We also invite you to join us at the DRI Construction Law Committee's Construction Law Bootcamp event. The one-day, in-depth workshop is being held November 8 in Chicago. It will be narrowly focused on the key aspects of the construction claims and litigation process from start to finish and will provide an excellent overview for anyone who wants to increase their familiarity with the construction claims process. Our own Steven Hemric will be in attendance, so be sure to let him know if you will be there.

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By Steven C. Hemric

The coming year will bring significant opportunities to businesses across the construction industry regarding government projects, particularly to minority and woman-owned businesses ("M/WBEs"). Governments across the nation have approved budgets with significant increases in construction spending. When the government undertakes these large construction expenditures, the robust M/WBE participation programs requiring at least 10 percent M/WBE participation on government builds come into play. The federal government, and most states, also provide incentives to majority-owned contractors who hire M/WBEs. Familiarity with these programs will assist any contractor in taking full advantage of the opportunities available.

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By Julian E. Neiser

Destruction of evidence can be fatal in any lawsuit, but it is especially troubling in construction defect disputes. It's always important to allow an opponent and their expert the opportunity to inspect premises and review the alleged defects.

A recent Pennsylvania appellate decision highlights the need to do more than just allow a site visit in a defect case. It also drives home the need for clients to advise counsel of any repairs or changes to work at issue in a lawsuit.

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By Lindsay J. Cook

General contractors, subcontractors, and builders providing construction services in North Carolina should be aware that labor charges on certain of their projects may now be subject to sales tax under the state's new repair, maintenance, and installation ("RMI") rules. While the RMI rules largely became effective on January 1, 2017, the rules provide a grace period where the North Carolina Department of Revenue will not generally assess sales tax due for filing periods between March 1, 2016 and January 1, 2019 where the service provider fails to collect it on RMI services. Contractors should consult their tax advisors or attorney now to determine how the RMI rules will impact their business, including North Carolina sales tax registration, collection, reporting, and documentation obligations.

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