February, 2014 | Construction Law Authority

Cutting-Edge Tools Can Save Owner Headaches…And Money

February 5, 2014

Construction lawyers throughout the country have long preached the importance of proper construction documentation to owners and developers alike. Comprehensive documentation of a project is essential to protect owners; especially in the quick-build environment we are experiencing now. Fortunately, there are several companies providing powerful tools that are invaluable to the mitigation of claims and overall protection of the owner and/or developer. One example is Multivista, a leader in photographic construction documentation. Multivista offers state-of-the-art construction photography and video documentation. Their products include interactive visual as-built documentation, construction webcams, and inspection-grade photos of the project. Other core competencies include “Facility Management Information,” which is the process of converting documentation manuals and warranty information into an indexed, integrated system that is accessible via computer. Put more simply, imagine if a building manager could scan building components such as doors and windows to immediately pull up installation and warranty information. The result is a...

Green Construction Contract Concerns

February 5, 2014

Mark J. Stempler

Contracts, Green Building

Many contracts used in green building projects are not always ideal for green building projects. Often, contractors, design professionals, or owners will use their old standard construction contracts. But those forms might not take into account some of the nuances or issues that can arise on a sustainable project. For example, green building contracts should strive to be more specific about what the green goal is. Terms like "green building", "sustainable building" or "high-performing building" lack the specificity of what the goal is. Further, it is not enough for the owner to say it wants LEED platinum rating, or LEED certified, or Green Globe? There is a difference. Or, maybe the goal is to save money on electricity, or to reduce the amount of water consumed. Those should be specifically identified, so if the goal is not achieved, there will not be confusion as to what the goal was. Confusion often...