Washington Construction Law Blog : Washington Construction Lawyer & Attorney : Davis Wright Tremaine Law Firm : Serving Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett & Yakima

Governor Gregoire has signed several bills expanding the subpoena authority of various state agencies.  The new powers are intended to enable the agencies to investigate the underground economy, SHB 2789 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202010/2789-S.SL.pdf), and for the Dept. of Labor & Industries to enforce RCW 19.28 (electricians and electrical installations), SHB 2555 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2009-10/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Law%202010/2555-S.SL.pdf).  Both bills are effective June 10, 2010.

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The American Institute of Architects reports that architectural billings -- an indicator of future construction work -- have improved, but not by much. http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB082556

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A recent decision by Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals underscores the need for all potential lien claimants to check their forms and comply with the lien statute, or risk losing their lien rights. A copy of the case, Williams v. Athletic Field, Inc., can be found here: Download file

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In a recent but unpublished opinion, the Court of Appeals reversed summary judgment in favor of a builder and remanded for further proceedings a residential buyer's claims that the builder had breached the implied warranty of habitability.  The decision contains a useful discussion of the implied warranty.  The decision, Haas v. Kartashev, can be accessed here.  Download file  We rarely discuss unpublished opinions here, but as DWT represented the buyer in the case, we thought it worthy of note.

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King County Executive Dow Constantine has issued an executive order with the intent of simplifying County procurement.  Download file

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http://www.dwtrealestatelawnw.com/2010/03/articles/construction-law/icc-releases-green-construction-code/

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The Bullitt Foundation announced plans to build a six-story structure at 15th Avenue and East Madison Street in Seattle, to be known as the Cascadia Center for Sustainable Design and Construction, that will house the Foundation's headquarters and serve as a showplace for cutting-edge green engineering and architecture.  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2011354845_bullitt16.html

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New home construction and building permits fell in February, but both readings beat economists' expectations.  http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/16/news/economy/housing_starts/index.htm

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