Category Archives: Contracts

New 2017 AIA Documents Released – Are You Prepared?

Posted on July 14, 2017 by

The construction contracts created by American Institute of Architects (“AIA”) have, for several decades, been established as the industry standard for contract forms.  There exist AIA forms for every imaginable project relationship and delivery method.  Every ten years or so, … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts | Tagged ,

What Does It Mean To Purchase An Additional Insured Endorsement?

Posted on February 8, 2017 by

In the construction industry, it is standard for ‘upstream’ parties to require ‘downstream’ parties to purchase and maintain general liability insurance coverage, at varying limits, and to obtain an endorsement adding all or most ‘upstream’ parties as ‘additional insureds’ under … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts, Uncategorized, Utilities | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Turn of Events for Worcester’s Former County Courthouse

Posted on December 14, 2016 by

The former Worcester County Courthouse at 2 Main Street was supposed to be converted into residential housing units and retail space after the City reached an agreement in March 2015 to sell it to Brady Sullivan Properties, LLC, a New … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts, Labor | Tagged , , ,

Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law Seminar – July 16 at Holy Cross

Posted on June 23, 2015 by

On July 1, 2015, the Massachusetts Earned Sick Time Law takes effect.  As many of you are aware, the Attorney General’s Office has been busy hosting public hearings concerning their proposed regulations related to the Earned Sick Time Law.  Mirick … Continue reading →

Posted in Contracts, Labor | Leave a comment

Real Estate Agents Not Covered by Independent Contractor Statute

Posted on June 18, 2015 by

In 2004, the Massachusetts Legislature passed M.G.L. c. 149, § 148B, known as the independent contractor statute, to prevent the misclassification of employees as independent contractors, which would deny them benefits they would otherwise be entitled to as employees.  When … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts, Labor | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Supreme Court Answers: Your Form Selection Clause Is Enforceable

Posted on January 13, 2014 by

Earlier this year, I posted about a case on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the enforceability of a forum selection clause in a construction contract.  The case involved a general contractor from Virginia that entered a subcontract agreement … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

On Solid Ground’s Top Five Stories of 2013

Posted on December 30, 2013 by

With 2013 coming to an end, it’s time to take a look back at the year that was.  Each year brings new developments in real estate, environmental and construction law, and 2013 was certainly no exception.  Here’s our pick for … Continue reading →

Posted in Broker Liability, Construction, Contracts, Environmental, Hazardous Materials, Municipal, Wetlands, Zoning | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Cell Tower Leases: Boon or Bane

Posted on December 19, 2013 by

Although many people object to the way cell towers look in the landscape, a cell tower lease can provide a welcome source of additional revenue for the landowner.  Most cell towers exist by virtue of a lease between the landowner … Continue reading →

Posted in Contracts, Lease | Leave a comment

Massachusetts Mechanic’s Liens: A Property Owner’s Perspective

Posted on December 11, 2013 by

A mechanic’s lien is an encumbrance on private property to secure payment for a contractor (or subcontractor) or material supplier for labor or materials provided to improve that property.  (Not familiar with mechanic’s liens? Review my earlier post on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts, Economic Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ambiguous Indemnification Provision Leaves Supplier Footing The Bill

Posted on October 3, 2013 by

Last week, the Massachusetts Appeals Court rendered an important decision in Fraco Products, Ltd. v. Bostonian Masonry Corporation concerning indemnity obligations for construction site injuries.  The case highlights for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers the importance of carefully drafted indemnification provisions … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Should You Sign That Lien Waiver?

Posted on August 28, 2013 by

It is common practice to require contractors and subcontractors to execute lien waiver forms in exchange for periodic or final payments on construction projects.  In fact, it is such a universally accepted practice that many sign these forms without reviewing … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Legislature’s $1.4 Billion Bond Bill Amends Controversial Chapter 40B

Posted on August 21, 2013 by

The Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives recently passed a $1.4 billion bond bill authorizing, among other things, $500 million in repairs and improvements to public housing and $305 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.  While the dollar amounts … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Contracts, Economic Development, Municipal, Zoning | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment