Our Blog
Our blog, Column and Beam, features articles from our attorneys regarding design and construction matters.
Subcontractors and Subconsultants – Beware of Flow-Down Provisions
When you are a subcontractor or subconsultant for a construction project, you are often faced with a contract clause which states something along the lines of: The terms of the prime agreement between Owner and Contractor [or between Architect and Owner] are...
4 Reasons to Include Solar Power in Your Next Project
In August 2016, Furman University announced that it would build a 743-kW solar facility along Poinsett Highway. The $1.7 million project is expected online in early 2017 and will consist of approximately 3,000 photovoltaic solar panels. The solar facility will be...
Residential subcontractors beware. You may be working for free.
If you are a subcontractor for a residential project – either from South Carolina or from out-of-state - you must check whether you need to be licensed or registered before you perform work in South Carolina. If you are not licensed or registered, not only may you...
Are Your Liability Limits Adequate?
Gibbes Burton is delighted to introduce our guest blogger for this week, Barbara Sable with RLI Insurance – www.rlidesignpros.com. This article was developed by aePronet – www.aepronet.org. Local professional liability broker IMCI was gracious enough to provide us...
Should Your Firm Require Non-Compete Agreements?
You invest a lot of time and money developing business, training your employees, introducing them to your firm’s clients and supporting them. When an employee leaves for greener pastures, you do not want that investment of time and money to go to a competitor down...
When Should You File a Lien or Sue to Get Paid?
Everyone who works in the construction industry has worked on a project and frustratingly not been paid for their work. We frequently receive calls from contractors, subcontractors, architects and engineers who have not been paid for work on a job and want to sue...
FAA Removes Obstacles to Commercial Drone Operations
On August 29, 2016, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new guidelines regarding the commercial operation of drones became effective. The guidelines represent the FAA’s first comprehensive regulation of drones and are primarily found in Part 107 of the FAA...
Should You Include a Waiver of Punitive Damages in Your Next Contract?
Having a well-drafted contract is one of the most important acts you can take to minimize your risks on a building project. As such, you should consider including a waiver of liability for consequential and punitive damages in your next contract. The importance of...
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Paid
You work hard for your client on a Project. You need to get paid for your services on time. Here are tips for improving your chance of getting paid on time. 1.1 Know your client. There are some firms who might hire you as a consultant who are notorious for not...
Risk Management – Communicate Often and Professionally
“Well, I called him again today and got the FU button!” “I know, I am so tired of this SH%^&T!” How would you like either of those messages to be blown up on a big screen at a trial or presented to the President of your firm in a deposition? Yet, those are real...