This article was written for ConsensusDocs and first appeared here. Volumetric Modular Construction (VMC) is a building method where a structure is divided into large components or modules, fabricated in an offsite factory and then transported to a construction site for assembly.[1] Proponents of VMC hail it as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional building methods that leads to more consistent [...] Read More

P&A Partners Michael A. Branca and Jennifer L. Harris have authored the most recent edition (2025) of Construction Law (Virginia Practice Series), part of Thomson Reuters’ ProView legal reference library. Associate Julia Loudenburg also provided substantial assistance for this edition. Construction Law includes summaries and analysis of statutes, regulations, and cases. It covers all major legal issues, including: Licensing Building code [...] Read More

This article was written for ConsensusDocs and first appeared here. I. Introduction: The New Reality of Construction Communication Construction projects have always depended on a constant stream of communication.  Today’s project managers, superintendents, and foremen have broadened the method of communication to include convenient forms of digital communication. Superintendents text photos of field conditions, owners send quick approvals through WhatsApp, architects [...] Read More

This article was written for ConsensusDocs and first appeared here. “We do not follow maps to buried treasure, and X never, ever marks the spot.”  That’s the advice that Indiana Jones offered in the Last Crusade film. But what’s beneath the surface isn’t just important to adventure archaeologists. It has real-world application to our industry, where success depends on the stability of materials [...] Read More

The question of whether a worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor is a major issue of concern for businesses across the spectrum. Many industries have long faced challenges regarding the appropriate categorization of workers, potentially resulting in significant implications for compliance and operational risk. To provide better guidance on the issue, last week the U.S. Department [...] Read More