Click here to view on Amazon
Adams and Reese Partner and Construction Team Co-Leader Trent Cotney has authored Roofing Law: Contracts, a construction law book available in hard cover on Amazon and also in an online Kindle version. This is the fourth construction law book that Cotney has published.
“Roofing contractors across the country face a number of difficulties, beginning during contract negotiation and often ending with disputes or warranty claims on projects,” writes Cotney. “From coast to coast, I hear common themes when talking to roofing contractors — insurance premiums are too high, there is too much state and Federal regulation, and there is a lack of skilled labor.”
Cotney said the book is designed to be a quick read to help roofing contractors navigate the legal hurdles they face daily. The book consists of personal stories and experiences from Cotney’s 25-year legal career in construction law, and also tips on negotiating, understanding, and navigating contracts for roofing projects. Cotney includes more than 60 contract provisions as examples.
“Twenty years ago, a contractor could complete a construction project with a handshake and an invoice. Times have changed, and customers have become more legally sophisticated through easy access to information on websites or social media,” writes Cotney. “Getting payment from customers has always been an issue, but the need for contracts and written documents was not as important as it is today. I always say that roofers’ policies, procedures, and contracts are like wills; they don’t want to look at them until it’s too late.”
At Adams and Reese, Cotney is a leading member of one of the largest construction practices in the country with more than 90 attorneys licensed to practice law across more than 30 states.
A Partner in the Adams and Reese Tampa office, Cotney represents construction and infrastructure clients, including GCs, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers, architects, engineers, roofers, developers, and other professionals. Cotney is a board-certified construction lawyer licensed in eight states and Washington, DC. Cotney is an EU arbitrator for construction-related disputes. He is also experienced in construction litigation and arbitration, including OSHA defense, lien law, bond law, bid protests, and construction document review and drafting.