Best Practices – Standard Form Agreements – The World’s Equivalent to the AIA

There are a number of organizations around the world that also offer standard construction forms.

To GMP or not to GMP that is the question?

In a recent article about pricing models, I gave a brief overview on a pricing model known as Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). This pricing model is often used because of the provisions that protect Owner’s from change orders. These provisions are often misunderstood and Owner’s believe that once the price is set, it cannot be…

Should you hire an engineer directly or through an architect

In last week’s article, I asserted that Architects are uniquely qualified to coordinate the various building systems of a project.  I discussed the qualifications and training that makes them better suited to this task and gave my own experience of failure when the roles were reversed. Today I want to address a growing trend I…

When do You Need a Permit? (Part 4) Work Permits

As part of this multi-part series on the most common construction permits, this entry addresses the 6 considerations of work permits. Click here to read the first part where I explain the 6 considerations in detail. Click here to read the second part where I review zoning applications. Click here to read the third part where I…

When do You Need a Permit? (Part 3) Plan Approval

As part of a multi-part series about the most common types of permits this entry addresses the 6 considerations of plan approvals. Click here to read the first part where I explain the 6 considerations in detail. Click here to read the second part where I review zoning applications. In the news on March 21,…