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Recent Articles from Bart Reed
Construction labor shortages: a primer for owners and contractors | Opinion
Labor shortages continue to grip the industry and warrant heightened attention from project owners and contractors alike, particularly given the threats posed to schedules and budgets on megaprojects.
New law requires timely payment of undisputed change order claims | Opinion
RCW 39.04.360 sets forth protections and assurances of payment for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers that perform undisputed changed or additional work on both public and private construction projects in Washington.
New Washington law applies limitations to retainage on private construction projects | Opinion
On May 9, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 5528, which limits the percentage of retainage withheld from contractors on private construction projects in Washington.
OP-ED: Considerations for contesting a frivolous lien in Washington
An owner with a finance transaction or conveyance on the horizon should consider options to have any lien claim filed against the property discharged and released as soon as practicable.
OP-ED: Ways owners can protect themselves from lien claims in Washington
Fortunately, many options are available to help owners and developers deal with lien risk, which may be heightened during these unsettled times.
OP-ED: That contract might not be ironclad: a primer on waiver by conduct
While waiver by conduct usually 鈥渞equires unequivocal acts of conduct evidencing an intent to waive鈥� express contract provisions, courts may scrutinize the parties鈥� conduct and construe a pattern of behavior as determinative.
OP-ED: Advance contractual lien releases in Washington
As the construction boom continues in Washington (especially in Seattle), owners and developers are looking for ways to mitigate risk on projects. Risk mitigation is often accomplished through negotiated terms […]
OP-ED: Integrated project delivery: important caveats to consider
Integrated project delivery (IPD) has been lauded by many construction industry professionals as the next great innovative contracting delivery method that will reduce the risk of claims, delays and project […]
OP-ED: Key aspects of joint check agreements
In the construction industry, owners and prime contractors can use joint checks to protect themselves from lien foreclosures by lower-tier subcontractors and material suppliers that upper-tier contractors and subcontractors have […]
OP-ED: Contract conflict bears a cautionary tale
In the haste to negotiate and execute contracts, and commence design and construction of real estate improvement projects, parties may lose sight of important lien priority issues. A notable Washington […]
OP-ED: There is a darker shade of green
Under the current version of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating program (3.0), a few interesting wrinkles should give owners, developers, contractors and subcontractors pause for concern. […]
Are LEED certification challenges on the horizon?
The LEED Certification Challenge Policy adopted by the Green Building Certification Institute has emerged to create potentially serious risk and liability exposure to all Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design […]
News
- $960,000 office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 10, 2026
- Two projects in historic districts in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 10, 2026
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥� the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion
