Heckman Law, PC

06/09/2026

So true

05/27/2026

Choosing the right project delivery method can significantly impact cost, timing, risk allocation, and overall project success.

In our latest article, we examine the legal and practical differences between Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build delivery methods in both California and Texas. We discuss procurement considerations, contractual risk, project efficiency, and key factors owners, contractors, and design professionals should evaluate before selecting a delivery model.

Whether you are involved in public or private construction projects, understanding these distinctions can help you make more informed project decisions.

Read the full article here: https://www.heckmanlawpc.com/post/design-build-v-design-bid-build-legal-and-practical-considerations

Before taking on a construction project, developers must consider the right project delivery method. Two of the most common approaches offer different structures for allocating risk, responsibility, cost, and scheduling: these are the "design-build" (DB) method and the "design-bid-build" (DBB) metho...

05/05/2026

Scope creep is one of the most common (and most costly) challenges in construction projects (and it isn't just in construction!).

It often starts small: a design tweak here, an added feature there. But over time, these incremental changes can expand the project beyond its original scope, leading to delays, budget overruns, and even disputes.

Scope creep isn’t just a project management issue; it’s a legal and contractual risk.

Without clearly defined scopes of work, formal change order processes, and strong documentation, even well-intentioned changes can quickly spiral into conflict between owners, contractors, and subcontractors.

In this post, we break down what "scope creep" means, why it happens, why it's so frequent, and how to avoid it.

If you’re involved in construction—whether as an owner, developer, or contractor—this is worth a read.

https://www.heckmanlawpc.com/post/what-is-scope-creep-in-construction

Scope creep might start with a design tweak or a change in materials, maybe a little expansion of the demolition to begin a remodel. But over time, those additions can alter the cost, schedule, and risk profile of an entire project.

05/04/2026

In honor of May the Fourth, never forget the innocent contractors who were working on the second Death Star when it was destroyed.

"The second time around, it wasn't even done being built yet! It was still under construction! [...] I'll bet they brought independent contractors in on that thing... Plumbers, aluminum siders, roofers..."

Or were they really innocent?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQdDRrcAOjA

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

04/20/2026

National Work Zone Awareness Week is a solid reminder of the critical role safety plays across construction and development projects.

For those of us working in real estate and construction law, we regularly see how planning, compliance, and risk management intersect with on-the-ground safety. Work zones require clear communication and proper safety aren’t just legal obligations; they help protect lives.

Whether you’re a developer, contractor, or property owner, prioritizing safety in work zones benefits everyone, from workers to the communities surrounding these projects.

Let’s continue building with safety, responsibility, and long-term impact in mind!

https://www.nwzaw.org/resources.html

Thank you for participating in NWZAW and promoting the importance of work zone safety across the country. Several tools are made available to help organizations and individuals get active, including...

04/07/2026

Commercial and construction deals often come with “boilerplate” clauses that can quietly shift risk—and sometimes end up in litigation.

From indemnity provisions to liquidated damages, attorney’s fees, “as-is” language, and repair obligations, these clauses can dramatically impact owners, investors, and developers across jurisdictions.

Brokers play a critical role in flagging these risks early. Knowing which clauses to watch (and when to involve legal counsel) can protect your client, your commission, and your reputation.

We break down five clauses we consistently see causing problems and share practical takeaways for brokers in this blog post:

https://www.heckmanlawpc.com/post/5-contract-clauses-every-broker-should-flag-before-the-client-signs

These are the clauses that, once a dispute arises, brokers and principals alike will say “I didn’t read that” or “we didn’t think that would matter.” Perhaps it hasn’t before. But once a dispute arises, it’s often too late to change it.