Recent Blog Posts
How Do I File a Mechanic’s Lien in MD?
You completed a project by furnishing labor or materials to a construction site. In the past you’ve been paid on time, but not this time. If you are a contractor or a supplier, an architect, surveyor, an engineer, or certified interior designer, and have not been paid, you can file a mechanic’s lien to… Read More »
The Importance of Proper Licensing for Contractors
If you have a home improvement project in your future, it is very important that you make sure the person you hire is licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. The Commission regulates contractors and the sales force involved with the home improvement industry, including remodels and repairs. It may be tempting to hire… Read More »
Four Common Misconceptions about Surety Bonds
In the construction industry, there are a lot of moving parts. There is the contractor, subcontractors, suppliers, and other third parties that work together to complete the project. In this industry, it is not uncommon for projects to be left half completed, companies to go out of business, suppliers and subcontractors to not get… Read More »
What is Normal Wear & Tear on a Rental Property and When Can a Security Deposit be Withheld?
Renting has been an increasingly preferred housing option in recent years. Part of this is due to the Great Recession of the late 2000s, when so many homeowners were stung by the collapse in the housing market. As a result, many homes ended up in foreclosure, forcing large numbers of consumers to rent. The… Read More »
What Should I Do if I Suspect my Contractor is Using Defective Materials?
Construction disputes can be complex and highly contentious, often involving multiple issues that parties have vehement disagreements about. Most of these have to do with perceived failures to meet contractual obligations, failures to meet performance standards, and similar matters. One issue that may come up during a construction project is the quality of the… Read More »
What is a Reservation of Rights (ROR) Letter and How do I Respond?
Your organization obtains insurance to transfer various risks to the insurer and limit your liability exposure. You expect that when something goes wrong that is covered under your policy, the insurance company will be there to take care of it for you. However, when a situation arises in which an insurance claim is filed… Read More »
Zoning and Agricultural Projects
Over the past century or so, farming has changed in some very significant ways. In Maryland and across the country, rural farmland has dwindled as the suburbs have expanded. At the same time, technological advances have allowed farmers to produce much more food out of the limited amount of land that still remains. In… Read More »
How do Short Rentals Impact Condo Owners Associations?
Short-term renting is not an entirely new concept for homeowners and owners of townhomes and condominiums. In the past, owners have rented their dwellings on a short-term basis for special events in their city (such as the Super Bowl or the Final Four), or during certain times of the year (such as hunting season)…. Read More »
Common Licensing Violations Committed By Certified Contractors
Hiring a contractor to do work on your home or commercial property can be risky. With so many “fly by night” operators that are here today and gone tomorrow, you need to do you due diligence and thoroughly vet the contractor who will be working on your project. Some of the steps to take… Read More »
New Maryland Law Makes General Contractors Responsible for Subcontractor Wage Violations
At a typical construction site, there are numerous workers doing various tasks to help complete the project. The workers could be employed by a general contractor, or they could be employed by a subcontractor who was hired by the general contractor. Up until now, general contractors only needed to worry about making sure they… Read More »
