Home Prices in 20 U.S. Cities Rose at Faster Pace in January
April 01, 2015 —
Nina Glinski – Bloomberg(Bloomberg) -- Home prices in 20 U.S. cities appreciated at a faster pace in the year ended in January, indicating the residential real-estate market continues to firm.
The S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values increased 4.6 percent from January 2014, the biggest gain since September, after rising 4.4 percent the prior month, a report from the group showed Tuesday in New York. That matched the median projection of 28 economists surveyed by Bloomberg. On a national scale, prices rose 4.5 percent from January 2014.
A dearth of supply will continue to drive up home prices heading into the busy spring selling season as demand is spurred by rising rents. Builders like KB Home expect to post strong revenue in the warmer months ahead, based on early signs of strength, particularly among first-time buyers.
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Nina Glinski, BloombergMs. Glinski may be contacted at
nglinski@bloomberg.net
How the New Dropped Object Standard Is Changing Jobsite Safety
January 02, 2019 —
Derek Rose - Construction ExecutiveIn the United States, a dropped object injures a worker every 11 minutes—equating to nearly 50,000 cases every year. For those who seek medical treatment for these types of injuries, it can cost an average of $42,000. In fact, 5 percent of all fatalities on jobsites are due to falling objects, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
These statistics highlight the overwhelming importance of dropped object prevention. OSHA already identifies dropped object incidents under the category of “Struck by Object” in its widely recognized “Fatal Four” list of the four leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry.
Reprinted courtesy of
Derek Rose, Construction Executive, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. All rights reserved.
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
The Economic Loss Rule and the Disclosure of Latent Defects: In re the Estate of Carol S. Gattis
January 15, 2014 —
Brady Iandiorio - Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLCIn a recent case of first impression, the Colorado Court of Appeals determined that the economic loss rule does not bar a nondisclosure tort claim against a seller of a home, built on expansive soils which caused damage to the house after the sale. The case of In re the Estate of Carol S. Gattis represents a new decision regarding the economic loss rule. Because it is a case of first impression, we must wait to see whether the Colorado Supreme Court grants a petition for certiorari.
Until then, we will analyze the decision handed down on November 7, 2013. The sellers of the home sold it to an entity they controlled for the purpose of repairing and reselling the home. Before that purchase, Sellers obtained engineering reports including discussion of structural problems resulting from expansive soils. A structural repair entity, also controlled by Sellers, oversaw the needed repair work. After the repair work was completed, Sellers obtained title to the residence and listed it for sale.
Sellers had no direct contact with Gattis, who purchased the residence from Sellers. The purchase was executed through a standard-form real estate contract, approved by the Colorado Real Estate Commission: Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate, to which no changes were made. Several years after taking title to the residence, Gattis commenced action, pleading several tort claims alleging only economic losses based on damage to the residence resulting from expansive soils.
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Brady Iandiorio, Higgins, Hopkins, McLain & Roswell, LLCMr. Iandiorio may be contacted at
iandiorio@hhmrlaw.com
School District Client Advisory: Civility is not an Option, It is a Duty
May 13, 2014 —
Gregory J. Rolen - Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLP“I could not but wonder at the Queen’s unprecedented civility, until I realized with a flush of shame that it was my own improved behavior that motivated hers. So it is that we in life determine our own treatment.” - Catherine Gilbert Murdock
I. We Must Actively Encourage Board Civility
Over 20 years of experience representing public entities has taught me there is nothing more important than civility. On April 11, 2014, I was a featured presenter on, "How to Keep School Boards Out Of Trouble!" My initial focus was to educate the board members about open meeting laws, public records, and conflict provisions. Instead, I began by addressing board "civility." The discussion became animated. The audience was transfixed, appalled, and even amused at my examples of how uncivilized board behavior led to lawsuits, bad press, wasted resources and low morale. One attendee asked me to define civility. I meekly responded, "The Golden Rule?" "Disagreeing without being disagreeable?" My answers were inadequate. I then had a humbling epiphany. As an education law specialist, and the General Counsel of one of the largest, most diverse school districts in California, I needed to do more to foster civility among the board members I served. I had underestimated the destructive effects of incivility on my district, my colleagues, and my community.
On some level I realized that the coarsening of the discourse was taking its toll. However, I was so involved in performing my duties; I forgot to do my job. I should have taken a step back and implemented training, policies, initiatives and protocols to promote civility. I realize that it is unfortunate that we have to establish standards for adult interactions, especially for people who have promised to place service over self. As I learned, you can never fully anticipate human interactions or the complexities of the human condition. That is why I believe proactive measures to promote civility are so critical. This is not being nice for the sake of being nice. But instead, it is an absolutely vital component of effective governance. Therefore, in this essay I will discuss civility and its importance to school boards and districts. I will address the deleterious effects of board incivility. More importantly, I hope to present no-nonsense methods to cultivate civility. It is my sincere desire that others will learn from my experiences, and this time I want to do better!
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Gregory J. Rolen, Haight Brown & Bonesteel LLPMr. Rolen may be contacted at
grolen@hbblaw.com
Housing Agency Claims It Is Not a Party in Construction Defect Case
February 28, 2013 —
CDJ STAFFThe Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority (APCHA) is seeking to be removed from a construction defect suit filed by Aspen homeowners. APCHA claims that it should not be a party to the suit, since it had nothing to do with the development of the Burlingame Ranch community. Responsibility should instead, according to the agency, rest with the City of Aspen. APCHA’s role was to sell the homes to individuals whom it had verified were eligible to purchase affordable housing. Tom McCabe, the director of APCHA said that “APCHA has no part in the building of housing anymore, and we haven’t for a long time.”
Chris Rhody, who represents the Burlingame homeowners, feels that APCHA should be involved. The homeowners are alleging that construction defects, including cracked exterior siding, are the result of faulty materials and improper installation.
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Updated: Happenings in and around the West Coast Casualty Seminar
May 13, 2014 —
Beverley BevenFlorez-CDJ STAFFFor those who are attending the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar this week, the Construction Defect Journal has updated its list of concerts, sporting events, and museum exhibitions taking place in and around Anaheim. Whether you like to spend your personal time checking out a new band, or watching your favorite Angel slide into home, or perusing the local art museum, there is something to spark your interest.
***CONCERT VENUES***
THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN ANAHEIM
Live Band Karaoke
Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Wednesday experience the excitement of singing your favorite song with a live band. Over 200 songs to choose from our massive collection of classics and current hits. Get down here and let your vocals roar. No Cover!
Rockin’ The Blues
Thursday, May 15th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Thursday night head down to The Voodoo Lounge and listen to the best local live blues band. This is the music that shaped American music and influences every genre we listen to today. No cover!
Alice in Cooperland with Sons of Cream and Iron Plaid
Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm
Friday Night Live
Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Friday night features live music in The Voodoo Lounge. One stage, weekly mind blowing performances. No cover!
Stephen "Ragga" Marley
Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 8pm / Show Begins at 9pm
Dance, Pop and Hip-Hop
Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm
Every Saturday night The Voodoo Lounge heats up with the sounds of DJ Matt Hill spinning across genres and getting the party started. No Cover!
For More Information on Events at THE HOUSE OF BLUES OF ANAHEIM...
THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM
Lindsey Stirling plus special guest Dia Frampton
Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm
Primal Fear
Thursday, May 15, 2014 Doors Open at 6:30pm / Show Begins at 7pm
Jillian Michaels 'Maximize Your Life' Tour
Friday, May 16, 2014 Doors Open at 6pm / Show begins at 8pm
For More Information on Events at THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM...
THE HONDA CENTER
2014 Powerhouse
Saturday, May 17, 2014 – Parking lot Festival 3pm – Show Begins 7pm
Power 106 presents Powerhouse with Performances by Nicki Minaj, TDE’s Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, YG, Jennifer Lopez, Childish Gambino, Juicy J, Sage The Gemini, Isaiah Rashad, plus Special Surprise Guests and More!
For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for THE HONDA CENTER...
***SPORTING EVENTS***
ANGEL’S STADIUM - BASEBALL
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v. Tampa Bay Rays
Thursday, May 15th at 7:05pm
Friday, May 16th at 7:05pm
Saturday, May 17th at 6:05pm
Sunday, May 18th at 12:35pm
For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for ANGEL'S BASEBALL...
THE HONDA CENTER – HOCKEY
Ducks v. Kings – Game 7 (If Necessary)
Friday, May 16th at TBA
For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for DUCKS' HOCKEY...
***MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS***
MUZEO
Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling
Apr 26 –Aug 31, 2014
Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling celebrates the transformation of throwaway objects into complex and colorful works of art.
African Exhibit On The Move (free)
May 7 –May 1, 2014
Photographer Dawn Harman has captured the spirit and energy of Africa through a series of limited edition images- each and every photo tells an extraordinary story.
Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 5 pm
For More Information on Events at MUZEO...
BOWERS MUSEUM (Santa Ana)
Beethoven: The Late Great
Feb 8 - May 18, 2014
In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and its 21st and final season of Dean Corey’s leadership, the Philharmonic Society will present a multi-season celebration of the major late works of Ludwig van Beethoven, including a celebratory exhibition at the Bowers Museum.
Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies In Ancient Egypt
Mar 22 – June 15, 2014
Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt is the first major exhibition to focus on one of the most fascinating aspects of ancient Egyptian culture and religion—the mummification of animals.
Chuck Jones: Doodles of a Genius
Apr 26 - August 3, 2014
This exhibition contains original drawings, most never publicly displayed, including a section of 50 so‐called "Doodles," perhaps best described as coming from one artist's very far side.
The Lure Of Chinatown: Painting California's Chinese Communities
Apr 12 - August 31, 2014
The unique cultural customs, fascinating architecture, and rich aesthetic of the Chinese communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles inspired many 19th and 20th century artists.
Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 4 pm
For More Information on Events at BOWERS MUSEUM...
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Handshake Deals Gone Wrong
May 22, 2023 —
Jessica Allain - ConsensusDocsThe construction industry has it fair share of “handshake deals”, oral agreements relying on the integrity of the people involved. But when it comes to protecting and enforcing legal rights, it is always a better idea to properly paper the deal and get it in writing. Otherwise, contractors relying on verbal promises may find themselves without any legal remedy should the deal go south. After all, it is not just a matter of trust, but also a way to document that everybody agrees on what the terms of the deal actually are.
For example, a recent case out of New York highlights the dangers of unwritten promises. In Castle Restoration, LLC v. Castle Restoration & Construction, Inc., No. 16349-15 (N.Y. App. Div. 2/9/22), 2022 NY Slip Op 50082(U), 2022 WL 402882, 2022 N.Y. Misc. LEXIS 485, Castle Inc. and Castle LLC entered into a deal for an asset sale to transfer equipment and a client list from Castle Inc. to Castle LLC. While that initial asset sale was properly papered with sale documents and a promissory note, the parties entered into a subsequent handshake/oral agreement where Castle LLC agreed to provide Castle Inc. with labor and materials on construction projects, and those goods and services would offset the payment obligation under the promissory note. But the problem was that the contract for the asset sale had a provision that the agreement could not be changed by oral agreement; rather, any changes had to be made in writing.
Reprinted courtesy of
Jessica Allain, Jones Walker LLP (ConsensusDocs)
Ms. Allain may be contacted at jallain@joneswalker.com
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
Reminder About the Upcoming Mechanic’s Lien Form Change
August 26, 2019 —
Christopher G. Hill - Construction Law MusingsAs July 1, 2019 approaches with its inevitable changes to the Virginia Code, I wanted to remind you once again that the statutory form for a Virginia mechanic’s lien will change as of that date.
HB2409 passed both houses of the General Assembly and has been signed by the Governor. This bill reconciled the language found in Virginia Code Sec. 43-4 with the various forms for general contractor, subcontractor and sub-subcontractor/supplier forms found in later sections of the code. As you will see if you download the .pdf of the bill as signed, this involved some tweaks to 43-4 and some updates to the mechanic’s lien forms that are in the code. The recent Desai case from the Virginia Supreme Court made it clear that such action was necessary.
Read the court decisionRead the full story...Reprinted courtesy of
The Law Office of Christopher G. HillMr. Hill may be contacted at
chrisghill@constructionlawva.com
