<![CDATA[
<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" text="#000000">
Frames don't seem to be supported by your browser, please <a href="intro.html">click
here </a>to see the introduction
<script language=javascript
src="http://ss.webring.yahoo.com/navbar?f=j&y=realitytom&u=98338827010000016
"></script>
<table width="626" border="0" cellpadding="0">
<tr>
<td width="512">
<table width="534" border="1" cellpadding="10" bordercolor="#cccccc">
<tr>
<td>
<p><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="#999999"><a href="http://bershad.com/books/" target="_parent">CLICK
HERE</a></font><a href="http://bershad.com/books/"><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
PROCEED DIRECTLY TO OUR <br>
EASY TO READ INFORMATION PAGES<br>
ABOUT <b><i>WORKING WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR<br>
</i></b>- book just released</font></a></p>
<p><font size="4" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Introduction
to <i><img src="images/coveraa.gif" width="189" height="288" align="right"><br>
Working With Your Contractor</i></font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Hiring
a contractor to do work is a normal part of living for most people.
Some of us hire "contractors" for help in doing simple
things like painting or cleaning, while others hire for more major
undertakings. It doesn't matter how small the job is: if you
don't follow certain basic guidelines, <i>things will go wrong</i>.
</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
first book in an informational series, <i>Working With Your Contractor</i>
serves as a coach to help you through your home construction projects.
By spending a little time up front in planning and researching your
project and hired professionals, <img height="144" width="108" src="images/Image5.jpg" alt="Image5.jpg" align="left" vspace="10" hspace="15" />you
will be well rewarded by the satisfactory end result and a less
stressful journey to get there. </font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The
organization of these books includes much of what I have learned
in the various roles I have been in: homeowner, contractor, architect,
consultant. In <i>Working With Your Contractor</i>, the first two
chapters address how you define what it is you want your contractor
to build. The first chapter speaks to the importance of remembering
time-- your time-- as part of planning & building the project.
This is something that I find most people forget in the process
of building something. The second chapter addresses how you can
<i>define your goals so you can communicate clearly</i> what it
is that you want the contractor to construct.</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img height="144" width="111" src="images/Image6.jpg" alt="Image6.jpg" align="right" vspace="10" />The
chapters that follow are about the functional & logistical issues
about working with contractors. Chapters 3 and 4 provide information
about how all contractors work and the many different types of contracting
firms. Chapter 5 shows a time-tested way to select a contractor.
Chapter 6 is about how to have a decent agreement with a contractor.
Chapters 7 and 8 are about how to work with a contractor during
construction and <i>how to handle mistakes</i> (yes they will occur!)
on your project. There is a large section for appendices that provides
you with many samples and techniques. </font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We
have created a special web site exclusively for owners of <i>Working
With Your Contractor</i>. It's a new concept called <b><i>Webpendix</i></b>(TM),
set up especially for readers to download more information and forms
that are too cumbersome to place in the physical book and to provide
documents that you can use directly or tailor for your project.
The Webpendix awaits your exploration with a plethora of resources
at your disposal to get you through your project more quickly and
with fewer hassles. <br>
</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><a href="http://209.103.166.29/Merchant/merchant.mv?Screen=BASK&Store_Code=AAB&Action=ADPR&Product_Code=WWYCPO&Attributes=Yes&Quantity=1" target="_top"><img src="images/buy-now.gif" width="61" height="36" border="0"></a></font>
</p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><a href="http://bershad.com/books/" target="_parent">HOME
(or refresh frames view)</a></font> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">ABOUT
THE AUTHOR - I have learned many things from an array of varied
and rich life experiences in the almost 30 years of my career as
a successful architect, contractor, and developer, and have worked
in a number of different capacities in architecture and development
companies. I have owned my own companies for over 20 years, and
I know that this has provided me with a much different perspective
about building & design processes than most design professionals
ever get exposed to.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">As
a contractor, I constructed many types of projects. Even though
I started out quite small, in less than a year my firm had over
40 employees and large variety of construction equipment. We worked
with a variety of different kinds of contractors, with large variations
in the way that each contractor kept track of their work; we also
worked with many subcontractors.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">Working
as a young, inexperienced general contractor was not all that different
from what most owners experience when they start working with their
contractors. I may have had a top-quality education in architecture,
but I quickly learned that academic technical and design training
did not prepare me for negotiating contracts, confirming schedules
and specifications, or tracking the changes that contractors need
to be paid for. Most importantly, I discovered that contractors
spoke a different language than what I had been exposed to.</font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">It
became obvious to me that most architects and designers don't understand
contractors' ways of speaking from a detailed standpoint. Fortunately,
I had great teachers and I learned quickly because I had the good
sense to treat these people with the respect that they deserved.
I found out that most contractors were as proud of what they did
for a living as I was about what I did. I also found out that you
don't need to be able to speak a plumber's language, any more than
you need to be able to speak a doctor's language -- you just need
to make sure you are clear in what you are requesting. </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">I have
written this book to share with you my experiences to give you the
benefit of my hindsight. They say hindsight is 20/20, that must
be why I don't need glasses! </font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">W<i>orking
With Your Contractor </i>is not your typical guide to construction-
here's how it differs to help you through whatever size of project
you're embarking on: </font></p>
<ul>
<li><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">
<b>Web Site for Book Owners</b>: In addition to getting a physical
book in hand with your purchase, you also gain exclusive access
to the book's <b>Webpendix</b>(TM), a private web site that provides
you with a wealth of usable information so that you can easily
browse through the information. Download forms, specs, lists,
tips, etc. that you can use as-is or customize for your particular
need. Copying (for your own non-commercial usage) is encouraged!
Hundreds of pages of materials are available to book owners via
a password supplied with the book. It will be continually updated
so you can have the benefit of the latest information. </font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">
<b>Entire Project Overview</b>: The approach for this book is
that of an overview of the entire project. After reading this
book, you will have the information as if you'd already been through
a construction project, but having the benefit of hindsight.</font></li>
<li><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Nuts
& Bolts</b>: Not only does the book provide you with the big-picture
overview of contracting, it also supplies detailed procedures,
forms, and contracts to give you a solid foundation and clarity
on what to expect from and how to deal with your contractor professionals.
This book is your personal coach ready to lead you through all
the nooks and crannies.</font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><b>Working
"<i>with</i>" point of view</b>: The author shares with
you a team-effort point of view that has proven effective for
all types of projects. You will see the importance of everyone
interacting as a unit to achieve a common goal. This is a more
contemporary project management approach as opposed to the traditional
strategy of "hiring" a contractor. </font></li>
<li><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">
<b>Author's Background: </b><a href="about-bb.html">Blaine Bershad</a>
has based this book on years of practical experience from the
perspectives as a Contractor, Architect, and Home Owner</font></li>
</ul>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3"><b>TABLE
OF CONTENTS</b></font></p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">The
issue of time <br>
The decision process <br>
Understanding how contractors actually work <br>
The different kinds of contracting firms <br>
Selecting a contractor; interviewing & finding a contractor<br>
Written agreements <br>
Tracking the project: budget & time <br>
Rules for working with a contractorProject priority lists<br>
Specifications for a small project<br>
Interview questions for Selecting a contractor<br>
Contractor pricing breakdown<br>
Project schedules<br>
Decision lists<br>
Site visit reports<br>
Telephone report form<br>
Project bulletins<br>
Change orders<br>
Progress payment forms<br>
Punch lists<br>
Liens<br>
Webpendix(TM) Resources<br>
Biography & Acknowledgements<br>
Glossary<br>
Index</font></p>
<p> </p>
<p><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="3">Index
excerpts:</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">allowances
22, 104, D - 2, J - 2, 1<br>
arbitration 122<br>
architects 16<br>
assumptions 32, 119</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Better
Business Bureau 63<br>
bid price 2<br>
bonds 131<br>
budgets not being followed 121<br>
building codes 18, 37<br>
bulletins 111, I - 1, 2</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">C of
O (certificate of occupancy) 3<br>
certificate of occupancy 106, 3<br>
change orders 112, 3<br>
clerk of the works 128, 3<br>
communication during construction 107<br>
construction documentation phase 21, 3<br>
construction phase 4<br>
construction phase in the design process 23<br>
consumer protection 129<br>
contractor 101, 4<br>
contractor selection 54, C - 1<br>
contractor’s time 13<br>
cost plus 4<br>
cost-plus-a-fee 5<br>
cost-plus-a-percentage 5</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">decision
making process 135<br>
decision matrix 5<br>
decisions 2, 12<br>
Department of Consumer Affairs 63<br>
design build 5<br>
design decisions 10<br>
design development 20, 5<br>
design process 2, 11, 15, 17, 6<br>
design professionals 10, 15, 63<br>
design-build 28, 56<br>
design-build firms 44<br>
disagreements 120<br>
dishonesties 125<br>
documentation 13, 136<br>
elevations 6<br>
evaluation forms C - 1</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">factual
language 119</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">find
a contractor more easily<br>
foor plans 6<br>
functional requirements 28</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">general
conditions D - 2<br>
goals 18, 136</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Heating
Ventilation and Air Conditioning D - 9<br>
hold back monies in punch lists 105<br>
home owners warranty (HOW) 130<br>
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) 7</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">initial
job meeting 101<br>
installed allowance 7<br>
insurance 42<br>
interior designers 16<br>
interview questions C - 1<br>
invoices 113</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">job
superintendents 42<br>
job supervisor 62</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">liens
48, 7<br>
limited partnership 45, 8</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">material
allowance 8<br>
mediation 125<br>
mistakes 118<br>
misunderstandings 118<br>
motivations 33</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">negotiation
122</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">ordering
materials E - 4</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">paper
trail 136<br>
payments 104<br>
price, pricing by contractors 21<br>
pricing breakdown D - 3<br>
priorities 13, 135<br>
priority lists A - 1<br>
professionals- do you need one? 14<br>
programming phase 18, 8<br>
progress payment 9<br>
progress payments K - 1<br>
project 2<br>
project bulletins I - 1<br>
project goals A - 1<br>
project managers 37<br>
punch list 104, 9</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">referral
services 57, 63<br>
regulatory board 63<br>
requisitions 113, 9<br>
retainage 106, 9</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">schedule
E - 1<br>
schematic design 19, 9<br>
scope of work 10<br>
section drawings 10<br>
selecting the initial group of contractors 57<br>
set-back 13<br>
site visit reports 110<br>
specifications 10<br>
specifications, example of where needed 22<br>
structural elements 10<br>
subcontractors 63, 11<br>
substantial completion 106, 12<br>
supervisor 62<br>
suppliers 63<br>
survey 18, 12<br>
system elements 12</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">telephone
conversation reports 111<br>
time-and-materials 35, 12<br>
transition assistance 13</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">unit
price 13</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">waiver
of lien 13<br>
warrantees 130<br>
Webpendix N-4</font></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">zoning
requirements 18, 13</font></p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</body>
]]>