Kick

    Update: New VOSH Maximum Penalties as of July 1

    Construction Defect Case Not Over, Despite Summary Judgment

    Did the Building Boom Lead to a Boom in Construction Defects?

    Emerging World Needs $1.5 Trillion for Green Buildings, IFC Says

    Architects Should Not Make Initial Decisions on Construction Disputes

    Conversations with My Younger Self: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Then

    Housing to Top Capital Spending in Next U.S. Growth Leg: Economy

    New England Construction Defect Law Groups to Combine

    Insurer Beware: Failure to Defend Ends with Hefty Verdict

    The Most Expensive Apartment Listings in New York That Are Not in Manhattan

    Claims for Breach of Express Indemnity Clauses Subject to 10-Year Statute of Limitations

    Supreme Court Upholds Prevailing Wage Statute

    Coping With The New Cap And Trade Law

    Digitalizing the Construction Site – Interview with Tenderfield’s Jason Kamha

    Outcry Over Peru’s Vast Graft Probe Prompts Top Lawyer to Quit

    Locating Construction Equipment with IoT and Mobile Technology

    The Real Estate Crisis in North Dakota's Man Camps

    Seller Cannot Compel Arbitration for Its Role in Construction Defect Case<

    Negligent Misrepresentation in Sale of Building Altered without Permits

    Boston Nonprofit Wants to Put Grown-Ups in Dorms

    “Bee” Careful: Unique Considerations When Negotiating a Bee Storage Lease Agreement

    Zillow Seen Dominating U.S. Home Searches with Trulia

    The Fair Share Act Impacts the Strategic Planning of a Jury Trial

    COVID-19 Response: California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board Implements Sweeping New Regulations to Prevent COVID-19 in the Workplace

    Construction Is Holding Back the Economy

    Limitations: There is a Point of No Return

    Mediating Contract Claims and Disputes at the ASBCA

    Coverage for Named Windstorm Removed by Insured, Terminating Such Coverage

    Critical Updates in Builders Risk Claim Recovery: Staying Ahead of the "Satisfactory State" Argument and Getting the Most Out of LEG 3

    6,500 Bridges in Ohio Allegedly Functionally Obsolete or Structurally Deficient

    Expired Contract Not Revived Due to Sovereign Immunity and the Ex Contractu Clause

    “Other Insurance” and Indemnity Provisions Determine Which Insurer Must Cover

    Making the Construction Industry a Safer place for Women

    A Closer Look at an HOA Board Member’s Duty to Homeowners

    The Metaphysics of When an Accident is an “Accident” (or Not) Under Your Insurance Policy

    Whether Subcontractor's Faulty Workmanship Is an Occurrence Creates Ambiguity

    Replacement of Gym Floor Due to Sloppy Paint Job is Not Resulting Loss

    Connecticut Supreme Court to Review Several Issues in Asbestos Coverage Case

    Predicting the Future of Texas’s Grid Is a Texas-Sized Challenge

    Atlanta Office Wins Defense Verdict For Property Manager On Claims By Vendor, Cross-Claims By Property Owner

    Don’t Fall in Trap of Buying the Cheapest Insurance Policy as it May be Bad for Your Business Risks and Needs

    Res Judicata Bars Insured from Challenging Insurer's Use of Schedule to Deduct Depreciation from the Loss

    Condominium Association Wins $5 Million Judgment against Developer
    Corporate Profile

    SEATTLE WASHINGTON BUILDING EXPERT
    DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES

    The Seattle, Washington Building Expert Group at BHA, leverages from the experience gained through more than 7,000 construction related expert witness designations encompassing a wide spectrum of construction related disputes. Drawing from this considerable body of experience, BHA provides construction related trial support and expert services to Seattle's most recognized construction litigation practitioners, commercial general liability carriers, owners, construction practice groups, as well as a variety of state and local government agencies.

    Building Expert News & Info
    Seattle, Washington

    Foundation Differences Across the U.S.

    October 15, 2014 —
    The National Association of Home Builders’ Eye on Housing analyzed data from the Survey of Construction (SOC) to demonstrate the differences in foundations built across the nation. For instance, “about 30 percent of new single-family homes started in 2013 have a full or partial basement, 54 percent are built on slabs, and 15 percent have a crawl space. The remaining share, including homes built on stilts or pilings, accounted for about 1 percent of homes started in 2013.” Climate is the deciding factor in what type of foundations are used, Eye on Housing reported. “In colder regions where codes require foundations to be deep the marginal cost of providing a full or partial basement is not that great. So basements are the most common type of foundation in the colder climate divisions.” The warm climate area of the West South Central division are primarily built on slabs. However, “the other two divisions that make up the South region – the East South Central and South Atlantic –are still largely built on slabs but crawl spaces are also common.” Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of

    Randy Maniloff Recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® as a "Lawyer of the Year"

    October 14, 2019 —
    Congratulations to Randy Maniloff, Counsel in the Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Group, who was named the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2020 Insurance Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Philadelphia. Randy was recognized by his peers for his professional abilities in this area. "Lawyer of the Year" recognitions are awarded to individual lawyers with extremely high overall peer-feedback for a specific practice area and geographic location. Randy concentrates his practice in the representation of insurers in coverage disputes over primary and excess obligations under a host of policies, including general liability and various professional liability policies. He has significant experience in coverage matters involving additional insured and contractual indemnity issues. His practice also includes an academic side. He is an adjunct professor of Insurance at Temple University Beasley School of Law and the co-author of “General Liability Insurance Coverage – Key Issues in Every State” (4th edition), a nearly 1,000 page reference book that provides 50-state surveys on 20 critical liability coverage issues. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Randy Maniloff, White and Williams LLP
    Mr. Maniloff may be contacted at maniloffr@whiteandwilliams.com

    Electronic Signatures On Contracts: Are They Truly Compliant?

    April 10, 2023 —
    Electronic Signatures On Contracts: Are They Truly Compliant As companies move to work-from-home situations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of whether electronic signatures are legally recognized becomes more relevant. For many platforms, an electronic signature merely requires logging in, clicking a button, or typing your name. This process, which replaces the mighty pen and quill, is so effortless that oftentimes an electronic signature may feel like it does not carry the same weight as a handwritten signature. Thus, the question that we should be asking ourselves is whether the law recognizes this type of signature as being valid? Additionally, if electronic signatures are, indeed, valid, are there exceptions on whether they can be used? Difference Between “Electronic” And “Digital” Signatures Before delving into this issue, an understanding of some related terms may be helpful. In basic terms, an electronic signature (or “e-signature”) is any signature created or captured through a computer or other electronic device. Electronic signatures can include touch-sensitive screens where you use your finger or a stylus to sign your name as you would on a paper document. Electronic signatures can also include forms where you merely type in your name and perhaps other identifying information, then check a box stating that you intend to sign the document. They cover the full range of technologies and solutions to create signatures electronically such as:
    • Clicking “I Agree” on a website;
    • Signing with your finger on a mobile device;
    • Typing your name or PIN into an online form; or
    • Using e-signature software
    Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Rebecca S. Glos, Watt, Tieder, Hoffar, & Fitzgerald, LLP (ConsensusDocs)
    Ms. Glos may be contacted at rglos@watttieder.com

    Best Lawyers Recognizes Twelve White and Williams Lawyers

    September 15, 2016 —
    The 2017 Best Lawyers in America list includes twelve White and Williams lawyers. Inclusion in Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer-review. The methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area. Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of quality legal services.
      2017 Best Lawyers
    • Frank Bruno, Patent Law
    • Richard Campbell, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
    • James Coffey, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
    • Timothy Davis, Real Estate Law
    • William Hussey, Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
    • Michael Kraemer, Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment
    • Randy Maniloff, Insurance Law
    • John Orlando, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
    • Thomas Rogers, Real Estate Law
    • Joan Rosoff, Real Estate Law
    • Craig Stewart, Insurance Law; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
    • William Taylor, Construction Law
    • Read the court decision
      Read the full story...
      Reprinted courtesy of White and Williams LLP

      ASHRAE Approves Groundbreaking Standard to Reduce the Risk of Disease Transmission in Indoor Spaces

      July 10, 2023 —
      ATLANTA, June 27, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASHRAE announced the approval for publication of its highly anticipated standard to reduce the risk of airborne infectious aerosol transmission in buildings, bringing numerous benefits to occupants and promoting healthier environments. ASHRAE Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of disease transmission by exposure to infectious aerosols in new buildings, existing buildings, and major renovations. Infectious aerosols are tiny, exhaled particles that can carry pathogens that cause infections or disease. These particles are so small that they can remain in the air for long periods of time. Use of this standard could reduce exposure to the SARS-COVID-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, the flu virus and other pathogens. Standard 241 provides requirements for many aspects of air system design, installation, operation, and maintenance. Standard 241 available now for presale in the ASHRAE Bookstore. About ASHRAE Founded in 1894, ASHRAE is a global professional society committed to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and their allied fields. For more information and to stay up-to-date on ASHRAE, visit ashrae.org and connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Read the court decision
      Read the full story...
      Reprinted courtesy of

      Requesting an Allocation Between Covered and Non-Covered Damages? [Do] Think Twice, It’s [Not Always] All Right.

      October 12, 2020 —
      As is often the case in construction defect and other insurance defense litigation, a plaintiff’s claims for relief typically encompass both covered and uncovered damages. Obviously, it is in the insured’s best interests to have as many damages covered by insurance as possible. From the insurer’s perspective and against the backdrop of owing duty of good faith and fair dealing to its insureds, however, it is generally better to have an allocation of covered vs. non-covered damages. This places the insurer, insured, and insurance retained defense counsel in a difficult position. A recent opinion from U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Rockhill Ins. Co. v. CFI-Global Fisheries Mgmt, Civil Action No. 1:16-CV-02760-RM-MJW, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 35209 (D. Colo. Mar. 2, 2020), sheds light on the issue, even though some may feel it only further muddies already murky waters. Rockhill involved review of an arbitration proceeding that property-owner, Heirloom I, LLC (“Heirloom”) filed against CFI-Global Fisheries Management (“CFI”). Rockhill Insurance Company (“Rockhill Insurance”) was asked to defend the arbitration as CFI’s professional and general liability insurer. At issue in the arbitration was Heirloom’s claim that CFI defectively designed and constructed a fisheries enhancement that was destroyed by natural processes four times in three years. Read the court decision
      Read the full story...
      Reprinted courtesy of Todd Likman, Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell
      Mr. Likman may be contacted at likman@hhmrlaw.com

      U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Maritime Charters and the Specter of a New Permitting Regime

      February 24, 2020 —
      Earlier this month, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two important environmental cases—one that could change the approach to routine maritime charters and another that could introduce a potentially punishing permitting regime via a CWA citizen suit. Cleaning the Delaware: CITGO Asphalt Refining Company v. Frescati Shipping Company The CITGO case involves a large oil spill into the Delaware River, and who bears financial responsibility for the cleanup. CITGO chartered an oil tanker to bring Venezuelan crude oil to CITGO’s New Jersey refinery located on the Delaware River. The tanker struck a submerged and abandoned anchor within yards of the refinery, and a large and expensive oil spill resulted. In accordance with the Oil Pollution Act, both the shipper, Frescati Shipping Company, and the United States, paid for the immediate oil spill response, and CITGO was later sued for a large share of these costs based on the fact that it entered into a charter with Frescati, which obliged CITGO to provide a “safe berth.” The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit held that CITGO was liable under the principles of maritime law, meaning that CITGO was strictly liable for the spill even if no one knew that the anchor was present on the floor of the river or lurking in the waters of the Delaware River. CITGO has argued that this result is unfair and poses a threat to the maritime shipping industry if it is held to be strictly liable for this spill. It appears that this is may well be the majority rule that is applied when interpreting these routinely entered maritime charters. The Court’s decision will be immensely important to the shipping industry. Read the court decision
      Read the full story...
      Reprinted courtesy of Anthony B. Cavender, Pillsbury
      Mr. Cavender may be contacted at anthony.cavender@pillsburylaw.com

      SEC Climate Change Disclosure Letter Foreshadows Anticipated Regulatory Changes

      November 08, 2021 —
      Washington, D.C. (October 13, 2021) - In late September 2021, the Division of Corporation Finance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a Sample Letter providing guidance to companies on how their climate disclosures will be analyzed for compliance with material risk reporting obligations. The Sample Letter precedes the SEC’s issuance of mandatory climate-related disclosure rules anticipated by year-end and signals a greater focus on specific information used to support securities filings, a development that businesses should take seriously. The Sample Letter builds on climate change guidance the SEC issued in 2010 and identifies nine categories of disclosures the SEC suggests may be material risks that must be disclosed. These include:
      • Consistency between a company’s corporate social responsibility report and its SEC filings;
      • Risks associated with climate-related legislation, regulation, or policy, and resulting compliance costs;
      • Litigation risks related to climate change; and
      • Risks linked to an array of operational and market factors, including capital expenditures, continuity of business operations, supply chain stability, changing demand, reputation, availability of credit and insurance, and other climate-change related potential impacts on the financial condition of the company.
      Reprinted courtesy of Karen C. Bennett, Lewis Brisbois and Jane C. Luxton, Lewis Brisbois Ms. Bennett may be contacted at Karen.Bennett@lewisbrisbois.com Ms. Luxton may be contacted at Jane.Luxton@lewisbrisbois.com Read the court decision
      Read the full story...
      Reprinted courtesy of