Construction Law (2014)

Seminar Agenda

I. What Do You Do When the Contract is Changed?

A. Key Clauses in Standard Form Contracts: An Overview B. Common Changes to Standard Form Contracts C. The Purpose of “Changes” Clause D. Constructive vs. Cardinal Changes E. Authority to Issue Change Orders F. Waiver of Formal Requirements G. Oral Change Orders H. Notice

I. Determining Cost of Changes II. What Do You Do When the Plans and Specifications are Deficient?

A. Owner Implied Warranties B. Rights and Liabilities of the Parties C. The Contractor’s Duties of Obligations D. Ambiguity in Specifications E. Errors Discovered Prior to Building F. Defects Discovered During Construction G. Compensation for Errors H. Damage Recovery

III. What Do You Do When Conditions on the Job Change?

A. The Purpose of “Changed Conditions” Clauses B. Common Exculpatory Clauses C. Type 1 and Type 2 Changed Condition Claims D. Site Investigation Obligations E. Notice F. Contractual Remedies

IV. What Do You Do When Contract Performance is Delayed?

A. Risk Transfer in Contract Delay Clauses B. Excusable vs. Inexcusable Delays C. Acceleration D. Concurrent Delays E. Architect/Engineer Liability F. Preserving Delay Claims

V. What Do You Do When the Other Party Threatens to Terminate the Contract?

A. Termination for Default B. Termination for Convenience C. Wrongful Termination D. Steps for Proper Termination E. Available Remedies and Damages F. Common Issues and Challenges

VI. What Do You Do lf You Do Not Get Paid?

A. Contract Payment Clauses and Their Effects B. Private Project Remedies

1. Mechanic’s Liens 2. Stop Notices 3. Payment Bonds

C. Public Project Remedies

1. Miller Act, “Little Miller” Acts and Bonds 3. Stop Notices on Public Projects

D. Retainage Issues on Public and Private Projects