3 min read
The Right and Wrong Time to Review Installers' Qualifications
One of the significant reasons for the existence of specifications is to describe the level of quality to the products and work that go into a...
bidding
2 min read
Specifying Design-Assist - How?
It's a process, not just technical requirements. During design-assist, the architect of record, asks the contractor (usually a specialty...
2 min read
It's Just a Spec
Yes it is a spec, and it deserves attention - the proper attention to be certain the contractor delivers what is required by the contract. The design...
2 min read
Estimates of the Cost of Work
When is the architect required to prepare an estimate of the Cost of Work according to AIA Document B101 Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and...
2 min read
Minutes are Minutes and Not Addenda
The bidders are required to attend a pre-bid meeting. The owner, the design team, and (presumably) all the bidders attend. Each meeting follows...
4 min read
SPECtember - Value Certified Construction Specifiers
This month the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) will hold its annual convention and the Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice...
3 min read
100% Construction Documents
How many times have you labeled construction document issues by percent completion? It's a fairly common occurrence. The documents are ready to be...
3 min read
Design-Build Division 00 and Division 01
The architect asked that I review the "front end" documents written by the design-builder for a new construction project. The front end including...
Defining Masonry Restoration Scope
When is the scope of work on a restoration project prepared? On what does the contractor base his bid? Too often, the scope of work on a restoration...
1 min read
Self-Inflicted Budget Difficulties
I received the specification shown below from a friend, an independent manufacturer's representative today. Yes this is the total expansion control...