Commercial Drones in the Construction Industry

Better enjoy those long lunches while they last. According to a recent article in the Economist, commercial drones may soon find their way to a job site near you as a means of improving efficiency and safety in the construction field. Goldman Sachs has run the numbers and predicts that $100 billion will likely be spent on military and civilian … Read More

Contracting in Tennessee – 5 Simple Tips

It never ceases to amaze how contractors, particularly those based out of state, run afoul of Tennessee laws. As 2017 progresses, here are few laws that should be kept in mind. Are You Licensed? – A Contractor’s license is required prior to contracting. In Tennessee, “contracting” includes bidding, offering to engage, or negotiating a price for projects of $25,000 or … Read More

Executive Order Creates Temporary License Exam Waiver

In response to the recent wildfires that swept through Gatlinburg and surrounding areas in east Tennessee, Governor Haslam issued Executive Order No. 61.  The Order permits a temporary contractor’s license to be issued to provide for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the public.  Qualified contractors may apply for an examination waiver for a temporary six (6) … Read More

Contractors, did you know . . . ?

The Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors has statutory authority to impose civil penalties for violations of statutes, rules, or orders enforceable by the Board.  Orders of the Board are often based on a finding of misconduct.  Did you know that failure to abide by a warranty agreement is an enumerated form of misconduct.  So is the failure to respond to … Read More

Ready. Set. Go Build!

Construction is booming in Nashville.  If there is any doubt, simply look at the Nashville Business Journal’s “Crane Watch.” Construction of smart buildings are also easier now thanks to the advancements in technology. One of them is Digital twins for cities that helps builders design and conceptualize large-scale projects. Despite vast amount of new construction, contractors continue to struggle to find … Read More

DOL Expands Definition of Joint Employment

On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division issued Administrator’s Interpretation No. 2016-1 that expands and explains the “joint employer” standard under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). Joint Employer It has been long established that an employee can have two or more employers for the work that he or she is performing under … Read More

David Draper Installed as TACC Association President

At the annual meeting of the Tennessee Association of Construction Counsel (TACC), held in Nashville November 5th and 6th, David Draper was installed as association president. TACC is an association of Tennessee licensed attorneys whose practice involves significant construction related disputes. TACC currently has 138 members from across Tennessee. David Draper is a Knoxville native and shareholder in the firm’s … Read More

Construction Practice Group Launches Blog

The Lewis Thomason Construction Practice Group recently launched its blog, Tennessee Construction Lawyers. Check out the blog at www.tennesseeconstructionlawyers.com. You can subscribe to the blog via email in the right sidebar to hear about the latest news and thoughts on the construction industry from our construction law team.