Legal Advice

Someone Stole Your Wood Flooring Photos. Now What?

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

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.

The GC’s MIA. Can You Pursue Payment From the Client?

The GC you subcontracted for has stopped answering his phone. What's your next steps for getting paid what you're owed?

In most states, subcontractors cannot pursue payment from a property owner without first preserving lien rights.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Understanding the ‘Musical Chairs’ of Defective Product Liability

What do you do when a retailer supplies bad wood and you are stuck between the suppliers and the mills? Who’s at fault?

Figuring out who’s liable for replacing a faulty product can feel like a game of musical chairs.

A Contractor Didn’t Get Paid. Can He Take The Floor Back?

A legal expert breaks down options wood flooring contractors can take when a client refuses to pay the bill.

Destroying your work after not getting paid is illegal.

A New Wide Plank Floor Makes Noise. Was the Glue the Problem?

After replacing the floor with a glued-down 7-inch-wide engineered plank, the wood floor became loose and began to make noise.

This concrete subfloor was too smooth for the flooring adhesive.

Troubleshooting

Finish Peels 14 Months After Recoat: Who Will Pay?

An inspection revealed the finish had peeled in several locations.

Using a dental tool, I could lift the edge of the finish film and see the film come off in sheets.

Page 1 of 8

Resource Book

Looking for a specific product or a company? Wood Floor Business has the only comprehensive database of the industry.

Podcasts

All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.