| Owner's Selection of Architect and Contractor |
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| Among the owner's chief concerns to ensure the successful completion of a construction project is the selection of the project's architect and general contractor. Without such key personnel in place the project would never get off the ground. Further, ensuring the quality of workmanship on the project starts with the architect's design of the plans and specifications and carries forward through the actual construction process under the auspices of the contractor. More... |
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| Allegations of Bid Rigging May be Defamatory |
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| A contractor's bid is an offer to perform specified work at a given price, and is submitted in a competitive environment to enable the owner to receive the best offer from the best contractor for the job. Bid rigging is a form of collusion between contractors that thwarts the competitive process and seeks to artificially raise the ultimate price for the work to be performed. Though suspicions may be well-founded, allegations of bid rigging without proof may open up an individual to a charge of defamation. More... |
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| Negligent Certification by Architect |
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| For a contractor to receive the final payment for his work on a construction project, the architect must certify that the work has been completed and it has been done satisfactorily. An architect's negligent certification can have substantial ramifications, with owners, contractors, and sureties all potentially having claims against him. More... |
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| ACTIONS AGAINST DESIGN PROFESSIONALS |
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| When a construction project involves a defect in the design of the project, an owner may look to a contractor or a design professional, such as an architect or an engineer, for the cause of the defect. Although an owner may file a breach of contract or a breach of warranty action against a contractor, the owner is often not entitled to either a breach of contract or a breach of warranty action against a design professional. More... |
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| Engineering Disciplines |
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| Engineers often work with architects in designing and planning the construction project. Given the nature and complexity of some construction projects, engineers from different disciplines may be called upon to contribute their expertise. More... |
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