Publications for Construction Law

The Michigan Construction Lien Act limits a contractor's right to a construction lien in regard to work performed on residential structures.

In Michigan, it is generally common knowledge that contractors may file a construction lien to secure payment for their labor or material costs provided on a project. This article examines whether a contractor’s construction lien will have priority over interests, such as a mortgage, that a bank or another entity has recorded prior to the construction lien. 

The Michigan Court of Appeals held that a contractor’s construction lien was invalid because the contractor failed to record the lien within 90 days after the last furnishing of labor or material for the improvement.

Michigan does not have a policy or statute prohibiting the modification of periods of limitation by contract.

Has your company received a ticket for an overweight vehicle lately? If so, Foster Swift can help.

The United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan recently granted judgment in favor of our client against its insurer for a claim involving defective gravel.

In the fall of 2007, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), along with twenty other construction and trade organizations, created and endorsed the new ConsensusDOCS documents to be used as contracts for construction projects.

In October, 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency adopted new regulations that may increase recycling opportunities for firms that would otherwise dispose of certain materials as hazardous waste.

To avoid this unexpected expense and exposure in any construction project, it is important for clients to evaluate a construction site for regulated wetlands before commencing work and obtain the necessary permits from the MDEQ before commencing activities in or around wetlands.