I am currently doing CA on a project that is basically a Code/ADA and tenant improvement project. It is a school project and the contractor has 2 months to build it.
I would like some advice on how to speed up the project. I would like to somehow dispense with a lot of the formalities and paperwork yet protect the Owner and my butt.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Best butt protection is paper especially since this is a public project.
Peter,
The problem is one of timing. We (contractor, architect, owner) does not have time to formally ask RFI questions wait for a response, then issue a CCD.
Meet more often, write the minutes by hand, photocopy them in the contractor’s trailer and hand them out on the spot. Nor does every meeting need to be a “project meeting.” You can meet for coordination, discussion of observations, and resolution of questions that would have become RFIs. Turn around time then becomes a matter of minutes, rather than days. Even, if you don’t get it, ask for more fee from the client on the grounds that the criticality of the schedule justifies more on-site presence. They need to know this is not “normal” (whatever that is.)
Be available on-site and off, at all times via all media. Promote close and continual communication.
Keep running formal [even if hand-written] “needs list”, much like a continual punch list; update frequently and distribute to all concered.
One of the things I stress to owners in these situations is to process payment applications promptly. When cash flows properly, relationships tend to function better.
I hope your documents are good and tight!