A Quiet Title Action is a legal proceeding to clarify ownership of real property. When we talk about “title” to property, we are usually referring to a person’s right to ownership of that property or the documents establishing that right.
Understanding the cause of your defective hardwood floor installation and pursuing your legal claims against your contractor or subcontractor who installed the hardwood floor.
On March 26, 2018, Washington’s Court of Appeals released its decision in Moun Keodalah and Aung Keodalah v. Allstate Insurance Company, et al., an important new case in which the court held that insurance adjusters may be found individually liable for bad faith and for Consumer Protection Act (“CPA)” violations. The Plaintiff, Keodalah, was involved…
Remodeling your home is a great way to build equity in your property while creating a more comfortable and more livable space for you and your family. But a home remodel project can easily run into trouble, especially when economic times are good because a good economy means well-qualified contractors are busy – and that…
Construction defects vary greatly in nature, scope, and consequence. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the most serious construction defects often involve inadequate waterproofing of the “building envelope”: a roof that leaks, windows and doors installed without critical head flashings, poor installation of the weather-resistive barrier that should be applied before the siding is installed, or…
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…
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…
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…
The excitement of buying a new home can quickly fade if you start noticing construction defects. The question then becomes, “How do I get this expensive problem repaired?” That is what a number of homeowners in Washington are asking themselves after discovering a construction defect that is also affecting homes across the country. Vinyl siding…
Selecting a contractor can make or break a construction or remodeling project. Before you choose a contractor, be sure to check the contractor’s references and verify that the contractor is a licensed professional. (You can determine whether a contractor is properly licensed by searching the website for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.)…