As of Thursday, March 19, 2020, Ohio State agencies are reporting that construction projects will continue, despite the Coronavirus. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) directed office staff, who are able, to work remote, but confirmed to me personally on Monday March 16 that project work should continue. Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) also reported
The Effect of the COVID-19 Coronavirus on Construction
The COVID-19 coronavirus is impacting every aspect of the economy, and construction will not be exempt. Materials and deliveries may be slowed, crews quarantined and unavailable, and projects delayed. We view COVID-19 as an event beyond the control of a party (an “act of G-d”), falling within the force majeure provision of most contracts. Some
Hahn Loeser Obtains Unanimous Jury Verdict for TRAX Construction Co.
On Friday, January 24, 2020, a Lake County Common Pleas Court returned a unanimous jury verdict in favor of Hahn Loeser’s client — TRAX Construction Co. — against the Village of Reminderville, Ohio, its design professional OHM Advisors, Inc., and Village Engineer, Eugene Esser, awarding our client the full $1.1 million it sought for compensatory damages. The jury also found OHM Advisors and Mr. Esser had committed fraud, and in addition to liability for compensatory damages, awarded TRAX $375,000 in punitive damages and its attorney’s fees.
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What to Do When Your Employees Are Dive Bombed By Falcons
The most common types of “differing and changed conditions” in construction contracts deal with subsurface issues such as inadequate support, unanticipated groundwater, or unanticipated natural or artificial subsurface obstructions. But what happens when an unusual differing and changed condition, such as an endangered species, or even an unexpected burial ground, impacts your project?
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Contract Risk for Escalation Costs
Steel and other construction material tariffs necessitate careful evaluation and allocation of project cost and schedule risks. For example, when steel costs increased suddenly based solely on presidential executive orders, the building trades and owners saw drastic increases in costs, shop drawing review times and delivery dates. In many instances, contract documents failed to account for such risks.
Another factor that can significantly increase the price of material, and even the market price for labor, include catastrophic weather events. When bad weather occurs, contractors may no longer be able to obtain the material at originally budgeted pricing, or secure necessary labor forces to perform the work. Labor and material shortages domino into project delays, potential liquidated damages and claims.Continue Reading Contract Risk for Escalation Costs
HBA Supports City of Euclid Development Efforts
On March 27, 2019, Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland President Dean Tompkins and HBA members Josh Edgell and Aaron Evenchik testified in front of Euclid City Council regarding potential residential home construction in the City. Euclid Councilperson Kristian Jarosz asked the HBA to assist the City in evaluating a 2003 law that required all new residential construction be a minimum of 2,000 square feet. The City is concerned the law is preventing new development, especially as much of the existing housing stock is less than 2,000 square feet. HBA members agreed the 2,000 square foot minimum is an impediment to new construction in Euclid.
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