One of the best tools construction companies have at their disposal uses bytes, not bits. Best of all, this tool is free and available on the Internet for viewing or download (www. constructionguidelines.org). “Guidelines for a Successful Construction Project” is a comprehensive digital collection of guidelines and forms that provide contractors with critical insights on safety, cooperation and coordination among different parties at all stages of construction.
One of the best tools construction companies have at their disposal uses bytes, not bits. Best of all, this tool is free and available on the Internet for viewing or download (www. constructionguidelines.org). “Guidelines for a Successful Construction Project” is a comprehensive digital collection of guidelines and forms that provide contractors with critical insights on safety, cooperation and coordination among different parties at all stages of construction. The document, which is available in electronic format, was jointly developed and produced by three leading construction trade associations — the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the American Subcontractors Association Inc. (ASA), and the Associated Specialty Contractors (ASC).
While these three associations have a variety of unique and exclusive functions, they share at least two common goals: more efficient, timely and economical construction for the mutual benefit of owners, architect/engineers, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers; and equitable and ethical relations between general contractors and subcontractors. The associations’ commitment to the promotion of these goals led to a working relationship on issues of common concern and interest.
Thus, for over 30 years, construction practitioners representing the three associations have met twice a year and applied their collective knowledge to develop the guidelines as tools for the industry. Each of the voluntary guidelines, which currently are 32 in number, spells out management best practices and provides examples of typical responsibilities of different parties participating in the construction process.
“Guidelines for a Successful Construction Project” groups guidelines into four sections, and concludes with an appendix that includes useful forms for subcontractors and contractors.
The first group of guidelines, “Introduction & Overview,” addresses general ways to improve relations between general contractors and subcontractors that work together. It includes guidelines on:
· General Contractor-Subcontractor Relations
· Owner’s Ability to Pay
· Contractor’s Payment Rights, Obligations and
Responsibilities
· Design Responsibility
· Liaison Committees
The second group, “Bidding Processes,” concerns ways of soliciting and obtaining work. It includes guidelines on:
· Bidding Procedures
· Project Scheduling, Delays and Liquidated Damages
· “Scope” Bidding for Private Work
· Bid Shopping and Bid Peddling
· Exchanging Documents and Data in Electronic Form
The third group, “Pre-Construction Planning,” discusses ways to improve projects with effective planning. It includes guidelines on:
· Pre-Construction Conferences
· Partnering
· Scheduling
· Site Logistics
The fourth group, “Project Execution,” is the most comprehensive, with the guidelines further divided into four sections dealing with environmental health and safety, coordination, contract administration, quality assurance/quality control and project closeout. Specifically, the guidelines are:
· Project Safety and Health
· Unforeseen Environmental Problems in the Construction
Industry
· Communication
· Project Meetings
· Avoidance and Resolution of Construction Disputes
· Benefits to the Owner of Effective Allocation, Delegation
and Performance of General Conditions Responsibilities
· Consequential Damages
· Procedures for Change Orders
· Charges for Non-contracted Construction Services
· Prompt Payment
· Payment for Stored Materials and Equipment
· Purchase of Materials or Equipment by Owners
· Overtime, Construction Costs and Productivity
· Retainage
· Total Quality Management
· Project Inspections
· Project Closeout
· Punch List Procedures
The appendix of “Guidelines for a Successful Construction Project” includes a form for sub-bid proposals; a subcontractor’s application for payment form; a work authorization form; and a change proposal/order form.
The goal of implementing these practices and recognizing these responsibilities is to help contractors, subcontractors and specialty trade contractors complete projects as specified, on-time and on-budget for the benefit of the ultimate customers — construction owners and users. They are appropriate for distribution by individual contractors and local associations to owners, architects, engineers and others. Local industry groups representing contractors, including those representing painting contractors, might effectively carry out this effort.