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    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


    Construction Professionals Could Face More Liability Exposure Following California Appellate Ruling

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    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. Leveraging 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

    Structural Failure of Precast-Concrete Span Sets Back Sydney Metro Job

    February 23, 2017 —
    A key component of Australia’s biggest public transport infrastructure project—Sydney’s $6.3-billion Metro North West—is the subject of a critical and detailed technical report describing how an elevated viaduct span failed at a stitch joint between two precast segments during construction last September. Project officials say the affected span, which did not suffer a progressive collapse, has since been removed and its replacement fast-tracked to avoid further delays. Little additional detail was provided. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Chris Webb, ENR
    ENR may be contacted at ENR.com@bnpmedia.com

    Washington’s Court of Appeals Protects Contracting Parties’ Rights to Define the Terms of their Indemnity Agreements

    March 19, 2024 —
    It has long been the law in Washington that contracting parties are free to draft contractual indemnity agreements to allocate risk arising from performance of the work, and Courts will generally enforce those agreements as written. This well-settled principle was recently reaffirmed in King County v. CPM Development Corp., dba ICON Materials[1] a decision from Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals, wherein one party to an indemnity agreement attempted to evade its contractual obligations by arguing that certain common law indemnity principles supersede the written terms. This appeal followed a multi-week jury trial from which the client and Ahlers Cressman and Sleight legal team, including Lindsay Watkins, Klien Hilliard, and Christina Granquist, obtained a seven-figure judgment in the client’s favor, including an award of all attorneys’ fees and costs. ICON was the general contractor on a Vashon Island Highway Pavement project for King County. Part of the work on the project involved hauling away and disposing of ground milled asphalt (the “millings”) at King County-approved sites. ICON and D&R Excavating Inc., (“D&R”) executed a subcontract for D&R to perform that work. The subcontract incorporated the contract between ICON and King County, including the obligation to stockpile millings only at approved sites. D&R, however, did not obtain the requisite approvals from King County, and placed the millings at various sites on the Island, including locations that King County explicitly rejected. Read the court decision
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    Reprinted courtesy of Margarita Kutsin, Ahlers Cressman & Sleight PLLC
    Ms. Kutsin may be contacted at margarita.kutsin@acslawyers.com

    Interior Designer Licensure

    October 11, 2017 —
    An interior designer that provides residential interior design services does NOT need to be registered or licensed with the state. On this point, Florida Statute s. 481.229(6)(a) specifies: (6) This part shall not apply to: (a) A person who performs interior design services or interior decorator services for any residential application, provided that such person does not advertise as, or represent himself or herself as, an interior designer. For purposes of this paragraph, “residential applications” includes all types of residences, including, but not limited to, residence buildings, single-family homes, multifamily homes, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and domestic outbuildings appurtenant to one-family or two-family residences. However, “residential applications” does not include common areas associated with instances of multiple-unit dwelling applications. Read the court decision
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    Reprinted courtesy of David Adelstein, Florida Construction Legal Updates
    Mr. Adelstein may be contacted at dadelstein@gmail.com

    Contractual Impartiality Requires an Appraiser to be Unbiased, Disinterested, and Unswayed by Personal Interest

    June 01, 2020 —
    On June 24, 2019, the Colorado Supreme Court held that when a contract or insurance policy requires an “impartial” appraisal, the appraiser for a party cannot be an advocate for that party.[1] In this situation, the appraiser must be unbiased, disinterested, without prejudice, and unswayed by personal interest. Id. Owners Insurance Company (“Owners”) issued a policy to the Dakota Station II Condominium Association, Inc. (“Association”) that represents a 49-building multifamily residential property in Jefferson County, Colorado. Concerning loss conditions, the policy includes an appraisal provision requiring that, in the event of property appraisal, “each party will select a competent and impartial appraiser.” The parties would then select an umpire or have one appointed by the court. Any agreement as to the values reached by two of the three would bind them all. On May 24, 2012, the Association made a storm-damage roofing claim to Owners for $1.33 million. The parties could not agree on the amount of the loss and the Association invoked the policy’s appraisal process. The Association retained Scott Benglen as its contingent-fee cap appraiser. Mr. Benglen retained Laura Haber as a policy and damage expert, who appraised the roof loss at $2.55 million and the total replacement at $4.3 million.[2] Owners’ appraiser, Mark Burns, submitted the loss at $1.86 million with the replacement cost award of $2.3 million. The umpire, Honorable James Miller, adopted Owners’ estimates in four of the six categories, awarding just over $3 million to the Association. Id. Read the court decision
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    Reprinted courtesy of Frank Ingham, Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell
    Mr. Ingham may be contacted at ingham@hhmrlaw.com

    Sometimes You Just Need to Call it a Day: Court Finds That Contractor Not Entitled to Recover Costs After Public Works Contract is Invalidated

    June 29, 2020 —
    January was a tough month in the courts for Hensel Phelps Construction Company. Hot off the heels of Hensel Phelps Construction Co. v. Superior Court, a case concerning the 10-year statute of limitations under Civil Code section 941, comes Hensel Phelps Construction Co. v. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Case No. B293427 (January 28, 2020), a bid dispute case . . . The Tale of a Bid, a Bid Protest, and Two Cases A. The Bid and Bid Protest On March 15, 2015, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) issues an Invitation for Bid for the HVAC project at the Ironwood State Prison. The deadline to submit bids was April 30, 2015. Hensel Phelps Construction Co. submitted a timely bid and was determined to be the “apparent low bidder” with a bid of $88,160,000. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Garret Murai, Nomos LLP
    Mr. Murai may be contacted at gmurai@nomosllp.com

    U.S. Firm Helps Thais to Pump Water From Cave to Save Boys

    August 14, 2018 —
    Like much of the world, Patrick Decker has been engrossed in the saga of 12 boys and their soccer coach who became trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand. Unlike most, Decker is in a position to do something about it. As chief executive officer of Xylem Inc., one of the world’s top water technology firms, Decker spent much of last week reaching out to Thai officials and mobilizing his company of 17,000 employees to help. Decker said he sent four engineers to the cave site, and they assisted rescuers by boosting pumping power 40 percent. Thai Navy SEALs and international cave diving experts extracted eight boys over Sunday and Monday. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Dan Murtaugh, Bloomberg

    New Executive Orders Expedite the Need for Contractors to Go Green

    August 22, 2022 —
    The importance of going green just became even more crucial for small construction companies, as President Joe Biden signed three executive orders on June 6, 2022, aimed at boosting clean energy construction projects and the use of domestically manufactured clean energy technology. Specifically, the orders require the U.S. Department of Energy to deploy the use of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to expand American manufacturing of solar panel parts, environmentally friendly building insulation, heat pumps, equipment for making clean power-generating fuels and critical power grid infrastructure. Federal construction contracts will also require local contractors to use eco-friendly materials. According to an announcement from the White House, the order will encourage the use of project labor agreements that offer wages “above and beyond the prevailing rate and include local hire provisions.” The order will also encourage clean construction projects in low-income areas burdened by legacy pollution. Reprinted courtesy of Vince Calio, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of

    A Sample Itinerary to get the Most out of West Coast Casualty’s Construction Defect Seminar

    May 03, 2018 —
    With so many worthwhile events stretched across three days, as well as wanting to get out and explore the many attractions in Orange County, California, Construction Defect Journal has come up with a sample itinerary that balances work with recreation. Day One: Wednesday, May 16th 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Steakhouse 55 (Disneyland Hotel) Meet up with colleagues at Disney’s Steakhouse 55 where you will find a more peaceful and upscale venue, perfect for networking or just catching up with friends. 10:00 a.m. - Madara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel With a free morning, this is the perfect time to take advantage of one of the Disneyland Resort’s pools or schedule a massage at the Madara Spa located within the Grand Californian Hotel. 11:30 a.m. – Grab and Go Lunch at The Coffee House (Disneyland Hotel) Refuel with a salad or sandwich from one of Disneyland Resort’s quick service restaurants. 12:00 p.m. – Seminar Registration and Schwag Hunting Start heading over to the seminar to register and be one of the first to check out the amazing exhibitors and grab the free items they have to offer. You don’t want to miss BHA’s golf challenge, where if you sink a putt you win a $25 Amazon gift card for yourself and BHA will match the $25 to the worthwhile WCC charities! 1:00 p.m. – Seminar Begins! The afternoon starts with a not-to-be-missed panel, “Struggles and Successes of the Past 25 Years.” Next, you’ll learn about “Unwrapped and Unraveled - An insightful (or inciteful?) play at the changing nature of the relationships between the parties in a wrap program who thought the wrap was supposed to take care of everything.” 3:00 p.m. – Afternoon Break Get a cup of coffee or water, and head out into the exhibit hall. Don’t forget to go to BHA’s booth to enter to win Dodger tickets. 3:30 p.m. – Seminar Panels Continue The seminar returns with two more amazing panels: “East Coast Meets West Coast –Hot Construction Defect Issues and Coverage Cases from the Other Coast” and “How to Conduct Your Claim Investigation and Early Claims Handling To Avoid Bad Faith Traps.” 6:00 p.m. – Attend an After Party After taking a few minutes to unwind and freshen up, go and network as well as have some at one of the reception’s thrown by attending firms. No after party? Head over to the Uva Bar at Downtown Disney for a cocktail and some people watching. 8:00 p.m. - Late Dinner at Catal Restaurant (Downtown Disney) Enjoy a relaxing and sumptuous meal at Catal in Downtown Disney, one of the famed Patina Group’s restaurants. Day Two: Thursday, May 17th 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast in the Exhibit Hall Take advantage of West Coast Casualty’s free breakfast, and peruse more exhibits. Check out BHA’s data process collection process and discover meaningful cost improvements that translate to reduced billing while providing superior accuracy and credibility. 8:30 a.m. – Seminar Panels The seminar returns with more panels you won’t want to miss: “Recent Important Appellate Decisions in California, Nevada, and Arizona” and “Litigating In The Western States - A Judge’s Perspective.” 10:30 a.m. – Morning Break Grab a cup of coffee or water and chat with your colleagues about the panels you just heard. 10:45 a.m. – Seminar Panel Another important panel to finish the morning, “Subrogation is not the type of intervention I need. How a subrogated insurer affects construction defect matters.” 11:45 a.m. – Award Presentation Find out this year’s winners of the Ollie, Legend of the Era and Silver Stars. 12:15 p.m. – WCC Luncheon Network and chat with your colleagues at one of the meals provided by the seminar. 1:30 p.m. – Seminar Panel Now that you’ve recharged, you’re ready for another incredible WCC panel: “What Comes Around (Sometimes) Goes Around: Dealing with Recalcitrant Carriers.” 2:30 p.m. – Afternoon Break Stretch your legs in the exhibit hall and get yourself more schwag. Learn about BHA’s expanding market presence and full range of services in Texas, Florida, and across the Southeast United States. 3:00 p.m. – Seminar Panels Continue Don’t miss the last two panels of the day: “Effective Use of Experts” and “Claims Managers Speak - A Retrospective & Prospective Discussion.” 5:30 p.m. – Cocktail Reception With your glass of Cabernet, network with colleagues and then try your hand again at BHA’s golf challenge to win an Amazon gift card and earn money for WCC charities. 6:30 p.m. – Hit the Pool or Jacuzzi Take those tired feet and soak them in one of the Disneyland Resort’s many pools and jacuzzi’s. Or schedule a spa treatment at Madara in the Grand Californian Hotel. 7:00 p.m. – After Party or Ball Game Now that you’ve given yourself some time to rejuvenate, you’re ready to meet up with friends and colleagues at one of the after parties and receptions. Or if you’re a sports fan and want a break from work, go cheer on the Angel’s as they play Tampa Bay. 8:30 p.m. – Uva Bar Unless you chose to go to the game, enjoy a late supper and cocktail under the beautiful southern California sky at the Uva Bar in Downtown Disney. Day Three: Friday, May 18th 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast at the Seminar Take advantage of another free meal, and take the time to check out more exhibits as the last day of the seminar begins. Don’t forget to enter BHA’s raffle for Dodger tickets! 8:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions I Choose between one of three breakout sessions: “Known Knowns and Known: Unknowns, the Ins and Outs of Extrapolation,” “Risk Transfer Alphabet Soup - A twelve year lookback on legislative tinkering with anti-indemnity statutes - where are we now?” or “Florida – Opening Pandora's Box and How to Close It.” 9:30 a.m. – Breakout Sessions II Three additional breakout sessions to choose from: “An Update on California’s Right to Repair Act, featuring McMillin Albany et al. v. Superior Court,” “Finding Evidence for your Coverage Case,” or “Northwest Insurance Coverage and Extra-Contractual Issues.” 10:30 a.m. – Morning Break Refuel with coffee or water before the next group of exciting breakout sessions begins. 11:00 a.m. – Breakout Sessions III You’ll want to go to one of these three breakout sessions: “Subcontractor Wars: The Last AI,” “Mediating the Luxury Single Family Home Construction Defect Case,” or “Creative Solutions to the Florida Problem: Making No Contribution and No State Law Work for You.” 12:00 p.m. – Breakout Sessions IV and the End of the Seminar The seminar closes with the last trio of breakout sessions: “Everyone is a Small Player,” “Real World Solutions to the Real Problems Presented By Wrap Up Programs,” or “When Mother Nature Attacks, Are you Covered?” 1:30 p.m. – Lunch at Corn Dog Castle in California Adventure Park OR Hollinghead’s Delicatessen in Orange If you’re a Disney lover, you’ll want to take advantage of the day by going to one of the Disney Resort Parks, of course. Get one of Disney’s amazing corn dogs at Corn Dog Castle in California Adventure Park.

    Or if you would rather explore the greater Anaheim area, then head over to Hollinghead’s Delicatessen for a homemade sandwich and a glass of beer on tap. 3:00 p.m. – Disney Entertainment OR Museum Exploring If you chose to go to California Adventure, check out the event schedule for the day. Catch the show Frozen – Live at the Hyperion or get a Fastpass for the Radiator Springs Racers and ride Soarin’ Around the World. If you purchased a two-park pass, don’t forget about Space Mountain or Star Tours located in the Disneyland Park. North Orange county has many interesting museums. Head to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana or the Muzeo in Anaheim. 7:00 p.m. – Dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant OR the Summit House Restaurant Have a one-of-a-kind eating experience at the Blue Bayou in Disneyland Park. Enjoy a dinner in the midst of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride! If you wish to remain in the California Adventure Park, try an alfresco dinner at Wine Country Trattoria or an indoor, upscale meal at Carthay Circle. After an afternoon perusing museums, enjoy a truly superb meal with attentive service at one of Anaheim’s premier restaurants, Summit House. Feeling like having some fun rather than a sedate meal? Head over to the House of Blues in Anaheim for their Party Like It’s 1999! A Prince Tribute Party. 8:30 p.m. – Paint the Night Parade/Together Forever OR The Blind Rabbit Speakeasy Head over to watch the Paint the Night Parade at the California Adventure Park or the fireworks display, Together Forever — A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular at the Disneyland Park. Be sure to check out the daily event schedule for up to date information. End your evening at Anaheim’s only speakeasy, the Blind Rabbit, located in the Anaheim Meat Packing district. Be sure to check out their “rules” and reserve a table at this popular spot. Read the court decision
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    Reprinted courtesy of