But she says that if voters approve Amendment 34, it "opens up an unpredictable forum for property owners to pursue litigation based on a variety of interpretations of the quality of building development." She says the potential impacts of this amendment include:
* Some insurance companies have indicated that they will probably raiseinsurance rates for contractors and builders or will not provide coverage at all for certain types of projects. Apartments, condos, or townhomes may not be built for lack of insurance.
* The cost of professional liability insurance for designers such as architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, mechanical and electrical engineers will increase as well. The designers will have to raise the cost of the plans to their clients, the builders and developers.
* As private and public property owners, "we do need protection against poor and un-workmanlike construction." She says. "Our current system that is comprised of professional and ethical standards for designers, builders, and contractors; warranty processes; and ultimately litigation provides what we need. Current legislation helps enforce this current system."
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