by Kevin Garrison | Sep 13, 2018
Although licensed home builders in Alabama are not required to maintain liability insurance, a new law requires them to disclose whether or not they have such insurance prior to the commencement of construction. The insurance disclosure must be signed by the home builder and the homeowner, as well as a witness selected by the homeowner. This will require home builders to modify their normal practice of engaging with homeowners for new work. Home builders may wish to build the insurance disclosure into their written contract for construction, as long as there is also a place for the homeowner’s witness to also sign. This new law is codified at Alabama Code Section 34-14A-19, and went into effect on June 1, 2018. Failure to comply may lead to sanctions by the Home Builders Licensure Board.
by Kevin Garrison | Mar 16, 2018
The Alabama Homebuilders Association of Alabama, Inc. (the Homebuilders) has sued the Alabama State Board for Registration of Architects (the Board) seeking to invalidate a regulation that requires an architect for the design of townhouses. Alabama’s code exempts from the practice of architecture the making of plans and specifications for the construction of “single-family residence buildings.” The Board’s regulations state that an architect is not required for design of a “detached single-family residence.” (more…)
by Kevin Garrison | Jan 4, 2017
A United States district court in Alabama recently dismissed an owner’s claim for indemnity against a contractor based on Alabama’s statute of repose. The indemnity claim arose out of a 2014 accident on an escalator built in 1997. (more…)
by Kevin Garrison | Apr 14, 2016
Drone usage on construction projects is ready to take off. With recent enhancements in performance and capability, it will soon be hard to imagine a large construction project without drones playing some role. (more…)
by Kevin Garrison | Dec 7, 2015
A massive tax increase on contractors located and doing business in the City of Birmingham, Alabama, has been avoided, but recent amendments that go into effect January 1, 2016, still present significant increases and changes to the old business license tax. (more…)
