The Construction Counselor

This month, Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law two more laws affecting the construction industries: House File 2581, which makes changes in the notice period and other aspects of the law regarding location of underground utilities; and HF 2388, relating to the regulation of exterior cladding and finish materials used on residential buildings.

As those in the construction industry know, Iowa Code Chapter 573 governs public projects in Iowa in many aspects, including setting forth the rights and obligations of those involved in public projects in regard to retainage. From time to time, there are disputes in the interplay between the various provisions of this chapter and questions about the balancing of the rights among the various players in the project—the project owner, the general/principal contractor and the subcontractors.