LV Construction Intel

Latvia will pilot a system in 2025 that uses satellite imagery to detect landscape changes and cross-reference them with building databases to identify unauthorized construction without requiring physical inspections.

BVKB grants independent practice rights in the field of expertise and maintains publicly available information about certified construction specialists who provide expertise services.

The Construction Information System (CIS) is an online platform available at www.bis.gov.lv designed to ensure the circulation of construction information.

The fifth fixed call for proposals under the European Space Agency's Requesting Party Activity in Latvia has concluded, approving 10 projects that will use satellite data.

In most LV jurisdictions, the lien filing deadline runs from last day on the project OR last delivery of materials, whichever is later — but several states use a project-wide cutoff (substantial completion) regardless of when your specific work ended. Counting the wrong start date is the leading cause of waived liens.

"Substantial completion" is achieved when the owner can occupy the project for its intended use — not when a punch list is finished or a percentage is hit. The status starts warranty clocks, transfers risk of loss, and triggers retention release in most contracts. Disputes over whether SC has been achieved are common at month-end.

Most construction contracts require change orders to be in writing, but many states enforce an "oral modification" exception when the parties' conduct shows agreement — especially when the changed work is performed and accepted without protest. Continued performance without written change orders can waive the writing requirement entirely.