BERT HOWE
  • Nationwide: (800) 482-1822    
    industrial building building expert Seattle Washington multi family housing building expert Seattle Washington office building building expert Seattle Washington condominium building expert Seattle Washington casino resort building expert Seattle Washington custom homes building expert Seattle Washington institutional building building expert Seattle Washington townhome construction building expert Seattle Washington landscaping construction building expert Seattle Washington tract home building expert Seattle Washington Medical building building expert Seattle Washington parking structure building expert Seattle Washington high-rise construction building expert Seattle Washington low-income housing building expert Seattle Washington hospital construction building expert Seattle Washington retail construction building expert Seattle Washington housing building expert Seattle Washington custom home building expert Seattle Washington condominiums building expert Seattle Washington production housing building expert Seattle Washington Subterranean parking building expert Seattle Washington concrete tilt-up building expert Seattle Washington
    Seattle Washington architect expert witnessSeattle Washington construction safety expertSeattle Washington expert witnesses fenestrationSeattle Washington contractor expert witnessSeattle Washington fenestration expert witnessSeattle Washington construction claims expert witnessSeattle Washington engineering 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


    UPDATE: ACS Obtains Additional $13.6 Million for General Contractor Client After $19.2 Million Jury Trial Victory

    CA Supreme Court Finds “Consent-to-Assignment” Clauses Unenforceable After Loss Occurs During the Policy Period

    Erasing Any Doubt: Arizona FED Actions Do Not Accrue Until Formal Demand for Possession is Tendered

    Quick Note: Mitigation of Damages in Contract Cases

    In UK, 16th Century Abbey Modernizes Heating System by Going Back to Roman Times

    Florida “get to” costs do not constitute damages because of “property damage”

    The EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule: Are Contractors Aware of It?

    Zero-Energy Commercial Buildings Increase as Contractors Focus on Sustainability

    Recording a Lis Pendens Is Crucial

    The Reptile Theory in Practice

    Construction Employment Rises in Half of the States

    But Wait There’s More: Preserving Claims on Commonwealth Projects

    Client Alert: Michigan Insurance Company Not Subject to Personal Jurisdiction in California for Losses Suffered in Arkansas

    Contractor Given a Wake-Up Call for Using a "Sham" RMO/RME

    What Lies Beneath

    Construction Spending Had Strongest Increase in Four Years

    Washington Supreme Court Upholds King County Ordinance Requiring Utility Providers to Pay for Access to County’s Right-of-Way and Signals Approval for Other Counties to Follow Suit

    The National Building Museum’s A-Mazing Showpiece

    Traub Lieberman Attorneys Lisa M. Rolle and Justyn Verzillo Win Motion for Summary Judgment

    Georgia State and Local Governments Receive Expanded Authority for Conservation Projects

    Construction Defect Leads to Death, Jury Awards $39 Million

    Cooperation and Collaboration With Government May Be on the Horizon

    Court Addresses Damages Under Homeowners Insurance Policy

    New Megablimp to Deliver to Remote Alaskan Construction Sites

    Persimmon Offers to Fix Risky Homes as Cladding Crisis Grows

    Insureds Survive Summary Judgment on Coverage for Hurricane Loss

    Contractor Convicted of Additional Fraud

    Attorney’s Fees Entitlement And Application Under Subcontract Default Provision

    Open & Known Hazards Under the Kinsman Exception to Privette

    Four White and Williams Lawyers Recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers®

    U.S. Home Sellers Return for Spring as Buyers Get Relief

    New York Regulator Issues Cyber Insurance Guidelines

    New Standard Addresses Wind Turbine Construction Safety Requirements and Identifies Hazards

    In Midst of Construction Defect Lawsuit, City Center Seeks Refinancing

    BofA Said to Near Mortgage Deal for Up to $17 Billion

    Nevada Legislature Burns Insurers' Rights to Offer Eroding Limits

    EO or Uh-Oh: Biden’s Executive Order Requiring Project Labor Agreements on Federal Construction Projects

    The End of Eroding Limits Policies in Nevada is Just the Beginning

    Maryland Legislation Prohibits Condominium Developers from Shortening Statute of Limitations to Defeat Unit Owner Construction Defect Claims

    U.S. Construction Value Flat at End of Summer

    Texas School System Goes to Court over Construction Defect

    Real Estate & Construction News Roundup (10/18/23) – Zillow’s New Pilot Program, Production Begins at Solar Panel Plant in Georgia, and More Diversity on Contracts for Buffalo Bills Stadium

    Pollution Exclusion Bars Coverage for Damage Caused by Tar Escaping From Roof

    Thank You to Virginia Super Lawyers

    Biden's Next 100 Days: Major Impacts Expected for the Construction Industry

    Construction Halted in Wisconsin Due to Alleged Bid Issues

    Court Affirms Duty to Defend Additional Insured Contractor

    Travelers Insurance Sues Chicago for $26M in Damages to Willis Tower

    Eastern District of Pennsylvania Clarifies Standard for Imposing Spoliation Sanctions

    Jury's Verdict for Loss Caused by Collapse Overturned
    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

    Can We Compel Insurers To Cover Construction Defect in General Liability Policies?

    December 09, 2011 —

    Recently, I read an article on Engineering News-Record that outlines a remarkable movement by as many as four states, to mandate coverage of construction defects in contractor general liability insurance policies. Say what? Is this a reality? What will become of affordable insurance?

    Commercial General Liability insurance, or CGL, is your basic liability insurance. Every contractor doing business in the State of Washington, and most likely those abroad, has this insurance. Contractors buy this insurance to protect them from unforeseen liabilities arising from their negligence - and right now it’s reasonably affordable.

    Why is it so affordable in such a risk-heavy industry? Because CGL policies significantly limit the scope of their coverage. Coverage is generally afforded for damages resulting from negligence (The roofer put a hammer through the drywall contractor’s wall) or which resulted from your defective construction (the roof leaked and flooded the rest of the house). But, that coverage does not include replacement of your faulty construction (the contents of the home might be protected by your leaky roof - the leaky roof itself is not).

    The debate over coverage typically stems from the definition of “occurrence,” a term used to describe the event from which coverage arises, “resulting loss,” a term used to describe the type of loss covered.

    Read the full story…

    Reprinted courtesy of Douglas Reiser of Reiser Legal LLC. Mr. Reiser can be contacted at info@reiserlegal.com

    Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of

    Nader Eghtesad v. State Farm General Insurance Company

    September 28, 2020 —
    In Eghtesad v. State Farm Gen. Ins. Co., 51 Cal.App.5th 406 (June 29, 2020), the California Court of Appeal reversed the trial court’s entry of judgment in favor of State Farm General Insurance Company (“State Farm”) based on an order sustaining a demurrer without leave to amend regarding a complaint filed by Nader Eghtesad. Mr. Eghtesad, representing himself, filed a form complaint checking a box for breach of contract. The complaint alleged two paragraphs contending that State Farm had acted in bad faith and concealed benefits due under a policy issued to a former tenant who rented space in a building owned by Eghtesad. Eghtesad was an additional insured under the tenant’s policy. In that regard, the building was damaged during the time that the building was rented and Eghtesad tendered a claim under the State Farm policy contending that he was an additional insured pursuant to the terms of the lease with the tenant. According to Eghtesad, State Farm advised him that he could only make a claim for slander against the former tenant and that coverage was not afforded for his property damage claim. After Eghtesad filed his form complaint, State Farm demurred to the complaint and argued that it did not state facts supporting a cause of action for breach of contract. Ultimately, the trial court agreed with State Farm and entered an order sustaining the demurrer without leave to amend, such that a judgment was entered in State Farm’s favor. Due to health reasons, Eghtesad was never able to file an opposition to the demurrer, despite two extensions of time provided by the trial court intended to allow Eghtesad time to retain counsel and to recover from injuries sustained as a result of an automobile accident. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Michael Velladao, Lewis Brisbois
    Mr. Velladao may be contacted at Michael.Velladao@lewisbrisbois.com

    MGM Begins Dismantling of the Las Vegas Harmon Tower

    June 26, 2014 —
    MGM has begun to dismantle the $8.5 billion, incomplete Harmon Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The demolition process is expected to take up to a year. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that construction of the tower was halted in 2008 after construction defects were allegedly discovered. Later, “the building was deemed structurally unsound.” “Instead of blowing the building up in grand fashion, contractors hired by MGM Resorts are now removing scrap metal and other materials from the building, along with taking off the blue-tinged glass that has covered the structure for the last five years,” Howard Stutz wrote in the Las Vegas-Review Journal. “The process also includes installing pedestrian protection systems outside the structure above adjacent sidewalks and walkways.” Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of

    Repairs to Water Infrastructure Underway After Hurricane Helene

    October 07, 2024 —
    As transportation officials in Tennessee and North Carolina brace for long rebuilds of heavily damaged interstates in remote and rugged areas of the Appalachian Mountains, local agencies are also at work restoring water and sewer services to residents nearly one week after Hurricane Helene made landfall. Reprinted courtesy of Derek Lacey, Engineering News-Record Mr. Lacey may be contacted at laceyd@enr.com Read the full story... Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of

    Here's Proof Homebuilders are Betting on a Pickup in the Housing Market

    April 15, 2015 —
    Homebuilders have caught spring fever. Confidence among U.S. builders, measured by the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo sentiment gauge, increased in April for the first time in five months. The group's measure of the sales outlook for the next six months climbed to the highest level since December, while a gauge of prospective buyer traffic also rose. With the housing market posting only middling progress in recent months, the fact that construction companies are optimistic is a good sign, especially heading into the crucial spring-selling season. The period usually starts in mid-February, with deals picking up the following months as the weather warms. What's more encouraging, though, is that builders seem to be putting money where their mouths are. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Victoria Stilwell, Bloomberg

    More thoughts on Virginia Mechanic’s Liens

    January 28, 2019 —
    As we settled yet another construction case on the courthouse steps today, I began to think about what I should post to begin 2009. Of course, given the construction industry slowdown that is predicted, and the trend at construction projects around the Commonwealth of Virginia that looks to me as if payments will be harder to come by from Owners less willing, for financial reasons, to work with contractors, mechanic’s liens will be more useful, and necessary, now than ever. Virginia mechanic’s liens are unusually strong because your memorandum of lien takes priority over all prior liens on the property that you have improved (including from the bank that is financing the project) except in very limited circumstances. What this means is that, should you properly file and sue to enforce your lien, you get to foreclose and have first crack at any money. By contrast, a judgment lien takes priority only over liens filed after the lien is recorded. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of The Law Office of Christopher G. Hill
    Mr. Hill may be contacted at chrisghill@constructionlawva.com

    Insured's Failure to Prove Entire Collapse of Building Leads to Dismissal

    July 19, 2021 —
    The Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of the insured's claim for damage to her home caused by collapse. Stewart v. Metropolitan Lloyds Ins. Co. of Texas, 2021 U.S. App. LEXIS 14221 (5th Girl May 13, 2021). One evening, the insured was awakened by a loud bang that shook her house. The next morning, she noticed the damage to her home, cracked sheetrock and sunken floors. She cut a hole through her floor and discovered that a couple of joists below her subfloor had broken and fallen away. The insured filed a claim with Metropolitan. Metropolitan hired an expert who found broken and deteriorated floor joists, deteriorated floor decking, walls not plumb and gaps in the wall-to-ceiling interface. It was determined that the rot in the floor joists and subfloor decking were caused by a combination of termite damage and exposure to moisture over the lifespan of the structure, resulting in the broken floor joists and unlevel floors. The insured's own expert agreed that termite damage and wood rot were the cause of the foundation collapse failure. Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Tred R. Eyerly, Damon Key Leong Kupchak Hastert
    Mr. Eyerly may be contacted at te@hawaiilawyer.com

    Mitsubishi Estate to Rebuild Apartments After Defects Found

    March 19, 2014 —
    Mitsubishi Estate Co. (8802), Japan’s biggest developer by market value, will rebuild a Tokyo residential complex where it stopped selling apartments that went for as much as 350 million yen ($3.4 million) after finding defects. The reconstruction will take about three to four years to complete, and builder Kajima Corp. will be in charge of the project and cover the cost, said Masayuki Watanabe, a spokesman at Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Estate. The building was constructed by Kajima along with Kandenko (1942) Co., according to the developer. Mitsubishi Estate stopped selling apartments in the building in central Tokyo’s upscale Aoyama neighborhood after finding it needed repairs, including to some of the pipes, the developer said in an e-mail on Feb. 3. Eighty-three out of 86 units were under contract and were expected to be handed over to the owners on March 20, the company said last month. Ms. Chu may be contacted at kchu2@bloomberg.net; Mr. Hyuga may be contacted at thyuga@bloomberg.net Read the court decision
    Read the full story...
    Reprinted courtesy of Kathleen Chu and Takahiko Hyuga, Bloomberg