Across the nation, construction projects large and small--from hospitals to schools to simple home improvements--are spiraling out of control. Delays and cost overruns have come to seem "normal," even as they drain our wallets and send our blood pressure skyrocketing. In "Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets," prominent construction attorney Barry B. LePatner builds a powerful case for change in America's sole remaining "mom and pop" industry--an industry that consumes $1.23 trillion and wastes at least $120 billion each year.
With three decades of experience representing clients that include eminent architects and engineers, as well as corporations, institutions, and developers, LePatner has firsthand knowledge of the bad management, ineffective supervision, and insufficient investment in technology that plagues the risk-averse construction industry. In an engaging and direct style, he here pinpoints the issues that underlie the industry's woes while providing practical tips for anyone in the business of building, including advice on the precise language owners should use during contract negotiations.
Armed with "Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets, "everyone involved in the purchase or renovation of a building or any structure--from homeowners seeking to remodel to civic developers embarking on large-scale projects--has the information they need to change this antiquated industry, one project at a time.
"LePatner describes what is wrong with the current system and suggests ways that architects can help--by retaking their rightful place as master builders."--Fred A. Bernstein, "Architect Magazine""" "Every now and then, a major construction project is completed on time and on budget. Everyone is amazed. . . . Barry LePatner thinks this exception should become the rule. . . . A swift kick to the construction industry."--James R. Hagerty, "Wall Street Journal"

Defective construction work, whether the result of inadequate design, faulty workmanship or poor materials - or some combination of these failings - is a frequent cause of legal disputes. Someone is usually to blame, either the builder or one or more of the professional consultants, or even the entire project team. It is important therefore that the project team should possess a good working knowledge of their responsibilities and liabilities.
Written by a solicitor with over twenty years of experience of building disputes, this book examines the responsibilities and liabilities of the project team when defects occur. It sets out the background role of the common law and statute and includes detailed discussion of important case law affecting the construction process from inception through to completion, together with a consideration of the impact of letters of intent, 'no contract' situations, and specific provisions of model conditions of contract.

A guide to the procurement of privately financed projects: an indicative assessment of the procurement process outlines the concept of privately financed projects (PFP) that can be used for both public-private and private-private interactions. Utilising models from many countries the guide develops a robust procurement system applicable to PFP and project finance in both the EU and overseas.This guide provides a systematic approach for the preparation and evaluation of privately financed projects (PFP) and services. It is intended to assist both the 'Principal' (often a public body) and the 'Promoter' (private body) at each phase of the procurement process, from inception through to financial closure. Principals using this guide should be able to adapt the private finance procurement process for their specific organisation and business sector. Moreover, in the case of the promoting organisation, the guide provides an appreciation of the steps that occur and the various processes undertaken and the associated costs of bidding.A guide to the procurement of privately financed projects: an indicative assessment of the procurement process provides an invaluable understanding of the critical facets involved in PFP and suggests frameworks for developing objective orientated procurement elements.

Shield Construction Techniques in Tunnelling presents the latest on this fast, environmentally-friendly and relatively safe construction technique, reflecting on its technical risks and challenges as seen in China. Sections introduce the type of shields, the history of the technique, shielding principles, selection, management, the latest techniques in operation, consider engineering cases, discuss construction in gravel, soft-soil, composite, and rock strata, and present video clips of construction that are accessible through QR codes embedded in the text. The book combines theory and practical experience, giving the reader unique insights into shield equipment and construction techniques. The shield tunneling technique is being used very widely, particularly in China, which is building urban-rail transit systems at an unparalleled scale and speed. The use of tunneling-shields provides a fast, relatively-safe, and ecologically-friendly method for the construction of tunnels. However, a number of incidents have shown the risks involved in tunnelling through geologically complex areas.

anaging the Construction Process: Estimating, Scheduling, and Project Control, Fourth Edition, covers all areas of the Construction Management industry-with a balanced focus on both theory and practicality. Helping readers gain a working knowledge of the whole Building Industry, this text provides the technical skills required to manage a construction project from conception through occupancy. Emphasizing current industry practices, it makes a useful reference for the construction professional. KEY FEATURES: Covers integrated project delivery and LEED/Green applications; Photos and illustrations throughout; Background theory, fundamentals and practical applications.

The fourth edition of Wilmot Smith on Construction Contracts continues to take a clear and practical approach to the law and practice relating to construction contracts in the UK. It provides comprehensive coverage of the substantive law and modern dispute resolution procedures in the field of construction and gives clear guidance when seeking difficult answers. Paul Darling Q.C. has joined Richard Wilmot-Smith Q.C. as co-editor. Together they have updated, refined and extended the work's coverage. The author team includes new and high-profile practitioners in the field of international arbitration (including Peter Rees Q.C. and David Bateson) and ADR (with Edwin Glasgow Q.C. joining Marion Smith Q.C. in re-casting the chapter on mediation). David Sawtell has considerably re-cast the chapter on adjudication. The law on extra contractual claims (unjust enrichment) has been substantively revised and updated by a leading expert on unjust enrichment. The work provides key practical tips including: where and when you issue proceedings; what the judges will expect and their preferences; and how trials can be made shorter. A separate section analyses enforcement of adjudicators' awards, covering recent case law on this area. This is carefully examined and digested in detail to ensure the reader has an understanding of the pitfalls of enforcement. Richard Wilmot-Smith QC and Paul Darling QC ensure that the work continues to provide an essential source of reference on this area of the law. Their practical approach and reliance on clear exposition is prevalent throughout this book, and it is allied with deep scholarship to secure its position as a definitive work on construction law.

"This book brings together leading construction industry and legal experts to discuss key elements of the partnering process, reflecting the collaborative approach that is essential to the success of partnering, this book is split into two broad sections covering industry and legal perspective."

Changes in vehicle weight limits and revisions to safety standards inevitably increase the demands placed on bridges. Increases in traffic flow seen over the past years also mean that many bridges are carrying much greater loads than their designers ever anticipated.Following from the very successful Bridge Modification conference in 1994, this volume contains papers describing the current issues, thinking and technology behind the assessment and improvement of existing bridges.

Commerce is inherently complex and the sums of money involved can be astronomical, so it is no surprise that conflicts and disputes are all too common. There are numerous techniques designed to resolve these problems, and this book summarizes the most important of these, as well as alternative dispute resolution methods. The reader seeking a deeper understanding of these procedures will also find clear explanations of the principles and methods for conflict management, such as negotiation, risk management, mediation and conciliation. As well as outlining these different techniques, guidance on which approach is appropriate in common situations is also given, helping the reader apply what they have learned to the real world. The significance of cultural issues is explained, before the reader is presented with suggestions for how to take these into account. Throughout, the book is illustrated with case studies from examples as diverse as Mumbai's DabbaWalla, The First World War and Terminal 5 at London Heathrow. Written with undergraduate students in mind, this book also serves to give a neat and brief overview for professionals. Those studying or working in commerce generally, construction project management, construction management, and construction law will find this to be an invaluable book.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1953.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1953.

Brickwork Level 2 has been adapted from John Hodge's classic Brickwork for Apprentices - the established textbook on brickwork for bricklayers. Designed to meet new requirements of the City and Guilds bricklaying programmes, this book has been written to match the latest industry-based requirements and technical developments in the field, including recent changes to the Building Regulations. Each chapter follows the syllabus and contains a section of multiple-choice questions to provide trainees with vital practice for the job knowledge and multiple-choice tests. Highly illustrated throughout and now in full colour, this is the essential reference for qualified bricklayers and other professionals working in the construction industry, as well as students wishing to embark on a career in bricklaying. There is also the facility to access the Support Material on the Routledge website, which includes: PowerPoint slides for each chapter Lesson plans and schemes of work Multiple-choice questions and answers Job knowledge questions and answers Practical drawings and mark sheets

The latest Buildaid Building & Pricing Guide is now in its Twenty Second year. the publication continues to be an accepted standard with regard to planning, specifying and costing. The 2014/15 edition will be no exception, with the inclusion of energy saving information, plus many more new and exciting sections not covered in the 2013/14 edition. Over 350 different companies have advertised and contributed to the publication’s technical content in the past and approximately 25000 people make use of the Buildaid Building & Pricing Guide each year.

All civil engineers and construction professionals concerned with the construction process have both professional and legal duties to take care, not only of their own health and safety at work, but the health and safety of others who might be put at risk. Health and Safety in Construction offers clear guidance on the responsibilities of construction professionals for health and safety in construction. Construction professionals need to work together to ensure consistently high standards and this essential guide will help achieve a measured and effective response to this challenge. Health and Safety in Construction will be an invaluable resource for the client, designer and contractor working together on construction projects.

The objective of this Building Industry Bible is to provide a comprehensive construction costing and specification tool to anyone involved in the Building and Construction Industries. For 21 years now the Buildaid Building and Pricing guide has played a vital role as a standalone solution by providing an A-Z guide to the construction process, its resources and their related costs. The Build Aid building & Pricing Guide appeals to the broadest market of any publication in this industry: It forms a powerful educational tool to all involved in the Building Industry and is a solid guide for property owners, developers and owner builders in decision making regarding new projects. It provides a solid insight to industry standards and specifications and new products to professional involved in construction. Even to the higher end of the market, where it aids large construction companies in quantifying & specifying for small works which are an integral part to any large project.

"The Phoenix Commotion is a local building initiative created to prove that constructing homes with recycled and salvaged materials has a viable place in the building industry. This process uses only apprentice labor and teaches marketable skills to anyone with a work ethic who is willing to swing a hammer. By keeping labor costs low and using donated or found materials, the homes created are truly affordable." (www.phoenixcommotion.com) This book is an examination of the history of Phoenix Commotion and the philosopy of Dan Phillips, the prime mover of the enterprise. Here readers will be introduced to the major projects of Phillips and Phoenix Commotion: the story behind them and the specifics of these unique structures, complete with black-and-white and color plates.

Through a combination of rich architectural and ethnographic description, this study of apprenticeship and human spatial cognition provides a fascinating insight into the daily lives and activities of a professional class of craftsmen, and investigates the unique teaching-learning processes that distinguish their trade and mould both their professional and social characters.

First published in 1992, this Routledge Revival sees the reissue of a truly original exploration of the nature of urbanization and capitalism. Linda Clarke's vital work argues that: Urbanization is a product of the social human labour engaged in building as well as a concentration of the labour force. The quality of the labour process determines the development of production. Changes to the built environment reflect changes in the production process and, in particular, the development of wage labour. To support these arguments, the author identifies a qualitatively new historical stage of capitalist building production involving a significant expansion of wage labour, and hence capital, and the transition from artisan to industrial production. Linda Clarke draws from a wide range of original material relating to the development of London from the mid-eighteenth to the early nineteenth century to provide a complete description of the development process: materials extraction, roadbuilding, housebuilding, paving, cleansing, etc; profiles of builders and contractors involved, and a picture of the new working class communities, as in Somers Town - their living conditions, population, working environment, and politics.

The role that communities have to play in the evolution and implementation of an effective strategy is often overlooked, despite the fact that it is becoming increasingly important and complex. This book addresses how consulting and contracting firms in the construction and engineering industries integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into business strategy and how this translates into better business performance. In the context of the current global drive towards sustainability, it seeks to untangle the rhetoric and reality of CSR, providing a guide to effective and meaningful engagement with the community in the boardroom. Ideas, concepts, theories and debates in the previously separate areas of corporate performance; corporate social responsibility; corporate strategy and; corporate governance are integrated for the first time in this book, promoting a more liberal and wider debate about CSR. The result is an important and timely examination of a new challenge which faces every firm in the engineering and construction industry, from the very largest transnational corporations, to consultants and to the many thousands of small and medium sized enterprises that employ the vast majority of people in the industry. Contemporary research is integrated with practice throughout this book in a clear and easy-to-follow style. The extensive use of real-life examples ensures that the content is of value to managers who have to deal with the reality of the industry on a day-to-day basis. The case studies of some of the world's leading firms provide rich qualitative data to support the arguments and are an excellent source of learning and teaching material to the subject of CSR for students.

Knowledge management presents a new way of understanding organizations and companies, and is especially suited to sophisticated and highly technical firms and operations such as those in the construction industry.

This new book draws on hard data from three separate research programs in Sweden and shows how the concept of knowledge can make sense in the construction industry, an industry which can be viewed in essence as being engaged in the material transformation of "nature into buildings." In particular it explores and examines three different businesses: a medium sized construction firm; Wing rdh Architecture, Sweden s most prestigious architecture firm; and BESAB, a specialist concrete injection firm working on underground construction. An emerging theme is the situational and context-bound nature of knowledge in the construction industry, thus showing "knowledge" to be a remarkably heterogeneous concept.

A range of readers should find the book useful, from students and construction managers through to researchers.

This book is based on and explains the following new public works contracts: "Public Works Contract for Minor Civil Engineering and Building Works Designed by the Employer" and the "Short Form of Public Works Contract for Building and Civil Engineering Works" and, where applicable, the Model Forms issued by the Department of Finance.

Recent decades have seen a major social and economic changes across the developed world and consequent changes in the construction and property industries. The discipline of construction economics needs to respond to this. For instance, the importance of sustainable development has become recognised, as has the need to increasingly master the medium and long-term consequences of construction, not only in the production but also in the management of buildings across their whole life-cycle. And the new focus on the service rendered by buildings, as distinct from the buildings themselves, has prompted a new approach to the construction and property industries. Any economic analysis of these sectors has to take account of all the participants involved in the life-cycle of building structures - not only in the design and construction, but also in the operation, maintenance, refurbishment and demolition of property. This innovative new book draws on the work of the Task Group of the CIB (International Council for Research and Innovation) on Macroeconomics for Construction. It pulls together discussions of mesoeconomic and macroeconomic models and methodologies in construction economics and presents an exciting approach to the analysis of the operation and function of the construction and property sector within the economy. Graduate students and researchers will find it an invaluable work.

Talk with your Spanish-speaking employees--no prior knowledge of Spanish needed!. .

"Perfect Phrases in Spanish for Construction" gives you more than 500 vital words and phrases specific to working on commercial and residential job sites, with translations spelled out phonetically so you can say what you need to say immediately.. .

Space the wall studs sixteen inches apart."Clave los montantes a una distancia de diecisis pulgadas.," (KLAH-beh lohs mohn-TAHN-tess ah oo-nah dee-STAHN-s'yah deh d'yeh-see-SACE pool-GAH-thahs). .

Put up the walls. "Pare las paredes." (PAH-reh lahs-pah-REH-thess). .

Use the bulldozer."Use la niveladora." (OO-seh lah nee-bell-ah-THOR-ah). .

Learn the Spanish words and phrases for: exchanging pleasantries interviewing potential employees discussing pay rate and taxes giving instructions terminating an employee establishing work hours explaining safety and emergency procedures praising good work . .

With "Perfect Phrases in Spanish for Construction," you can overcome the language barrier and develop a more comfortable, productive environment at your worksite..

Tavistock Press was established as a co-operative venture between the Tavistock Institute and Routledge & Kegan Paul (RKP) in the 1950s to produce a series of major contributions across the social sciences.
This volume is part of a 2001 reissue of a selection of those important works which have since gone out of print, or are difficult to locate. Published by Routledge, 112 volumes in total are being brought together under the name The International Behavioural and Social Sciences Library: Classics from the Tavistock Press.
Reproduced here in facsimile, this volume was originally published in 1965 and is available individually. The collection is also available in a number of themed mini-sets of between 5 and 13 volumes, or as a complete collection.