Litigation-I Win, You Lose vs. Mediation-Win/Win

Image
  Litigation is a zero-sum game.  It destroys relationships and fosters enmity between the parties.  Parties rarely walk away happy.  Even if they win, the expense of litigation is enormous, and collecting on judgments is difficult. Disputes ultimately resolve, but the focus on winning at any cost can lead to prolonged legal battles.  Living with a lawsuit causes ongoing stress, which can distract you from your business and even have an effect on your health. In a courtroom, the final decision lies with a judge or jury who may not fully grasp the complexities of the case. Parties relinquish control over the outcome, potentially leaving them dissatisfied with the final judgment. Mediation has the opposite effect.   Rather than polarizing people, it enables the parties to attack the issues and not each other.     The process promotes open communication, collaboration and problem-solving, which enables parties to actively participate in crafting ...

The Punch List Contract Clause

One of the ways to prevent a "neverending" punch list is to clearly define in your contract what constitutes punch list items and what does not.

Here is one sample clause:

1. PUNCHLIST: Thirty-day break-in period. During the first thirty (30) days after the dates of Substantial Completion, the Owner may note minor malfunctions or defects such as sticking doors, nail pops, etc. The Owner should maintain a list of these malfunctions and defects as they occur, and must submit in writing not later than forty-five (45) days after the date of substantial completion. All defects, which are determined to be covered under this warranty, shall be corrected within sixty (60) days. Any defect or malfunction which occurs after the thirty (30) day break-in period shall be classified as a “Latent Defect.”

2. LATENT DEFECTS: A latent defect is defined as a malfunction or defect in warrantable items, which becomes apparent after the thirty (30) day break-in period, but before the end of the warranty period. The Owner shall notify the Contractor in writing at the address set forth in this agreement of the existence and nature of any latent defects. Such notification shall be within ten (l0) days of the reasonable discovery of such defect. If a warrantable defect exists, it shall be corrected within sixty(60) days after the receipt of written notification by the Contractor.

Here is another option:

It at the time of delivery of the Certificate of Occupancy there are uncompleted items of work, there shall be a specific itemized punch list. Builder will use diligence to complete any such punch list items with in thirty (30) days after closing. Buyer acknowledges that there will not be any “holdbacks” or escrow with the reference to punch list items. The Builder acknowledges that the bank may require funds to be held in escrow for major items such as landscaping. Only items to which the Parties agree to in writing prior to closing will be corrected by Builder under the punch-list, all other corrective action will fall under the Limited Warranty.

Popular posts from this blog

Eligibility Requirements for the LEED Green Associate Exam from Green Building Education and Training

What are the eligibility requirements for the LEED Green Associate exam? http://www.green-buildings.com/content/78626-what-are-eligibility-requirements-leed-green-associate-exam After March 31st, 2009, candidates for the LEED Green Associate (GA) credentials must fulfill eligibility requirements. LEED Green Associate candidates are required to do ONE (1) of the following: Option 1: You must be (or have previously been) employed in a sustainable field of work This is perhaps one of the more nebulous requirements posed by the GBCI, because no definition of a "sustainable field of work" is given. The USGBC does state that the company needs to "relate to environmentalism or the green building industry". If you are in any doubt that your profession would qualify, contact the GBCI at gbci.org or by calling 1-800-795-1746. Option 2: You must be (or have been) involved in a LEED Certification Project To prove eligibility by way of LEED project involvement, you must have bee...
Read more

When the Homeowner is a Bully

I've seen a new trend in contractor disputes lately, and it isn't pretty.  Some homeowners are making unreasonable demands on contractors, and bullying them into doing work without getting paid.  They unreasonably withhold payments, or impose penalties for delays that they cause.  They expect contractors to do all kinds of extra work without being paid or changing the completion date. I have had a series of these recently.  What is a contractor to do? When first meeting with a homeowner, trust your instincts.  If you are sensing red flags, do not take the job. Never let the work get ahead of the money.  If there is a change order, make sure that the payment is contemporaneous with the work. Make sure that all change orders are in writing and reflect any change in the contract price and date of substantial completion. Include a provision in your contract that entitles you to get attorney's fees if you have to go after a client for payment. Make sure t...
Read more

Should a Contractor Have the Homeowner Test for Lead?

I would like to learn more about the advisability of lead testing.  Homeowners might not want their homes tested for lead, because it becomes public record, and may interfere with the sale of a home or the ability to obtain a mortgage or homeowners insurance.  In addition, I strongly advise contractors not to do the testing themselves.  Let the homeowner pay an independent company to do it.  Otherwise if the GC brings a claim against a lead testing company for a false negative, the company might state that the GC did not use the test kit properly.  If the homeowner does have the house tested, consider refusing to do the work unless the homeowner has lead abatement work done.
Read more