Contract Administration Pitfalls and Solutions for Architect-Engineering Projects


Book Description

The basic building block of all architect-engineering firms is the client-funded individual project. These firms, of all sizes and complexities, have one thing in common: they all operate under the authority of contracts that must be successfully executed to ensure overall success and continuity of the firm. Without that success, the firm goes out of business. It therefore holds true that the degree to which these contracts are successfully managed determines the degree of success or failure of the enterprise. This journal therefore is dedicated to the business process we refer to as contract administration, or the combined acts of the firms staff to ensure that all elements desired by the client are formulated into a relationship that is reduced to writing known as the written contract and then successfully executed by the firm. Whether the company is comprised of one hundred employees or ten thousand, these contracts must be administered for success, within budget and within schedule, and meet the changing dynamics of the projects requirements over time. Effective contract administration is essentially a sound communications process that guarantees that fundamental information in the contract relationship is disseminated to the project and support personnel who are expected to perform the contracts requirements. This journal describes those tasks that must be executed to ensure that contract administration is a successful outcome, and that all the players on the company team execute their individual tasks professionally, repetitiously, and successfully.




Construction Administration for Architects


Book Description

An On-the-Job Construction Administration Resource for Architects Co-written by an architect and an attorney, this is the ideal desktop guide for architects, engineers, and other design professionals in need of expert advice on navigating the construction process and anticipating, avoiding, and managing liability risks. This invaluable construction administration resource leads you, step-by-step, through a typical project--from contract to closeout. Construction Administration for Architects provides tested techniques for proactively minimizing potential construction problems, and responding strategically when unforeseen events occur. Covering private and public sector work, this comprehensive handbook contains essential information for emerging professionals as well as in-depth strategies for experienced industry veterans. Useful tips, checklists, and real-world examples are included throughout the book. Construction Administration for Architects covers: Agreements and contracts Construction document details, such as specifications, drawing notes, project scope, credits, and cost estimates Requests for proposal, bidding, and construction contract negotiation Field testing, inspection, and certification of work Documents management, including requests for substitution, requests for information, submittals, and applications for payment Problems and disputes, such as poor workmanship, hidden conditions, and change order requests Contract closeout details, including schedule claims, retainage, and liens Post-construction warranty work and records retention Managing and limiting liability risk




Construction Process Planning and Management


Book Description

By their very nature, construction projects can create seemingly endless opportunities for conflict. Written by a best selling author with over 40 years of experiences in the construction and general contracting business, Construction Process Planning and Management provides you with the necessary tools to save time and money on your construction project. In this book, Sid Levy provides valuable advice for avoiding or working through the common problems that are a result of the long-term nature of construction projects, failure to select a ?project delivery system? appropriate to the project, incomplete drawing and specifications, unrealistic scheduling, poor communication and coordination among participants, and inadequate contract administration. From project genesis, through design development to contractor and contract selection, on to construction oversight, punch list and successful project close-out, this book will point out those pitfalls to avoid and offer practical advice at every step along the way. Administer the general construction process including solicitation of contractor's qualifications (pre-qualify bidders), comparative analysis of bid packages, recommendation for contract award, contract document negotiation and documentation of job change orders Provide Project Planning and on-site management and coordination of all construction projects Ensure compliance of building construction rules and regulations and collaborate with chief engineers to monitor quality of construction Conduct technical/plan review of construction documents and submit written responses identifying required corrections or changes Design, implement and oversee Company standards for construction policies, practices and processes




Contract Management and Administration for Contract and Project Management Professionals


Book Description

The Expanded, Enhanced, and Updated (810 Pages, 2 Volumes) Second Edition of the Must Have Information and Reference Book Designed to Guide Contract and Project Management Professionals to More-Effectively Plan, Prepare, Manage, and Administer RFPs and Contracts and Manage Contractors. - This Book provides discussions of the Legal Basics of Contracts and Contracting and the Theories, Principles, and Strategies of Contracting and Contract Management and Administration and introduces, describes, and discusses the author's unique and breakthrough concept of the Ten Stages of the Contracting Process which is a practical breakdown of the Contracting Process into Ten Interdependent Stages from planning and structuring the Request for Proposal (RFP) to Contract Close Out, Post Contract Requirements, Evaluating the Contract Documents, and Evaluating the Performance of Each Party. The Ten Stages of the Contracting Process provides Contract and Project Management personnel with a structured process to more efficiently and effectively plan, prepare, negotiate, manage, control, and evaluate RFPs and Contracts and manage and administer contracts and manage contractors resulting in well-prepared and well-managed RFPs, Contracts, and Contractors resulting in Successful Contracts and Projects. - This Book Includes - 1) Comprehensive Discussions of Contract Types/Forms, Applications, and Risks; 2) Examples of Check Lists, Forms, Formats, and Agendas used to Plan, Prepare, Manage, Administer, and Evaluate RFPs, Contracts, and Owner and Contractor Performance; 3) Examples of Practical Applications, Best Practices, Analytical Evaluations, and Lessons Learned; 4) Examples of Terms and Conditions and Definitions used in Contracts; - This Book Discusses - 1) The Integration of the Ten Stages of Contract Management with the Six Phases of Project Management and the Seven Phases of Engineering; 2) Contract Cost and Schedule Estimate Risks Based on Scope and Engineering Development; 3) Structuring the Correct Contract Type/Form Based on Scope and Engineering Development; 4) Structuring Contracts for Engineering Services with Example Formats, Agendas, and Terms; 5) Benefits and Pitfalls of Target Cost Contracts and Cost Reimbursable Contracts; 6) Pitfalls of Negotiating a Contract with a Sole or Single Source or Preferred Contractor; 7) Pitfalls of Proceeding with the Contract Work with Insufficient Engineering Documents; 8) Candid Discussions and Examples of How to Structure Effective Contract Incentives and Damages; 9) Warranties and Remedies Applicable to Contracts, Contract Work, and Completed Projects and Items; 10) Claims and the Claims Avoidance, Prevention, Management, Mitigation, and Analyses Processes; 11) Risk Management and Organizational and Human Performance Evaluation and Improvement Programs; 12) Examples of Successful and Not So Successful Contracting Situations; 13) The History of Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC, with Significant Contracting Lessons Learned Which Caused the Demise of Westinghouse Electric Corporation and the Bankruptcy of Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC; 14) The History of U.S. Nuclear Technology Development; the Development of Commercial Nuclear Power Plants; and Applicable Contracts and Projects Problems and Lessons Learned with Emphasis on Organizational and Human Performance Improvement Programs. The focus of this book is to improve the Contract Management skills of Project and Contract Managers, Contract Administrators, Project Engineers, Project Controls Managers, and other personnel involved in planning and executing projects requiring large, complex contracts for services, materials, and the design and fabrication of specially engineered components. The concepts, principles, strategies, and formats covered in this book are applicable to developing and managing all types of major contracts and both private and public contracts.




Construction Contract Administration


Book Description

This unique introduction to contract administration is designed especially for those who need to understand the contract administration process overall (rather than the fine details) - and who have not yet developed a background of professional experience or insight. Using a simplified approach to a complex, evolving area, it provides an up-to-date overview of the entire process - including the general philosophy and rationale, and the roles, obligations, and responsibilities of all major participants in a construction project. Appropriate for all construction disciplines - e.g. architecture, engineering, construction management, construction - it focuses on those topics that cross several occupational lines and that are directly usable by any of the major project participants.* Does not require professional experience and insight. * Incorporates the latest techniques, configurations, and approaches used in the field. * Makes a clear distinction between contract administration and construction management: * Defines the contract administrator as one hired by an owner, but not part of the owner-contractor agreement, who oversees the dynamics of the project - assessing deviations from




Project Administration for Design-build Contracts


Book Description

"Explains the basics of administering a design-build project after the contract has been awarded"--Cover p. [4].




150 Contractual Problems and Their Solutions


Book Description

This book considers 150 problems that regularly arise in building contracts and provides a detailed explanation as to their answers. It cites key parts of legal decisions as authority. The new edition includes some 50 new problems, and revised solutions to a third of the problems to take account of recent case law.




Architectural Contract Administration


Book Description

Due to the complexity of building projects and the high cost of any errors, there is a real need for coordination between field and office. This work fulfills that need by anticipating problems and deficiencies in all phases of construction before they arise. Step-by-step methods of providing quality control in the preconstruction and construction process are thoroughly outlined along with 55 useful documents and forms including 18 from the AIA.




A Guide to Successful Construction


Book Description

As a professional working in construction, you have your work cut out for you. Whether an architect, engineer, facilities manager, or contractor you'll be faced with an ever-growing mountain of paperwork just to get your job done. A Guide To Successful Construction will help you nip most of these problems in the bud and avoid costly changes and lawsuits. Written by an experienced architect and project manager, this manual guides you through the administration process and brings to the surface those items which will be troublesome down the road. This indispensable book covers all the subjects that a practicing professional will come in contact with during the project. Book jacket.