Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/66147
Key Steps continued Clients often consider the number of RFIs that are generated as a measure of the quality of the documentation. If the point being questioned is minor, send a quick email to the consultant instead of a formal RFI. This approach will build trust among parties and create a better project outcome. Padded change order requests. Never use the change order process as an attempt to get paid for items missed in the bid specs. Change orders create stress on all levels of a project's hierar- chy and further degrade the relationship among the dealer,consultant and owner. The best way to handle this problem is to contact the client directly to see if a solution can be found that will help cover costswithout a false change order request. This straightforward approach also builds trust. Ensure that any arrangement with the consultant or GC/CM is covered in writing, so there aren't any issues during the inspection. Be forthright and honest at all times. Follow the golden rule. Never blame others for problems, even if the blame might be justified.Dealers with a reputation for blaming others may win in the short term, but will never win in the long term. Always take the high road and support a teamapproach.This is the strategy that supports getting future business. Pre-punch your job. Just like the number of RFIs influence how consult- ants are rated, the length of a punch list and the severity of the problems uncov- ered in an inspection influence the rat- ing and integrity of a dealer. Most pro- fessionals want to get the inspection over with and move on at the end of a project. When the dealer pre-punches the equipment and installation during the final installation,while the installers and building trades are still on the job, it reduces back changes and makes the final inspection less painful for all par- ties. It will also get the final payment faster and reduce extended holdbacks and retainage. If an installer doesn't rec- tify any deficiencies that are discovered, it's important to have one of the field people fix the problem. The fixes are often simple, and by doing so, the deal- er gets a reputation of being easy to work with. TheAll Important Submittal and Internal Quality Control Process In most contract formats for bidding buildings, furnishings and equipment, the term"Per Plans and Specifications" is used extensively. Design consultants specify the products they expectwill be used and themethods thatwill be incor- porated on the drawings,or in a separate book of specifications for the installa- tion. For most projects, the specifications will require the dealer to furnish "Submittals"and"Shop Drawings"to the consultant for review and acceptance. On larger projects, the process is often tightly managed by the architect, con- struction manager, general contractor, continued on page 34 22 FEDA News & Views