The Construction Counselor

Clean Water Act and Upper Midwest State Water Programs: Emerging Legal Issues

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:01 -0400

Navigating Tough Personnel Matters: Lessons, Strategies and Real-World Insights

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:02 -0400

Fredrikson Attorneys Named 2026 Top Lawyers by Minnesota Monthly

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:03 -0400

Bridget Penick Elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:04 -0400

New Iowa Laws Affecting Construction Go Into Effect July 1

Jodie Clark McDougal — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:05 -0400

Iowa’s 2026 legislative session, which has now ended, resulted in several new laws relevant to the construction industry that will go into effect July 1, including laws that impact notice requirements for public construction projects, Iowa’s electrical code, radon mitigation systems in newly built homes and apprenticeship programs.

Annual Review of Significant Iowa Construction Law Cases

Jodie Clark McDougal, Brandon R. Underwood — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:00:06 -0400

On May 29, 2026, construction attorneys Jodie McDougal and Brandon Underwood of Fredrikson presented at the Iowa State Bar Association’s Annual Construction Law Seminar. McDougal and Underwood presented an annual update on major Iowa court decisions in the area of construction law from the prior year, as well as an update from the 2026 legislative session regarding new construction laws.

Iowa Appellate Court Issues Guidance on Sub-Subcontractor Pre-Lien Notices on Commercial Projects

Jodie Clark McDougal, Jackson G. O'Brien — Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:07 -0400

On May 23, the Iowa Court of Appeals issued its ruling in a case centered on interpretation of a commercial sub-subcontractor pre-lien notice requirement under Iowa law in the matter of C&S Lease Services v. Northern Natural Gas Company.

Iowa Pre-Lien Notice Requirements for Lower-Tiered Subcontractors

Jodie Clark McDougal — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:08 -0400

Lower-tiered subcontractors must comply with specific notice requirements under Iowa law to preserve their rights to later file a mechanic’s lien or a Chapter 573 Claim against the owner’s retainage for nonpayment.

Iowa Supreme Court Reaffirms No-Duty Rule for General Contractors in Subcontractor Worksite Injuries Cases

Jodie Clark McDougal, Jackson G. O'Brien — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:09 -0400

It has long been the rule that a general contractor does not owe a duty of care to employees of subcontractors absent some exception. However, that rule has not always been consistently applied by district courts and juries.

ICE Advice for Contractors and Landlords: What To Do When ICE Enters Your Worksite or Rental Properties

Jodie Clark McDougal, Loan T. Huynh, Matthew P. Webster — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:00:10 -0500

Based on recent events, landlords and contractors have expressed concerns about what to do if ICE attempts to enter their worksite, apartment complex or other rental property. We want to provide landlords and contractors with some basic resources to address these concerns.

Iowa’s Lesser-Known Legal Requirements for Residential Contractors: What You Need to Know

Jodie Clark McDougal — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:11 -0500

Residential contractors in Iowa must comply with a wide range of laws and regulations governing their work. It is important for residential contractors to be aware of their legal requirements to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties. Lost in the numerous legal requirements are a few laws that residential contractors may unintentionally overlook.

U.S. Tariffs Update: Key Construction Industry Impacts

Jodie Clark McDougal — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 09:00:12 -0400

Please note the linked Fredrikson article regarding recent developments in U.S. tariffs and trade restrictions. While the article provides an overview of broader economic impacts, these changes also have direct implications for the construction industry.

Iowa’s New Home Inspection Law: What Realtors, Buyers and Sellers Need To Know

Jodie Clark McDougal — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:13 -0400

Effective July 1, 2025, Iowa’s new home inspection law implements new legal requirements for the home inspection industry. While there is likely more that can be done in regulating home inspections for the protection of sellers and buyers, the Iowa Code now clearly defines who is qualified to perform inspections, sets conflict-of-interest prohibitions for inspectors, and establishes detailed disclosure and reporting requirements.

Navigating OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Policy: General Contractor Considerations

Jodie Clark McDougal — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:14 -0400

Under OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Policy, multiple employers on a shared jobsite can be cited for the same alleged OSHA violation. Notably, general contractors can be cited even if their own employees were not directly involved. Understanding this policy is essential for managing risk and maintaining compliance.