Recent amendments to MCIOA have added additional layers of complexity to managing an association's common elements and, in particular, to bringing construction defect claims arising out of the original construction. Associations new and old should take note of the new requirements and how it will affect them.
2017 Amendments to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (MCIOA)
New Prompt Pay Law Guarantees Quick Payments to Subcontractors, Engineers, and Architects
In Minnesota, construction projects come in all shapes and sizes, be it a small remodel of a kitchen or building a billion dollar football stadium. Regardless of a construction project's size, more often than not, subcontractors are critical in seeing the project through to completion. Minnesota Statute § 337.10 requires prompt payment to subcontractors working in the state.
Tips on Collecting Unpaid Association Assessments
For many associations, assessments cover the cost of maintenance, landscaping, water, snow removal, and other important expenses. Timely payments of assessment dues are a significant part of maintaining a successful homeowners' association. The following are collection tips for associations who have members currently past due on their monthly assessments.
Buyer Beware? Know your Disclosure Rights
As any person who has purchased a home understands, the home buying process involves a good deal of paperwork. Included in that pile is the seller's property disclosure statement. The property disclosure statement is instrumental in the purchase of a home and is expected to be a full record of pertinent information known to the sellers at the time of sale. There are certain things that must always be disclosed, such as the existence of asbestos or lead-based paint in the home. However, other disclosure requirements can vary not only by state but even by county. The following is information for Minnesota home buyers regarding what should be disclosed and what the recourse is should you find yourself in a situation where you feel you were misguided by the property disclosure statement.
Thinking About Getting in On Minnesota's Construction Boom?
If January is any indication, 2017 should be a banner year for homebuilding in Minnesota! If you are one of homeowners looking to hire a contractor this year for a new construction project, make sure to take steps to protect yourself by doing your due diligence, including hiring a licensed contractor.
Tips for Finding the Right Inspector for Your Home
Home inspections are a critical part of the process in purchasing a home. However, in Minnesota, there are no specific licensing requirements in order to become a home inspector. Below are some helpful tips when it comes to hiring a trusted inspector in Minnesota to give your home the stamp of approval and avoid ending up in the Star Tribune's annual home inspection photo compilation.
Minnesota Construction Boom?
On Wednesday, January 4, 2017, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton proposed the largest public construction package in Minnesota history. Projects that would see an influx of money include state colleges and university projects, water infrastructure projects, farming operations, rehabilitation for local roads and bridges, and more.
3 Tips if 2016's Record Setting Rainfall Made Its Way Into Your Home
2016 marked Minnesota's wettest year on record. Unfortunately for some, with record-setting rainfall comes water problems with their homes. Water intrusion often means there is a construction defect with your home. Below are three critical things to keep in mind if you found water in your home after this particularly waterlogged year.
Architect Liability in Minnesota
Every construction project begins with an idea. Whether it be the dream home of a residential homebuyer or a fifty-story tower to add to a skyline, a professional architect must first design the project. Should a construction project manifest defects upon completion, the question of who's at fault follows. Delays in the work, going beyond an allotted budget, and construction defects are all potential problems that could be the responsibility of a professional architect. Compared to laborers, professional architects are held to a different standard of care when it comes to proving fault for any problems haunting a project. In Minnesota, proving a professional architect breached his or her standard of care requires extra steps for aggrieved property owners at the outset of a lawsuit.
Five Tips for Finding the Right Residential Contractor
Residential construction projects come in all shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size of a project, finding the right contractor is critical. The wrong hire opens the door for problems before, during, and after the project is complete. While no plan is fool-proof, the following five tips will go a long way to help homeowners hire the right contractor for the job.
