Building a Team, Not Just a Building

by David Lakamp, Pres.; Professional Practice Insurance Brokers, Inc., 483 Seaport Ct., Redwood City, CA 94063,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1987, Vol. 57, Issue 7, Pg. 70-72


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

The best way to resolve construction disputes is to head them off. And the best time to step in is before your contractor is hired. In the private sector, there is no reason to open the bidding to every contractor. Limit the list of qualified firms. Require prospective bidders to attend a pre-bid conference. Explain the design, call attention to unusual requirement, establish the work rules and answer questions. When contract time comes, avoid exculpatory provisions. They just antagonize the contractors. Be sure to clearly define change order and substitution procedures, and stick by them. And don't team up with your client against a contractor. It makes a great deal of sense to make the contractor part of the team.

Subject Headings: Contracts and subcontracts | Team building | Private sector | Dispute resolution | Construction management | Client relationships | Change orders

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