water damage in the corner of a room

Signs of Moisture in Your Home or Other Buildings

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get the full gamut of weather over the course of a typical year.  But our rain – including wind-driven rain – is prevalent enough that we are known for it worldwide.  As a homeowner or commercial building owner, you cannot afford to ignore the exterior maintenance work necessary to protect your preperty.

Can Landlords Force Tenants to Continue Operating Their Business?

Many commercial leases include an operating covenant or continuing operations clause pursuant to which the Tenant promises to continue operating its business through the term of the lease.  This clause is intended to protect the Landlord’s interest in future sales and to prevent unexpected and unsightly vacancies which negatively affect neighboring tenants and thus the…

Why file a lien?

The importance of liens in securing payment on construction projects cannot be overstated.  Washington’s lien law was enacted primarily to safeguard contractors’, material suppliers’, and laborers’ rights to payment on construction projects.  Failing or refusing to utilize Washington’s lien procedures could turn out to be a catastrophic mistake.  At times, having a valid lien in…

What is a property lien?

In the broadest sense, a lien is a legal right or interest that a creditor has in another’s property.  Usually, creditors use liens to secure payment of debts.  There are many different types of liens.  For example, there are judgment liens, construction liens, crop liens, and various labor liens.  There are also various regulations that…

How does a lien sale work?

The purpose of every construction lien is to secure payment.  But, there are times when there are no funds to pay lien claimants.  In these situations, lien claimants may have to enforce their lien, which can mean having to file a lawsuit, obtain a specific type of judgment, and sell the property to which the…

Repair Contractor Gear

Don’t Let One Disaster Lead to Another: Tips on Selecting a Building Repair Contractor

Selecting the Contractor 1. Use your resources. Seek referrals from your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers, but DON’T STOP THERE.  One good reference is not enough. Search for contractors on the Better Business Bureau website. Search for reputable contractors with the National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Never forget…