CONSTRUCTION LAW
Building A Foundation Of Trust.
When a large construction project involves hundreds of people, there is more potential for claims to arise. Land disputes, zoning regulations, payment disputes—anything can affect the course of a project. From pre-planning to project completion, our attorneys work hard to ensure that all parties minimize their risk and meet their contractual obligations. We also try to anticipate potential legal roadblocks so that the project stays on time and budget. We help secure permits, comply with environmental regulations, negotiate contracts, resolve payment disputes, and address contract claims. We have experience working with all participants in the process: owners, developers, architects, engineers, environmental consultants, sureties, contractors, banks and financing sources, and state and local governments.
Our goal is simple: to reduce risk before, during and after the construction process. This helps to ensure a more profitable and efficient project for everyone.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION
Negotiation with other professionals (architects, engineers, accountants, general contractors)
Application assistance with venture capital sources, bank financing, local, state and federal government assistance programs
Negotiation and preparation of construction financing and, if eligible, development grants and tax incentive programs (e.g., Historic and Brownfield tax credits)
Introductions to and assistance with applications to county Industrial Development Agencies for construction assistance, real property tax relief and beneficial income tax credits
Real estate acquisition and transfer assistance, including purchase and sale agreements, property title issues, options and rights of first refusal
Recommendations to limit liability on construction projects and formation of appropriate legal entities (limited liability companies or corporations) to shield investors and principals
Negotiation and preparation of specific development documents, including AIA agreements, for general contractors, project managers, construction managers and subcontractors
Assistance in obtaining permits including presentations to local governments, State Environmental Quality Review Act review, zoning and planning board approvals
Environmental due diligence assistance, including review of Phase I and II environmental reports, property transfer analysis and liability assessment under applicable state and federal statutes
Brownfields redevelopment under New York’s Brownfield Cleanup Program, Environmental Restoration Program and Brownfield Opportunity Area Program
CONSTRUCTION TO COMPLETION
Assistance in wage issues including prevailing rates on public projects
OSHA compliance issues and investigations
Worksite accident claims, including negligence and New York scaffolding law issues
Asbestos abatement claims, defense of New York and EPA enforcement matters and cost recovery claims against subcontractors and responsible entities for causing dry removal or releases
Securing and negotiating payment and performance bonds
Negotiating takeover and completion agreements for sureties, owners and contractors
Change order review, negotiation and documentation
Labor law questions regarding employee organizing, picketing and other issues
COMPLETION TO COLLECTION
Assistance in transforming construction financing into permanent mortgage or other long-term financing
Review government compliance and completion issues, including reports to Industrial Development Agencies
Resolving payment and breach of contract disputes through mediation, arbitration or litigation
Prosecuting and defending payment and performance bond claims
Preparation and enforcement of mechanic’s liens, lien foreclosure and Lien Law Article 3-A trust fund diversion claims
Resolving delay damage, extra work, change order, project impact and wrongful termination claims
Defending unpaid wage claims or employee benefit claims
OUR CONSTRUCTION ATTORNEYS:
Thomas F. Knab
Buffalo, NY
George S. Van Nest
Buffalo, NY