10.4.16

Ohio School Facilities

Ohio School Facilities

Dear YouDig?

We have managed to work our way through Ohio facilities projects for years. Although it is like herding cats, we always manage to get it done and move forward. In recent years, Ohio has reformed construction contracting protocol for public buildings like schools, libraries and arenas. Was the change really necessary?

– The Cat Shepard

 

9.19.16

Architects vs. Engineers – OH MYYYY

Architects

Dear YouDig?

We are structural engineers and often find that dealing with design and project architects is akin to a trip to the Land of Oz. We encounter dreamy plans that are pretty on paper, but require major changes to the laws of physics. And some, not all, architects are persnickety when challenged and therefore, less than accommodating. Yet they are often empowered to hold up a project by the AIA documents and the ever-present “creative differences.” How do we minimize this friction?

-No Courage

 

 

9.6.16

Differing Site Conditions

Differing Site Conditions

Dear YouDig?

We are about to embark on a journey to replace several of our very old manufacturing facilities and build new ones in locations that we find more suitable to our current business model. We have no experience building in any of these localities and, frankly, fear major budget shortfalls as a result of the unexpected. Any guidance would be appreciated.

-Our First Rodeo

 

8.22.16

Materials Handling

Materials Handling

Dear YouDig?

We are a stone supplier. We have successfully moved stone all around the world without incident, that is….until last week. A shipment of magnificent granite from China was on its way to a high end, fast track hotel project in Cleveland when it sank in the Indian Ocean. Thankfully, all of the crew were saved before the vessel went down. The stone, however, is at the bottom of the sea. What do we do to mitigate the impact of this disaster?

-The Tiger is Pi

 

6.27.16

NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS AND “ACTS OF GOD”

NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS AND “ACTS OF GOD”

Dear YouDig?

I am a general contractor in a large Midwestern City, and am in the process of constructing modifications to a very large arena for a week-long political convention. Suddenly, out of nowhere, I learned a professional basketball team would need the arena to compete in the National Basketball Association Championship series.  I fear we may not successfully deliver the project to the political party.   The arena owner  insisted that we stop work until after the series so that he could meet his commitments to the NBA team and its fans.  We will certainly incur significant overtime costs and delay issues.   How do we make sure we get paid for the trouble?

-Fear the Cavalier