Blake Nelson

Blake R. Nelson is an attorney with Hellmuth & Johnson PLLC in Minneapolis, and focuses his practice on construction law and representing general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in the construction industry. He can be reached at [email protected].

Another Company Copied Your Logo—Can You Stop Them?

Areader recently asked a question about the rights of his business (let’s call it Business #1) if it finds out that Business #2 is using a similar name or logo and attempting to divert customers away from Business #1.

March 26, 2024

Legal Sample Logos 2

Corporation or LLC: Understand Business Entity Basics

A frequent question when forming a business entity is whether to choose a corporation or a limited liability company (LLC). Both entities offer personal liability protection for the owners, but there are some differences.

January 18, 2024

Not having your business set up as the correct type of entity could leave your personal assets at risk.

Someone Stole Your Wood Flooring Photos. Now What?

Businesses should be careful about appropriating online photographs or graphics and using them without permission.

November 16, 2023

João Dias of Lisbon-based Fino Oficio recently saw that photos of himself on a job site (including the one shown) were used by a company in New Jersey on Facebook. Dias messaged the owner of the company, who apologized and removed the photos.

You’re Suing Your Client. Should You Choose Court or Arbitration?

Parties often sign agreements without considering the chosen dispute resolution method. Will the parties go to court or use binding arbitration? All contractors should understand the pros and cons.

July 19, 2023

When legal action becomes necessary on a problem job, sometimes arbitration is a better choice than going to court.

Want to Avoid Personal Liability? Do Business Through an Entity

I recently received a call from a flooring contractor who was being sued. The plaintiff was a former customer who claimed the contractor incorrectly installed a new floor and had not followed the EPA lead paint rules.

May 17, 2023

Disasters can happen on wood flooring job sites. Make sure clients can’t come after your personal assets.

Get the Lead Out: Understand Lead Paint Regulations

Are you certified to work on residential property containing lead paint? Are your subs? If not, any work you perform on such properties built before 1978 could subject you to five-digit fines.

March 21, 2023

When it comes to lead paint, making sure you follow EPA regulations can save you from huge fines.

A Client Left a Misleading Review. Is There a Legal Recourse?

Handling unfairly negative online reviews is a common topic, and unfortunately there is little legal recourse.

January 18, 2023

What actions can you take over a negative online review? From a legal standpoint, not many.

Is A Promise By Text Message Legally Binding?

While written contracts are always recommended, parties often operate based upon verbal, text message, or email communications.

November 18, 2022

4 G 1222 Wfb Dj23 Legal Shutterstock 1926262823

How To Ensure Your Subcontractor Isn’t Legally An Employee

The following list of questions can be used to determine if your workers are truly independent contractors or would legally be deemed employees.

September 19, 2022

6 V 1022 Wfb On22 Yb Legal Shutterstock 13125106

Top Subcontract Clauses To Review Before Signing, Part 2

Here are clauses subcontractors should pay close attention to when forming a solid written agreement with a GC.

July 25, 2022

Make sure you have a detailed written contract including the clauses on this page to go along with that handshake.

Page 1 of 2

Screenshot 2024 04 05 At 3 05 15 Pm

Craftsmanship Across the Globe: Introducing the Winners of the 2024 WFB Design Awards

Hailing everywhere from Italy to Portugal to Cincinnati to Washington, D.C., to Brazil to Chicago (by way of Poland), the recipients of this year’s WFB Design Awards prove, through sweat and creativity, that true craftsmanship has no borders.

Am24 Wdwrks Edgers 1

Meet the Repairman Turning Edgers Into Artwork

Talk Shop 424 Header

What’s Your Top Advice for When Things Get Slow?

This 7-inch-wide, 5/8-inch-thick engineered rift-and-quartersawn red oak floor was coated with Bona Natural Seal and Bona Traffic HD Satin waterborne finish. (Photo courtesy of Floors by the Shore)

White Oak vs. Red Oak: As Pressure Increases on White Oak, Red Oak Is a Versatile Alternative

Custom Stain Application Techniques with Loba-Wakol North America

Custom Stain Application Techniques with Loba-Wakol North America