Defect-Free Buildings (McGraw-Hill Construction Series)

Acknowledgments

How to Use This Book

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Basic Primer on the Construction Process

Chapter 2: The Construction Contract

Chapter 3: Why Do Contractors Get Sued?

Chapter 4: Background to Construction Defect Law

Chapter 5: The Most Common Construction Defects and How to Avoid Them

Chapter 6: Using Plans, Specifications, and Contract Terms to Avoid Defects

Chapter 7: Document Control

Chapter 8: Managing Conflict During Construction

Chapter 9: Cost-Saving Techniques

Chapter 10: The Lawsuit -- What Happens Next

Chapter 11: Conclusion

APPENDIX A: FORM OF CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

APPENDIX B: FORM OF CONSTRUCTION DEFECT COMPLAINT: HOMEOWNER vs. DEVELOPER

APPENDIX C: FORM OF COMPLAINT: HOMEOWNER vs. CONTRACTOR

APPENDIX D: FORM OF FINAL DEFECT LIST: HOMEOWNER vs. CONTRACTOR

APPENDIX E: FORM OF MEDIATION BRIEF: HOMEOWNER vs. DEVELOPER -- Principal Issues Involve Soils Problems

APPENDIX F: FORM OF ANSWER TO COMPLAINT: HOMEOWNER vs. CONTRACTOR

APPENDIX G: FORM OF CROSS COMPLAINT BY CONTRACTOR AGAINST SUBCONTRACTORS FOR INDEMNITY AND AGAINST OWNER

APPENDIX H: SELECTED PROVISIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

Bibliography

Index

ELIMINATE CONSTRUCTION MISTAKES AND MINIMIZE YOUR EXPOSURE TO EXPENSE AND LITIGATION WITH DEFECT-FREE BUILDINGS

Nothing packs a more costly punch and ruins a project faster than a construction defect dispute. And nothing stops a project dead in its tracks faster than conflicts between builders and owners. But with McGraw-Hill's Defect-Free Buildings, you can rid your projects of these debilitating conflicts and protect your business against the costs, delays, and litigation they create.

Packed with easy-to-understand guidelines, protocols, and checklists, this indispensable volume helps you:

• Determine proper construction methods and costs during planning and bidding
• Avoid defects in the building stages and enhance quality control
• Obtain the proper insurance and satisfy underwriting requirements
• Reduce or eliminate the threat and cost of litigation

KEEP THE PEACE

To help you minimize cost and lost time when disputes become unavoidable, Defect-Free Buildings also delivers a wide range of powerful conflict-resolution techniques. You'll learn how to:

• Get the right contract in place
• Develop forms and documents that minimize or eliminate disputes and delays in payment
• Document construction conditions to avoid potential conflicts and owner claims
• Resolve conflicts effectively
• And more!

Written by a construction attorney with more than 25 years' experience as an arbitrator and mediator, Defect-Free Buildings is the money-saving resource you'll want within reach on every construction job.