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 | Nov 28, 2017
Nail-Laminated timber Canadian design and construction guide released
Includes practical strategies and guidance with lessons from real-life projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017
New standard to monitor building sealing performance
Increased understanding of how materials act when stretched and compressed is the goal.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2017
Denver voters approve green roof mandate
Buildings of 25,000 sf or larger required to install vegetative roof or PVs.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017
USGBC adopts ‘RELi’ resilient building and design standard
The standard prescribes methods for designing more resilient buildings and communities.
Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2017
Updated material transparency web site and hazardous building materials list unveiled
Improved versions of tools aimed at use of healthier construction supplies.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2017
White roofing isn’t always the best choice
Adverse effects include heat reflection onto nearby walls.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
U.S. finalizes tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
The duties would add 20% or more to cost if trade negotiators can’t find common ground.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2017
NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards
It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017
California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products
Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017
New AIA contract document for facility support services released
Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.