Agenda

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Please log into the webinar 10-15 minutes before start time.


Tuesday, May 19, 2026
8:30 am – 3:30 pm CDT


Agenda:

Distinguishing between Construction Defects and Failures
Presented by Collins O. Y. Ofori-Amanfo, P.E.

  • Defining defects
    • Causes of defects: problems with design, materials and/or construction
    • Identifying design and construction practices that could increase/decrease the likelihood of defects
  • Defining failures
  • Causes of failures: deterioration, unintended use, “Acts of God”
  • Identifying practices that can increase/decrease the likelihood of failures

Examining Common Defects and Failures
Presented by Collins O. Y. Ofori-Amanfo, P.E.

  • Analyzing defects and failures for methodology and causality
  • Site selection and engineering
  • Building design
  • Foundation design and construction
  • Design and construction of floors, walls and roofing
  • Exploring defects and failures in mechanical and electrical systems

Adopting Practices that Reduce Defects and Failures
Presented by Katelin Varnado and Claire E. Sauls

  • Reviewing proposed use and preparing construction documents
  • Complying with building codes and standards
  • Choosing materials and construction techniques
  • Construction site communication, coordination and other practices that minimize problems
  • Monitoring construction
  • Quality assurance and quality control
  • Correcting problems before project completion
  • Building commissioning, operation and maintenance

Preventing and Resolving Disputes Generated by Defects and Failures
Presented by Jeffrey A. Lhuillier

  • Identifying parties with potential liability
  • Understanding theories of liability and defenses to liability
  • Acting to remediate defects/failures
  • Participating in conflict resolution procedures
  • Reviewing types of damages and how they are calculated
  • Insurance coverage issues

 

Webinar Instructions 
 
All attendees must log-on through their own email – attendees may not watch together if they wish to earn continuing education credit. HalfMoon Education Inc. must be able to prove attendance if either the attendee or HalfMoon Education Inc. is audited. 

Certificates of completion can be downloaded in PDF form upon passing a short quiz. A link to the quiz will be sent to each qualifying attendee immediately after the webinar. The certificate can be downloaded from the Results page of the quiz upon scoring 80% or higher. 

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Credits

Engineers
6.0 PDHs

Architects
6.0 HSW CE Hours

AIA - American Institute of Architects
6.0 HSW LUs

ICC - International Code Council
0.6 CEUs (Building)

 

Continuing Education Information

This webinar is open to the public and is designed to qualify for 6.0 PDHs for professional engineers and 6.0 HSW continuing education hours for licensed architects in all states that allow this learning method. Please refer to specific state rules to determine eligibility.

HalfMoon Education is an approved continuing education sponsor for engineers in Florida (Provider License No: CEA362), Indiana (License No. CE21700059), Maryland, and New Jersey (Approval No. 24GP00049300). HalfMoon Education is deemed an approved continuing education sponsor for New York engineers and architects via its registration with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (Regulations of the Commissioner §68.14(i)(2) and §69.6(i)(2)). Other states do not preapprove continuing education providers or courses.

The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System has approved this course for 6.0 HSW LUs (Sponsor No. J885). Only full participation is reportable to the AIA/CES.

The International Code Council has approved this event for .6 CEUs in the specialty area of Building (Preferred Provider No. 1232).

Attendance will be monitored, and attendance certificates will be available after the webinar for those who attend the entire course and score a minimum 80% on the quiz that follows the course (multiple attempts allowed).

*On-Demand Credits*

The preceding credit information only applies to the live presentation. This course in an on-demand format is not pre-approved by any licensing boards and may not qualify for the same credits; please consult your licensing board(s) to ensure that a structured, asynchronous learning format is appropriate. The following pre-approvals may be available for the on-demand format upon request:

6.0 HSW LUs (AIA)

Speakers

Jeffrey A. Lhuillier

Kushnick Pallaci PLLC in Bohemia, NY

Mr. Lhuillier is a construction attorney whose practice is focused on mechanic’s liens, lien foreclosure actions, and construction-related disputes throughout New York. Mr. Lhuillier represents contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, developers, and property owners in matters involving unpaid work, project disputes, and enforcement of construction rights.

Mr. Lhuillier works closely with clients at every stage of the lien process—from filing and perfecting mechanic’s liens to prosecuting and defending lien foreclosure actions in New York courts. For contractors and suppliers, this often means securing payment for work performed and materials provided. For owners and developers, it means challenging improper liens and protecting their property from unwarranted claims.

Mr. Lhuillier has been with Kushnick Pallaci PLLC since his time in law school, joining the firm as an associate in 2012 and becoming a Member in 2019. Over that time, he has developed a focused practice in construction law and has handled matters across multiple counties throughout New York.

In addition to his legal work, Mr. Lhuillier contributes to industry discussions as a regular writer for the New York Real Estate Journal and remains active in construction trade organizations in New York City and Long Island. This ongoing involvement keeps him closely connected to the issues contractors and developers are dealing with day to day.

Clients rely on Mr. Lhuillier when payment issues arise, liens are filed against their property, or a project dispute needs to be addressed efficiently and effectively. His approach is practical and direct—focused on resolving the issue and moving the project or business forward.

Collins O. Y. Ofori-Amanfo, P.E.

Owner and Board Certified Diplomate Forensic Engineer, Principal Engineer

Mr. Ofori-Amanfo’s broad-based experience includes investigation of collapsed structures, investigation of construction defects and damage, investigation of condensation in building envelopes, evaluation of roof and wall leakage, field water spray testing of windows, and assessment of wind and hail damage. His work also involves giving expert testimony and assisting attorneys in resolving disputes over construction and materials-related problems. Prior to establishing Collins Forensics LLC, Mr. Ofori-Amanfo previously worked for many years at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Twin City Testing Corporation. He received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Science and Technology in Ghana and his M.S. degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Mr. Ofori-Amanfo is a registered professional engineer in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Claire E. Sauls

Adams and Reese LLP.

Ms. Sauls received both her J.D. and Graduate Degree in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, graduating cum laude. While in law school, She served as an executive member of the Moot Court Board. Additionally, she completed an externship in the First Circuit Court of Appeals and trained to mediate resolution of conflicts through her involvement in the Civil Mediation Clinic. Ms. Sauls was recognized by the Wex S. Malone Inns of Court for excellence in Trial Advocacy and received the CALI award in Contracts. She earned her undergraduate bachelor of science degree in Marketing from LSU.

Katelin Varnado

Attorney with Adams and Reese LLP, in Baton Rouge, LA

Ms. Varnado represents clients in all areas of construction, general liability, insurance defense, commercial litigation, and advises clients on government relations and regulatory matters. Ms. Varnado is ranked by her peers and clients among the Louisiana Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” in Construction Litigation, Civil Litigation, and Business/Corporate Law.

AIA Info

AIA Provider Statement: 

HalfMoon Education Inc. is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number J885. All registered AIA/CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider of learning program may be sent to AIA/CES (cesupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3). 

This learning program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. 

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA/CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request. 

Course Title:  Preventing and Addressing Construction Defects and Failures

Delivery Method: Live Online 

Course Description: This six-hour course examines the differences between a construction defect and a construction failure, their causes, practices that reduce defects and failures, and how to resolve disputes that are generated by defects and failures.

Learning Objectives: 

Learning Objective 1: Learners will be able to distinguish between construction defects and failures by analyzing causes related to design, materials, construction practices, and environmental conditions.

Learning Objective 2: Learners will be able to examine common building and system failures by evaluating site selection, structural elements, enclosure systems, and mechanical and electrical components.

Learning Objective 3: Learners will be able to adopt practices to reduce the likelihood of construction defects, including project documentation, code compliance, material selection, and quality control.

Learning Objective 4: Learners will be able to evaluate remediation strategies, liability considerations, and dispute resolution methods associated with construction defects and failures.

LUs: 6.0

LU Type: LU|HSWs 

Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None 

Program Level: Intermediate 

Course Expiration Date:  03/03/2029

Complaint Resolution Policy: 

Complaints regarding this course can be emailed to fchapman@halfmoonseminars.org or by calling (715) 835-5900. A HalfMoon Education representative will respond within 72 hours to resolve the complaint, which will include, but not limited to, access to another CE activity at no or reduced cost or a full or partial refund. Each instance will be resolved on a case-by-case situation.