Planning, administration, coordination--these are materials that, in any construction project, must be bolted together and set in place as surely as steel and concrete. When the many parties involved in a construction project--owners, contractors, engineers, and others--work together toward a common goal, success is ensured. When they don't, delays, cost overruns, even failure result. Managing Construction Contracts, Second Edition tells you how to put together and put into action successful contracts. Unique in its comprehensive coverage of the contracting process, it guides you through each consideration with practical guidance and proven techniques for generating and administering construction, consulting, and engineering contracts. Managing Construction Contracts tells you how to write successful contracts, select the best bidders, coordinate scheduling, control costs, and much more. It will help you prevent delays and disputes, and ensure the best possible cost, schedule, and technical performance. This Second Edition of Robert Gilbreath's successful book reflects recent changes in the construction industry and the discipline of contract management, especially in the now-ubiquitous use of personal computers, workstations, and telecommunications systems. It includes new ideas and novel tricks developed since the first edition. And it gives you an entirely new section with insights into the role of the lawyer in contract management, and into the special risks and rewards of contracting across borders. Managing Construction Contracts provides detailed instructions on: . Planning: defining roles and relationships among owners, contractors, suppliers, and others; figuring out pricingalternatives; and packaging and scheduling considerations. Formation: developing contract documents; qualifying and selecting bidders; issuing requests for proposals; managing the bid cycle; evaluating bids; and awarding contracts. Administration: getting the project up and running, handling billing and payments, dealing with change orders, backcharges, and claims. Monitoring: correct and accurate techniques for reporting and auditing. To make Managing Construction Contracts even more useful, it's packed with sample contract forms, administrative documents, checklists, diagrams, a glossary of industry terms, and examples from actual projects. For construction contract managers and administrators, building owners, contractors, architects, and engineers, Managing Construction Contracts is an invaluable guide to the commercial success of your construction project.

This guide covers the entire contract process, from the selection of contractors to the end of the job, and provides advice on contract wording, payments, claims, change orders and bid evaluation. It also addresses common risks and features checklists designed to document proceedings.