newly filed, yet unpublished, court opinion opines that a construction manager cannot file a construction lien in Washington state. et al , a New York construction manager filed a lien against the Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Washington. The lien was filed after the owner of a coffee stand failed to pay Blue Diamond for consulting services used in the construction of a kiosk. Blue Diamond was not registered as a contractor under Washington’s RCW 18.27. Managers left out in the cold? So, how far reaching is this opinion? MORE >>

If you keep up with construction industry news in Washington or are a reader of this blog, you’ve likely heard about the controversial Washington mechanics lien case climbing through the courts, Williams v. Last year, the Washington Supreme Court accepted the decision for review , and the matter was orally argued on June 14, 2011.  Mechanic Liens The Legal Corner tvw.org Videos Washington Washington Supreme Court Williams v. Athletics Field.  Athlethic Field decision arises, have subscribed to the opposite.  Athletic Field Decision. MORE >>

Now, E-Verify comes to Washington – and another 15 states. Navigate over to the USCIS website and take a test drive, because Washington contractors are going to need to become familiar with this application. According to the AGC , the USCIS announced that E-Verify is accessible in 16 additional states, including Washington. Construction Liability Employment & Labor checking employment status E-Verify E-Verify in washington employment check self-check employment status USCISGrab your computer and check the status of your employees. MORE >>

Division I of the Washington Court of Appeals published an opinion last week in Diversified Wood Recycling, Inc. Harold Johnson, et al , which addresses some nuances of Washington’s mechanics lien laws. You’ll be confused because very detailed components of the state’s construction lien laws are scrutinized by the court. Junior hired Diversified Wood to perform construction services on property owned (at the time) by Harold Johnson, racks up a bill of $10k, and leaves Diversified Wood on the hook without payment.  To the contrary. Rough Facts. MORE >>

The construction industry slows from time to time. Contracting, or performing any semblance of construction work, in Washington without a contractor’s registration is a bad idea. Creating a construction company in Washington is easier than you might think. Obtaining your contractor’s license (called a contractor registration in Washington) is rather simple. Your car needs one, so does every contractor. Despite the fading of work, new contractors show up to the scene each and every day. Let’s discuss what you need to do to get rolling. MORE >>