What Are the Key Points to Note in A Construction Contract in Florida?
In Florida, many constructors and clients need to learn the meaning and value of a construction contract in Florida; construction contracts are very much necessary. It is an essential document that outlines the terms and conditions of a construction project. Construction contracts are legally binding agreements that protect the interests of both parties involved in the project.
Construction contracts must comply with state laws and regulations. If these rules and regulations are violated, constructors might lose the right to file mechanics liens which may cause a waste of time, facing penalties and payment of fines.
Read on to learn the critical points to note in a construction contract in Florida.
Some Critical Points to Note in a Construction Contract in Florida
1. The provision that a Florida construction contract must include
You must familiarize yourself with the required terms of a valid construction contract in Florida as a constructor or client. If a contract does not include these provisions, it might pose a risk of penalties and fines. Some of these provisions include;
A. Mechanics Lien Notice
This is the most essential element of any construction contract. In Florida, the state law requires that if the value of the project is about $2500 and above, the construction contract must contain a mechanics lien notice.
The Mechanics Lien notice informs the property owner that if they fail to pay the constructor the agreed amount upon completion of work stated in the contract, the constructor has the right to file for a lien on their project work.
B. Construction Recovery Fund Notice
A construction contract must also include a construction recovery fund notice when the value of the project is about $2500 and above; failure to include it in the contract might result in a fine. Under Florida state law, the construction recovery fund informs clients of their right to recover compensation for their losses due to the negligent constructor.
C. Contractor License
Constructors must include their contractor license on all contract documents and communications with customers, such as estimates, proposals, advertisements, etc. Failure to do so may attract a fine or violation from the Florida licensing board.
2. Elements of Florida Construction contract
Some of the elements of a construction contract in Florida include the following;
A. Scope of Work
The scope of work is a crucial element of a construction contract. It outlines the specific tasks and responsibilities of each party involved in the project. The scope of work should be detailed and specific to ensure clarity and understanding. It should include project timelines, milestones, deadlines, any changes or modifications that may occur during the project, etc.
B. Payment Terms
Payment terms are another critical element of a construction contract. It lists the payment schedule, amounts, and methods of payment. Payment terms should be fair and reasonable for both parties involved in the project. Specifying the payment schedule and deadlines is essential to avoid delays or disputes. Payment terms should also include any penalties or interest charges in cases of late payment
C. Termination
Termination is an essential element of a construction contract. It outlines the contract termination conditions by either of the parties. The contract should specify the reasons for termination, including breach of contract or non-performance. It should also include the procedures for termination, including notice periods and the disposition of any unfinished work.
Conclusion
In Florida, construction contracts must comply with state laws and regulations. It is essential to have a clear and detailed construction contract to protect the interests of both parties involved in the project.
Construction Safety
In the United States, the construction industry has the largest number of fatalities in any sector. More than half of all deaths on job sites are caused by the “fatal four”: falls, electrocution, being struck by objects, and being caught between two objects.
When you think of job site safety, hard hats, steel-toed boots, and safety goggles are probably what comes to mind. But, safety gear today has gone beyond wearables, providing an unprecedented opportunity for the industry’s fatal and non-fatal injury rates to decline. This not only saves lives but also reduces the costs associated with job site injury.
Here are four new technologies that can help real estate investors evaluate construction companies and plan for a successful build. Before investing, talk to your Fort Lauderdale commercial real estate attorney about how site safety affects insurance.
Virtual Reality Safety Training
They say the best offense is a good defense. That’s why safety training is so important. Safety training for construction workers is nothing new, but innovative technology is quickly enhancing the training experience. Instead of reading a textbook or watching an instructional video, workers can now experience situations virtually.
Personal Protective Equipment
Wearable safety gear remains a top way of protecting workers on the job. Now, however, technology has made these more effective. Take the smart safety vest, for example, this spin-off a tried-and-true piece of equipment includes things like sensors, GPS, real-time locator, and even an airbag that is activated in the case of a fall.
Air Sensors
Air pollution on job sites can cause respiratory problems among workers. Air sensors can be installed to monitor air quality, constantly testing the air for dangerous levels of asbestos or other toxins. They can also be used to collect data about the site, potentially making the job more cost-effective as well as safer.
Drones
We love drone photography – why not use it to save lives, too? Drones give aerial views of worksites and can conduct safety inspections of the site, spot hazards, and locate workers, particularly those working on high-risk tasks. Drones are able to monitor sites more safely and more quickly than a worker on foot, making them an efficient tool in the industry.
How We Can Help
An effective safety program could reduce insurance rates for construction companies and builders. Be sure to talk to your South Florida real estate lawyer about the challenges and risks involved in developing commercial property before embarking. To learn more about our services here at Schecter Law, connect with us at (954) 779-7009.
How The Construction Industry Is Innovating
Building construction in the United States accounts for a daunting amount – nearly 40 percent – of CO2 emissions in the country. From the production of materials to the waste from construction and demolition – not to mention the annual water and energy use once its erected – each new commercial building is yet another gouge in our environment’s health.
Fortunately, norms and standards are changing, creating an increasingly strong tendency toward sustainability in both building construction and operation. Innovative, environmentally friendly materials are crucial to sustainable buildings and are quickly becoming mainstream.
So, when we talk about sustainable building materials, what are we actually referring to? Which count? Which are better than others? Here are a few popular materials to watch out for in 2019:
Renewable timber
While timber is often associated with deforestation, it’s actually considered a sustainable construction material – if managed wisely. Timber is a renewable, recyclable, and relevantly energy-efficient to produce. In contrast to man-made materials, the production of timber produces lower amounts of carbon dioxide emissions that conventional methods.
Recycled steel
Steel is one of the easiest construction materials to recycle. It is 100 percent recyclable and can be reused many times in its lifespan for new products. Recycling steel not only decreases landfill, but also saves on emissions created in the production of new material. Other metals, such as aluminum, copper, and iron can also be recycled
Air-cleaning Bricks
Not all innovative materials on the market target environment. Some, including air-cleaning bricks, benefit human health, too. These bricks are designed to filter toxins as the air passes from outside to inside the building, making them a popular choice among commercial builders. Cooling bricks are another new technology that are well-suited to large buildings. These bricks absorb water and release it on a hot day, helping to cool a building.
Programmable Cement
This new type of concrete helps increase the lifespan of a building, and can be particularly useful in large buildings that are exposed to the elements, such as condominiums. This cement is less porous and, thus, more durable.
Cigarette Butts
Believe it or not, this seemingly unlikely material is a great filler for bricks, at once increasing their durability and cost-effectiveness and making them more environmentally friendly.
These days, sustainable buildings tend to be attractive to customers, too, as they look for investments that fit their values. Millennials make up the majority of homebuyers today, and the environment is a primary concern for this generation.
Get Qualified Experience On Your Side
Call your Fort Lauderdale commercial real estate attorney today – a smart first step in the buying or building process. Schecter Law can help you with construction agreements, contracts and titles, and insurance. Give us a call today at (954) 779-7009 to get started.
Construction is taking place all over South Florida. Looking around Brickell, Downtown Miami, and Fort Lauderdale you will undoubtedly spot cranes working on various projects. With all of the construction, there are likely to be instances of construction related litigation. One particular area of construction litigation is construction defects. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale law firm can assist in these cases.
