Our Blog
Our blog, Column and Beam, features articles from our attorneys regarding design and construction matters.
Look Before You Leap! How Properly to Assess Potential New Clients.
Imagine that one of your engineering friends referred Burton Consulting, LLC to you to design a new office building. You are told that Burton Consulting does “business consulting”. Bill Burton is a great sales person and tells you that his business is growing...
What You Need to Know About Waivers of Subrogation
A waiver of subrogation is an effective risk management tool. Before you sign a contract containing such a clause, you need to know what a waiver of subrogation means and who needs to agree to the waiver to make it effective. Subrogation is "the principle under...
Pay Attention! Payment Provisions Really Matter if You Want to Be Paid.
We are often asked to help clients by reviewing specific sections of contracts that they have been asked to sign. Invariably, the sections that clients most often ask us to review involve warranties, indemnity and insurance. Rarely, do our clients ask us to review...
4 Reasons Why to Conduct Audits in 2017
Design and construction firms, both large and small, should implement an audit policy in 2017. Audits can be effective using either internal staff to perform the audit or by retaining outside consultants. Audits do not have to be elaborate, exhaustive, or expensive...
If You Are Not Properly Licensed, You May Not Get Paid
In South Carolina, a contractor must be properly licensed to file a lawsuit or mechanic's lien to collect money owed. It is well-known that a general or mechanical contractor's license is required for commercial construction with a total cost over $5,000. However,...
You Can Make 2017 More Successful – By Analyzing 2016
In our last blog about making 2017 a success, we talked about setting goals for the type of work and clients that you want in 2017. To make that a reality, not only should you be looking forward to next year, but it is also helpful if you take a look back at this...
Overtime Rule is On Hold
A federal judge in Texas issued an injunction last week enjoining implementation of the Department of Labor’s new overtime rules that were scheduled to go into effect on December 1, 2016. The rule mandates that employees falling under the executive, administrative or...
You Can Make 2017 More Successful
Even if you enjoyed a great 2016, you can make 2017 more successful for yourself and your firm. At this time of year, architects, engineers, accountants, attorneys and other professional service businesses plan for 2017. You are busy – you are trying to get...
The Future – Energy Positive Projects
Interview with Robbie Ferris Robbie Ferris is the CEO and President of SfL+ a Architects, P.A. and a practicing architect based in Raleigh, North Carolina. SfL+a has designed a number of successful energy positive and high performance building projects. Mr. Ferris...
Why Use Drones on Your Next Project?
Construction projects present a perfect use for drones. Since the FAA has made it easier to use drones in commercial applications, drones are relatively inexpensive, and you can now buy insurance coverages for drone use, you should consider whether to implement drone...