Colorado's “vexing construction defects law” has hampered the building of new condominiums in the state, according to an editorial in the Denver Post.
State lawmakers have unsuccessfully tried to change the 2005 law blamed for creating an “overly litigious environment around construction defects claims,” the newspaper says. The result of the law has been “a dearth of new, affordable condos or townhomes.”
In the past, this had been a fight between attorneys and builders. Increasingly, though, Colorado communities have taken steps to challenge the state law. The law now allows a majority of a homeowners association board — not homeowners themselves — to approve litigation against a builder. “The problem is, once a lawsuit is filed, homeowners often have trouble selling or refinancing units,” the newspaper says.
The most recent figures show condos represented only 4.6% of the total new home starts in metro Denver, compared to 26% in 2008, the Post says.
(http://www.denverpost.com/editorials/ci_26794194/state-must-fix-rules-colorado-condo-construction)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2018
TRUE Zero Waste provides roadmap to divert waste away from landfills
USGBC program signs on more than 130 companies or facilities for certification.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2018
Sliding-scale proposal for civil damages resulting from construction fatalities, injuries draws ire of trades
New York City Council proposal puts limits on penalties for safety violations leading to death, serious injury.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2018
Federal appeals court orders EPA to revise lead standard within a year
Current exposure levels for lead in paint and dust have been in place for 17 years.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2018
Building code officials should vet building product evaluation methods
Evaluation service providers should be properly accredited.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2018
U.S. military needs to do more to address climate change risk for facility design
GAO report cites hundreds of overseas facilities in peril.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2018
China Construction America faces billions of dollars in liability in lawsuit
Court filing alleges massive fraud and breaches of contract in Baha Mar Resort Project.
Codes and Standards | Jan 2, 2018
Smart building tech can reap utility savings of 8% to 18% in commercial buildings
Potential for increased deployment of smart building technology is great beyond early adopters.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Dec 21, 2017
Interactive map includes detailed information on historic New York City buildings
The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission launched a new, enhanced version of its interactive map, Discover NYC Landmarks.
Codes and Standards | Dec 20, 2017
Moody’s says cities may face credit downgrades if they don’t address climate risks
Credit ratings giant will ask what communities are doing to mitigate risk exposure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 18, 2017
Schools with optimal indoor environments boost student performance and energy efficiency
World Green Building Council report confirms that lighting, indoor air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics impact learning.