A guide to common construction law issues, such as regulatory matters and the collection of money using the mechanics’ lien law or the public works bond laws
Georgia Construction Law Handbook serves as a practical guide to construction law issues involving construction contracts, construction litigation, mechanics lien and lien law, and contractor disputes. Designed as a reference for construction attorneys, contractors, and design professionals, the Handbook examines Georgia construction law through the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, state and federal court decisions, and Georgia construction bond law, while also providing essential legal forms for resolving construction defects and subcontractor disputes. Chapters include:
The Construction Contract
Public Contracts
State Regulations of Contractors and Construction Activities
Design Professionals
Surety Bonds
Construction Liens>
Payment Bonds
Payment, Interest and Other Remedies
Defective and Non-Conforming Work
Damages for Breach of Contract
Worksite Risks
Arbitration
The 2026 edition of Georgia Construction Law Handbook covers recent legislative changes and key court decisions affecting construction law practice in Georgia:
The latest amendments to Georgia's contractor licensing laws, including 2025 revisions to Title 43 (H.B. 635 and S.B. 125), to stay current on general and specialty contractor licensing requirements and related professional regulations
Updated statutory guidance to reflect 2025 amendments increasing the threshold amounts applicable to public works contracts, including changes to retainage and bidding requirements
Discussion of recent case law applying O.C.G.A. § 43-41-17, confirming that unlicensed contractors cannot enforce contracts or related instruments for payment
Recent authority addressing proof and recoverability of repair and restoration costs, limitations on damages exceeding the value supported by the evidence, and the treatment of delay-related damages, including prejudgment interest and inflation-adjusted construction costs
Recent decisions addressing indemnity, limitation of liability, insurance coverage, arbitration, and implied warranties under the UCC in construction-related disputes
T. Bart Gary is a founding partner of the law firm of Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP and is now retired from the active practice of law. Following his graduation from the University of Georgia School of Law, he clerked for a federal district judge and a federal court of appeals judge. He entered the private practice of law in Atlanta, Georgia in 1981. In his 39 years of practice, he was primarily devoted to construction and design law, representing contractors and subcontractors, design professionals, and owners in diverse matters, including catastrophic construction failures, construction defects, claims for delay and other economic damages, and lien and surety bond claims. He has been a member of the Atlanta Bar Association, Construction Law Section for many years, and in 2012-2013 served as the section Chair.
Jake Carroll
Jake Carroll is a partner with the law firm of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP. Following his graduation from Mercer Law School, magna cum laude, he clerked for the Hon. Charles H. Weigle, federal magistrate judge in the Middle District of Georgia. He is licensed to practice law in Georgia and Florida. Mr. Carroll advises owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, sureties, design professionals, and material suppliers on the issues arising out of private and public construction projects. He has extensive experience in pursuing and defending lien and surety bond claims, alternative dispute resolution, and contract drafting and negotiation. He is an active member of the Atlanta Bar Association, Construction Law Section, and served as the section Chair in 2022-2023.
Satisfaction Guarantee: You will always have a full 30 days from receipt in which to review any book. If you don’t want the book, simply return it in resalable condition within 30 days of receipt and write “cancel” on the invoice. If you paid by credit or debit card you will receive a full refund of the purchase price (excluding return shipping & handling). eBook returns are only available if the eBook has not yet been downloaded and updates made available during any subscription term are not refundable. For more information about online access and our downloadable EPUB format see our FAQ.