Volume 3 - Number 3

  April 2008

Arthur O'Leary, FAIA, MRIAI

The Preconstruction Jobsite Conference
Part One — Getting The Construction Launched On The Right Foot
   Starting Work on the Construction Phase
Assume for the purpose of illustration that the contractor prequalification process is completed, the bidding procedures have been concluded, the low bidder has been determined, and the contract price has been established and is within the owner’s budget. The owner and contractor have negotiated and signed the agreement and have identified all of the other contract documents by signing them. So the physical execution of the project may now proceed. 
   Effective and amicable communications are essential to the smooth running construction process that culminates in a successful building project.  Read More

Construction Nightmares: Jobs from Hell and How to Avoid Them 
   Arthur F. O'Leary, FAIA, MRIAI, a 40-year construction project veteran, relates actual jobs gone bad from the world of construction, dealing with plans, extras, delays, interference, scheduling, change orders, defective construction, inadequate supervision, incompetent contractors and just about every other problem that could happen on a construction job.
   After you find out what went wrong and how it went wrong, you get a clear legal analysis explaining the tools and procedures to use to untangle the mess. For example, you'll see how to use mechanic's liens to your advantage, the proper way to use a bonding company, insurance coverage checks, contract preparation and negotiation strategies and much more.
   Packed with real-life case examples describing nightmares like these:
• The mysterious retaining wall collapse. 
• Earthquake damage or liable defect? 
• The case of the fraudulent shop drawings. 
• The contractor who hired his high school buddy. 
• The corrupt inspector and the crooked estimator. Read More

Construction Cost Trends 

Construction Cost Trends for 2008

DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guides 

Just Released! The DCD Building Sq. Ft. Cost Guide
The DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guide For Medical Buildings
The DCD Educational Square Foot Cost Guide
The DCD LEED® Square Foot Cost Guide
The DCD Sq. Ft. Cost Guide for Buildings with Metal Construction

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TradeWinds 

• Ecobuild America and AEC Science & Technology (AEC-ST) 2008
• Arch’s Glass Entrances Now Available Nationally with C.R. Laurence Hardware
• Atlas Keeps Roofs “Cool” With ACFoam CrossVent Polyiso Insulation
• 'Red-Hot' Steel, Fuel Prices Send Construction Costs Soaring, AGC Says
• SARGENT 421 Cam Action Door Closer’s 
• Petersen Introduces Corrugated And Ribbed Profiles;Expands Line Of Exposed Fastener Panels
• Fox Blocks Announces Building Code Approval For Miami-Dade County
• Construction Faces Tumultuous Year For Projects, Prices, Labor, Says Agc Economist
• MeTecno USA Presents BIPV Installation Option
• CONSTRUCT2008 Exhibit Space Commitment Robust

Architecture Billings Index Drops to its Lowest Level Ever
Inquiries for new projects also drop to historic low
   Emblematic of the various struggling sectors in the overall economy, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped two points in March and fell to its lowest level since the survey’s inception in 1995. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI rating dropped to 39.7, following its steep 9-point decline in February (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 48.0, also the lowest mark for the survey. 
   “We’ve seen an 11-point fall-off in the first quarter of the year and the prognosis for commercial construction later this year is not favorable at this point,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Aside from historically low project demand, all regions are showing very poor business conditions. This is not likely to reverse itself anytime soon.”. Read More

Green Schools at the Top of the Agenda for U.S. Communities
   One school a day. That’s the rate America’s schools are registering for the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED certification program for green schools, signaling their intent to build and operate schools that are more energy and water efficient, which will save taxpayers money. Green schools also have significantly improved indoor air quality, and that results in healthier kids.
   “When you consider the fact that 50 million young people spend 8 hours a school day in a school building, we should do everything we can to make that environment work for them, not against them. Parents, teachers and school board officials understand better than anyone the link between child health and learning; and the fact is that children in green schools have fewer sick days and better test scores,” said Michelle Moore, Senior Vice President, USGBC. Read More

Convincing the Owner to go LEED®
By Robert Miller

    What does LEED® cost? You know it is coming: dollars always seem to be the foremost concern. It inevitably becomes the focus within moments of entering a discussion about Green design. There is an ironic hope in the problem itself; rising fuel costs and the increased awareness of global warming has made sustainability a much easier sell. 
   Financial payback comes in many forms. Educational institutions and commercial ventures are seeing a rising number of promising candidates who will base their choice on the institutions value systems. Recycling programs, Green building, healthy lifestyles, and even responsible portfolio investments are important criteria for the new generation of applicants. 
   Frenzied marketing campaigns attempt to spin everything from vinyl to Hummers as Green solutions, but as people are becoming educated about Green design they no longer accept hollow promises. Owners increasingly demand sustainable strategies are integrated thoughtfully into strong design solutions that will be appreciated and cared for over generations. The soft costs associated with LEED® are lowering due to simplified documentation, increased knowledge, and availability of information. Commissioning, once seen as a cost deterrent, now demonstrates value to the Owner. These changes have allowed increased access to LEED® as a valuable tool to help Owners validate their efforts within the public arena. Read More