Rising costs, tariffs, and AI are changing the estimating environment—and contractors need to know where the risks are before they sign the contract.

In Episode 115 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss increasing fuel and material costs, including the potential impact of new tariffs on Canadian cement, paint, varnishes, wood products, and other construction materials.

John explains why contractors may see moderate price increases over the coming quarters even without widespread material shortages, while Trent focuses on protecting contractors through proper contract language, bidding practices, and due diligence.

The conversation also examines how tariffs on materials such as concrete can affect roofing contractors indirectly through project costs, schedules, and delays—even when those materials aren't part of the roofing scope.

Plus, John announces his Advanced Estimating Workshop in Lakeland, Florida, November 17–18, and the episode closes with an important discussion about AI in estimating.

Topics include:

• Rising fuel and construction material costs
• Tariffs and their potential impact on contractors
• Protecting bids against price escalation and project uncertainty
• Recognizing project red flags before signing a contract
• Due diligence and contractual risk protection
• Advanced estimating strategies
• Where AI can—and cannot—help estimators
• Why human judgment and verification remain essential

AI can organize information and improve efficiency, but it cannot see every variable that makes an estimate successful. In today's market, technology should support contractor judgment—not replace it.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.

In Episode 114 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney discuss a growing trend that every contractor should be watching: increased coordination between government agencies and heightened enforcement across the construction industry.

From OSHA and wage-and-hour investigations to workers' compensation, licensing, and labor compliance, contractors are facing more comprehensive inspections than ever before. Trent and John explain why compliance can no longer be viewed as individual issues—it must be managed as a complete business system.

They also discuss the challenges of managing subcontractors, recent increases in OSHA inspections related to heat illness, and practical steps contractors can take to reduce risk before an inspection ever occurs.

The episode concludes by answering a listener's question about scaling a roofing company, including where contractors should find education, networking, and leadership resources.

Topics include:

• Coordinated government agency investigations
• OSHA, wage-and-hour, workers' compensation, and licensing compliance
• Managing subcontractor risk
• Heat illness prevention and documentation
• Why safety fundamentals still matter
• Resources for growing and scaling a roofing business
• The value of local roofing associations and manufacturer training

Whether you're running a five-person company or a multi-state operation, this episode offers practical guidance on reducing risk while building a stronger business.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.

In Episode 113 of Law and Mortar, Trent Cotney and John Kenney tackle some of the biggest issues impacting the construction industry today—from high-profile construction failures and immigration policy to workforce shortages and employee retention.

The episode opens with an analysis of two recent construction incidents, including a structural failure during a building conversion and a roof collapse at a major retail facility. John and Trent discuss what contractors can learn from these events and why engineering, drainage, and quality control remain critical.

The conversation then turns to the latest Supreme Court immigration rulings and their impact on the construction workforce. With labor shortages continuing to challenge the industry, they discuss the need for practical immigration reform and legal pathways that help contractors meet workforce demands.

Finally, they explore the fundamentals that separate successful contractors from struggling ones, including better estimating, project management, onboarding, mentorship, and the importance of removing toxic employees before they damage company culture.

Topics include:

• Lessons from recent construction failures
• Roof collapse analysis and quality control
• Immigration policy updates and workforce challenges
• Why business fundamentals are making a comeback
• Effective onboarding and mentorship programs
• Building a stronger company culture

Whether you're managing projects, building teams, or preparing for future growth, this episode offers practical advice every contractor can apply.

Connect with the Hosts

Trent Cotney – Construction Attorney & Partner, Adams and Reese LLP
Nationally recognized construction attorney serving the roofing and construction industries.

🌐 www.adamsandreese.com

John Kenney – CEO, Cotney Consulting Group
Helping roofing contractors improve operations, profitability, estimating, leadership, and business performance.

🌐 www.cotneyconsulting.com

Follow Law & Mortar for practical conversations on construction law, leadership, risk management, and running a better contracting business.