,SOLUTION MANUAL FOR Project Management in
the Construction Industry From Concept to
Completion Saleh A. Mubarak
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you few pages sample.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel sheet
if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make update
at every time. There are many new editions
waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file You
can contact us at every time, we can replace it
with true one.
Our email:
,Project Management in The Construction Industry:
From Concept to Completion
Saleh Mubarak, Ph.D.
1st edition, 2024
Solution Manual
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Construction Project Management
Exercises:
1. Define a project and give an example.
Answer: A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or
result. An example is a construction of a house, building, or a road. The scope is defined, and the
cost and timeframe are also defined within certain assumptions and contractual agreements.
2. Give an example of a program that contains projects.
Answer: A city municipality may have a program to develop a certain area of the city. This
program may include demolition of old existing buildings, infrastructure work, new construction
(residential and commercial), renovation projects, a new library, school, park, and other
common service projects.
3. Can taking care of your garden be considered as a project? Mention two cases where one
answer is yes and the other is no.
Answer: It can be considered as a project if it is a one-time event, with a defined scope of work.
It may include activities such as clearing weeds, cutting and trimming branches, planting new
plants, adding soil and fertilizer, and cleaning up after work is completed.
However, if it is routine work, such as mowing the loan on a regular basis, it cannot be
considered as a project, unless you consider each event as a project.
4. You are thinking of converting part of your house attic to an office. How can you make this idea
as a project?
Answer: Check the attic: area, shape, and condition. Make a design, envisioning the final
product. Get professional help if you need it. Check if you need a permit from the local
authority. Create a work plan with activities, along with their materials needed and their cost
and duration. Set the project’s budget and schedule. If you are going to contract with a
professional to do the work, you may get a few quotes and choose the contractor that you
believe will do the best job and give you the best value for your money.
It is important, when doing such project, to gear the project towards your needs, such as:
• Perhaps your house is too tight for your family, so you need an extra bedroom for
your teenage son or daughter,
• You need an office to work in,
• You need more space for storage.
• You just want to increase the value of your home before selling it.
5. Do you consider the following as projects (with the description as is)? If not, modify to make it
qualify as a project.
a. Improving your education
b. Changing a flat tire
, c. Losing weight
d. Building a 20’ by 25’ expansion for your house
e. Cleaning the gutters of your house periodically.
f. Maintaining your house garden in good shape
g. Organizing your garage
h. Going on a fun trip for a week
i. Doing a birthday party to your younger sister.
Answer:
a. Improving your education: You need to define the scope, for example obtaining an MBA
degree. You may also need to set some constraints such as the geographic location of
the school (unless it is online), the accreditation of the school, the cost, and timeframe
(depends on whether you will go to school full- or part-time.)
b. Changing a flat tire: Yes, it is a “project” even though it is a small one that can be also
considered as an activity.
c. Losing weight: You need to define how much weight you plan to lose, at least
approximately. You may also define the method, cost, and timeframe. Doing so, will
allow you to monitor your progress.
d. Building a 20’ by 25’ expansion for your house. Yes, this is a project. You need to define
the design and requirements such a permit, which may require the approval of a P.E.
Later, you need to define the cost, and timeframe. You may do the work yourself, if
qualified, or seek the services of a trusted contractor.
e. Cleaning the gutters of your house periodically. Same as in the answer to question No.
3, if this is a one-time major work, it can be considered as a project. If it is a routine
work, then it is not.
f. Maintaining your house garden in good shape. No, it is not a project. The keyword here
is maintain, which implies continuous work.
g. Organizing your garage. Yes, this is a project. Preferably, you have a design on how you
will organize it, such as adding new shelves or cabinets.
h. Going on a fun trip for a week. This can be a project if you define it well, stating items
such as: who will be going with you, where are you going to go, for how long, what are
the activities you plan to do (which will allow you to define the items you need such as
hiking requirements), and the budget.
i. Doing a birthday party to your younger sister. Yes, this is a project but, again you need
to define the scope and requirements. In many cases, you start with the available
budget, which will allow you to know what is feasible for you.
6. How does the owner’s “project” differ from the contractor’s “project”?
Answer: The owner’s project starts once the decision to carry out the project is taken. It may
include items such as planning, acquiring the land, financing, design and permitting, bidding (or
negotiation) and awarding the project, and construction. The contractor’s project starts when
, signing the contract. Both, owner’s and contractor’s project and when the project is physically
completed and transferred to the owner, and all financial issues are settled.
7. Why must an owner do feasibility study before approving or making a final decision on the
project? What are the main objectives of this feasibility study?
Answer: Feasibility studies are very important for the owner as they provide valuable
information early enough to make the best decision. Feasibility studies may result in abandoning
the project completely such as if the expected return (MARR) is insufficient, the cost is beyond
the available resources, or there is a legal restriction that prevents such project or limit it to the
point of becoming undesirable. Feasibility studies also provide information to the owner leading
to best solutions and methods. For example, the level of risk may direct the owner to the
suitable type of contract. It may also point out to potential trouble spots and the items that
need early planning.
8. Mention the main stakeholders in a private project.
Answer: The main stakeholders in a private project are:
• The owner of the project,
• The designer of the project,
• The general contractor,
• The professional construction manager if it is a 3rd party.
• If the owner contracted with subcontractor directly, then every subcontractor who has a
contract with the owner is a main stakeholder.
9. Mention the main stakeholders in a public project.
Answer: The main stakeholders in a public project are all those mentioned in question No. 8,
plus:
• The public around the project (as defined by local law),
• The taxpayers for that public agency,
• Other public agencies that have jurisdiction over the project, such as the EPA,
• Any entity that financially contributes to the project,
10. In what aspects do public and private projects differ?
Answer:
1. Project initiation process, justification, and contracting guidelines.
2. Authority and the decision-making process.
3. Stakeholders.
4. Source(s) of funding and restrictions.
5. Transparency.
11. What is a capital improvement project?
Answer: A capital improvement project is any major improvement to facilities and
infrastructure. Projects may include construction and renovation of roads and streets, bridges,
, intersections, traffic systems, recreation centers, libraries, parks, automobile parking garages,
water and wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste and recycling plants, and power stations.
It may also include the purchase of new fleet vehicles and IT networks.
12. What are the types of owners for a project?
Answer:
1. Public (government): This includes all levels and types of government agencies.
2. Private corporations owned by shareholders, as well as non-profit organizations. These
corporations usually have a board of directors (or trustees) that oversees the running of
operations as well as major decisions.
3. Private individuals or corporations / businesses owned entirely by an individual or group
of individuals.
4. Public Private Partnership (PPP).
5. International or multi-national organizations
13. What benefits does certification in construction management, or one of its specialties, bring to
the bearer of the certificate, to the employer, and the client?
Answer: Certification simply means that the person who holds this certificate meets the
minimum level of knowledge in the field. It also helps standardize concepts and practices for the
profession. It does not, however, guarantee good performance. In the authors’ opinion,
certification is more important and meaningful for a young person with little experience. It
assures the potential employer that the candidate knows the “ins and outs” in his/her field. For
a senior professional with lots of proven experience, the certification is less meaningful,
although it still a “feather in his/her cap.”
14. What is a PMO? Why would an organization have a PMO as a part of its structure?
Answer: Project Management Office is a management structure that standardizes the project-
related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and
techniques. PMO is usually a permanent part of the organization that can go up and down in
size, depending on the organization’s need.
An owner’s organization that frequently executes construction projects, may have its own PMO.
It provides services in both the planning and execution phases, such as preliminary design which
helps define the approximate budget and timeframe. Also, it helps in the acquisition of a
designer and contractor and in project management, from the owner’s side.
Of course, the role of the owner in construction project management differs from the
contractor’s role. Consequently, the PMO in an owner’s organization will differ in structure and
roles from the contractor’s PMO.
,15. For the same construction project, the contractor has a project manager, and the owner may
have a project manager. What are the major differences in their roles?
Answer: Both the contractor’s and owner’s project manager monitor the work progress and
report to their parties, but the contractor’s project manager has the authority and responsibility
over the work crews and subcontractors. He/she can direct work onsite and make decisions
regarding the site. The owner’s representative, under normal circumstances, cannot interfere
with the work nor issue orders or directions to the work crews and subcontractors. Basically, the
contractor “owns” the project while under construction until the point of hand over to the
owner.
16. Mention two types of each category:
a. Vertical construction
b. Horizontal construction
Answer: Horizontal projects include Highways / roads, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit,
railways, airports. Vertical projects include all types of buildings, residential, commercial, and
other.
17. What are the main two types of project organization? How do they differ? What is the project
organization that is in-between the two types?
Answer: Basically, there are two structures:
A. Functional project organization where all or most of the PM’s team members belong
and report to their functional managers in the main office.
B. Pure project (projectized) organization where the PM’s team is almost autonomous. The
PM acts like the CEO of his/her own organization.
The Matrix project organization is a hybrid between the above two opposites structures, with
varying degrees of leaning towards one of them. The matrix structure closer to the functional
organization is considered “weak matrix.” Conversely, the matrix structure closer to the
projectized organization is considered “strong matrix.”
,Chapter 2: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Exercises:
1. Who is the “chief designer” for a typical building project?
Answer: The architect who starts the design process, creating the floors’ plans and sections and
the building elevations. The architect also creates the internal details and divisions, as well as
specifications and other details. After that, the engineering designers, structural and others,
design their systems. During this engineering design, particularly the structural, there may be
exchange with the architect, triggering changes to the original design within the guidelines of
safety, cost limit, and owner’s approval.
2. Who is the “chief designer” for a typical road and bridge project?
Answer: The structural / civil engineer. Other designers that are likely involved include electrical,
environmental, landscape, and even architects.
3. The architect designs and balances two important criteria while the structural engineer designs
and calculates two other criteria. Discuss the balance of these four criteria. Which one of them
is not subject to compromise?
Answer: The architect balances functionality and aesthetics of the project within the owner’s
cost and preferences guidelines. The structural engineer designs for safety at minimum cost.
Altogether, designers may juggle functionality and aesthetics, which will have an impact on cost,
but cannot juggle or compromise safety.
4. Design and construction go in sequence: Design first and then construction. Can they overlap?
Explain.
Answer: Yes, they can overlap in the case of fast-tracking. Typically, the project concept
(preliminary) design is done first. The project is broken down into phases for the detailed design.
After the completion of the detailed design of phase 1, the construction of this phase starts
while the detailed design of phase 2 is underway. This overlap continues, allowing the
construction of each phase to proceed after its detailed design is completed while the detailed
design of the next phase is proceeding.
Concept
Design
Detailed Design
Construction
5. In the design of building projects, the architect and structural engineer complement each
other’s work, explain.
, Answer: The architect, as mentioned earlier, balances functionality and aesthetics while the
structural engineer takes care of safety. The challenge is to maintain safety and stay within the
owner’s guidelines, particularly cost. The design may take several iterations among the different
designers: especially between the architect and the structural engineer. The structural engineer
may object to certain elements in the architectural design, such as large spans or cantilevers and
suggest more practical or efficient ones. The design exchange cycle is likely to include the
owner, especially when there is an impact on the functionality, appearance / shape, or cost of
the design. The designers will evaluate available options that maintain the safety, cost, and
other requirements. The architect cannot do this alone, nor can the structural engineer. This is
why they must complement each other and possibly include other designers such as mechanical
(HVAC + plumbing), electrical, and others.
6. The designer will attempt to optimize the design from the client’s perspective but can also help
optimize the design from the contractor’s perspective. How can the designer do this?
Answer: Designers take the project’s service life as a primary objective for design, but they are
encouraged to also take the construction phase into consideration. In cases where the general
contractor is picked early enough by the owner, or in the case of design-build contracts, the
participation of the contractor in the design process provides valuable input, particularly from
the constructability point of view. The contractor may make suggestions to optimize the
construction process from cost, duration, efficiency, functionality, safety, or other criteria. For
example, the contractor may suggest replacing the conventional one- and two-way concrete
suspended slabs with flat slabs, where no drop beams exist. Thus, the contractor can use “fly
tables” as formwork, which provides for faster work. The contractor may suggest roof trusses
for a house or other building, in lieu of traditional rafters and joists. The contractor may suggest
slight adjustments to the locations of internal partitions to optimize the utilization of resources
and minimize waste. These suggestions, however, must be approved by the designer and owner.
7. What are the owner’s choices in monitoring the construction process and the contractor’s
adherence to the contract terms?
Answer:
1. Do it him/herself, if qualified and dedicated,
2. Hire the same firm that designed the project for additional services: construction
management, or
3. Hire a 3rd party construction management firm.
the Construction Industry From Concept to
Completion Saleh A. Mubarak
Notes
1- The file is chapter after chapter.
2- We have shown you few pages sample.
3- The file contains all Appendix and Excel sheet
if it exists.
4- We have all what you need, we make update
at every time. There are many new editions
waiting you.
5- If you think you purchased the wrong file You
can contact us at every time, we can replace it
with true one.
Our email:
,Project Management in The Construction Industry:
From Concept to Completion
Saleh Mubarak, Ph.D.
1st edition, 2024
Solution Manual
,Chapter 1: Introduction to Construction Project Management
Exercises:
1. Define a project and give an example.
Answer: A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or
result. An example is a construction of a house, building, or a road. The scope is defined, and the
cost and timeframe are also defined within certain assumptions and contractual agreements.
2. Give an example of a program that contains projects.
Answer: A city municipality may have a program to develop a certain area of the city. This
program may include demolition of old existing buildings, infrastructure work, new construction
(residential and commercial), renovation projects, a new library, school, park, and other
common service projects.
3. Can taking care of your garden be considered as a project? Mention two cases where one
answer is yes and the other is no.
Answer: It can be considered as a project if it is a one-time event, with a defined scope of work.
It may include activities such as clearing weeds, cutting and trimming branches, planting new
plants, adding soil and fertilizer, and cleaning up after work is completed.
However, if it is routine work, such as mowing the loan on a regular basis, it cannot be
considered as a project, unless you consider each event as a project.
4. You are thinking of converting part of your house attic to an office. How can you make this idea
as a project?
Answer: Check the attic: area, shape, and condition. Make a design, envisioning the final
product. Get professional help if you need it. Check if you need a permit from the local
authority. Create a work plan with activities, along with their materials needed and their cost
and duration. Set the project’s budget and schedule. If you are going to contract with a
professional to do the work, you may get a few quotes and choose the contractor that you
believe will do the best job and give you the best value for your money.
It is important, when doing such project, to gear the project towards your needs, such as:
• Perhaps your house is too tight for your family, so you need an extra bedroom for
your teenage son or daughter,
• You need an office to work in,
• You need more space for storage.
• You just want to increase the value of your home before selling it.
5. Do you consider the following as projects (with the description as is)? If not, modify to make it
qualify as a project.
a. Improving your education
b. Changing a flat tire
, c. Losing weight
d. Building a 20’ by 25’ expansion for your house
e. Cleaning the gutters of your house periodically.
f. Maintaining your house garden in good shape
g. Organizing your garage
h. Going on a fun trip for a week
i. Doing a birthday party to your younger sister.
Answer:
a. Improving your education: You need to define the scope, for example obtaining an MBA
degree. You may also need to set some constraints such as the geographic location of
the school (unless it is online), the accreditation of the school, the cost, and timeframe
(depends on whether you will go to school full- or part-time.)
b. Changing a flat tire: Yes, it is a “project” even though it is a small one that can be also
considered as an activity.
c. Losing weight: You need to define how much weight you plan to lose, at least
approximately. You may also define the method, cost, and timeframe. Doing so, will
allow you to monitor your progress.
d. Building a 20’ by 25’ expansion for your house. Yes, this is a project. You need to define
the design and requirements such a permit, which may require the approval of a P.E.
Later, you need to define the cost, and timeframe. You may do the work yourself, if
qualified, or seek the services of a trusted contractor.
e. Cleaning the gutters of your house periodically. Same as in the answer to question No.
3, if this is a one-time major work, it can be considered as a project. If it is a routine
work, then it is not.
f. Maintaining your house garden in good shape. No, it is not a project. The keyword here
is maintain, which implies continuous work.
g. Organizing your garage. Yes, this is a project. Preferably, you have a design on how you
will organize it, such as adding new shelves or cabinets.
h. Going on a fun trip for a week. This can be a project if you define it well, stating items
such as: who will be going with you, where are you going to go, for how long, what are
the activities you plan to do (which will allow you to define the items you need such as
hiking requirements), and the budget.
i. Doing a birthday party to your younger sister. Yes, this is a project but, again you need
to define the scope and requirements. In many cases, you start with the available
budget, which will allow you to know what is feasible for you.
6. How does the owner’s “project” differ from the contractor’s “project”?
Answer: The owner’s project starts once the decision to carry out the project is taken. It may
include items such as planning, acquiring the land, financing, design and permitting, bidding (or
negotiation) and awarding the project, and construction. The contractor’s project starts when
, signing the contract. Both, owner’s and contractor’s project and when the project is physically
completed and transferred to the owner, and all financial issues are settled.
7. Why must an owner do feasibility study before approving or making a final decision on the
project? What are the main objectives of this feasibility study?
Answer: Feasibility studies are very important for the owner as they provide valuable
information early enough to make the best decision. Feasibility studies may result in abandoning
the project completely such as if the expected return (MARR) is insufficient, the cost is beyond
the available resources, or there is a legal restriction that prevents such project or limit it to the
point of becoming undesirable. Feasibility studies also provide information to the owner leading
to best solutions and methods. For example, the level of risk may direct the owner to the
suitable type of contract. It may also point out to potential trouble spots and the items that
need early planning.
8. Mention the main stakeholders in a private project.
Answer: The main stakeholders in a private project are:
• The owner of the project,
• The designer of the project,
• The general contractor,
• The professional construction manager if it is a 3rd party.
• If the owner contracted with subcontractor directly, then every subcontractor who has a
contract with the owner is a main stakeholder.
9. Mention the main stakeholders in a public project.
Answer: The main stakeholders in a public project are all those mentioned in question No. 8,
plus:
• The public around the project (as defined by local law),
• The taxpayers for that public agency,
• Other public agencies that have jurisdiction over the project, such as the EPA,
• Any entity that financially contributes to the project,
10. In what aspects do public and private projects differ?
Answer:
1. Project initiation process, justification, and contracting guidelines.
2. Authority and the decision-making process.
3. Stakeholders.
4. Source(s) of funding and restrictions.
5. Transparency.
11. What is a capital improvement project?
Answer: A capital improvement project is any major improvement to facilities and
infrastructure. Projects may include construction and renovation of roads and streets, bridges,
, intersections, traffic systems, recreation centers, libraries, parks, automobile parking garages,
water and wastewater treatment facilities, solid waste and recycling plants, and power stations.
It may also include the purchase of new fleet vehicles and IT networks.
12. What are the types of owners for a project?
Answer:
1. Public (government): This includes all levels and types of government agencies.
2. Private corporations owned by shareholders, as well as non-profit organizations. These
corporations usually have a board of directors (or trustees) that oversees the running of
operations as well as major decisions.
3. Private individuals or corporations / businesses owned entirely by an individual or group
of individuals.
4. Public Private Partnership (PPP).
5. International or multi-national organizations
13. What benefits does certification in construction management, or one of its specialties, bring to
the bearer of the certificate, to the employer, and the client?
Answer: Certification simply means that the person who holds this certificate meets the
minimum level of knowledge in the field. It also helps standardize concepts and practices for the
profession. It does not, however, guarantee good performance. In the authors’ opinion,
certification is more important and meaningful for a young person with little experience. It
assures the potential employer that the candidate knows the “ins and outs” in his/her field. For
a senior professional with lots of proven experience, the certification is less meaningful,
although it still a “feather in his/her cap.”
14. What is a PMO? Why would an organization have a PMO as a part of its structure?
Answer: Project Management Office is a management structure that standardizes the project-
related governance processes and facilitates the sharing of resources, methodologies, tools, and
techniques. PMO is usually a permanent part of the organization that can go up and down in
size, depending on the organization’s need.
An owner’s organization that frequently executes construction projects, may have its own PMO.
It provides services in both the planning and execution phases, such as preliminary design which
helps define the approximate budget and timeframe. Also, it helps in the acquisition of a
designer and contractor and in project management, from the owner’s side.
Of course, the role of the owner in construction project management differs from the
contractor’s role. Consequently, the PMO in an owner’s organization will differ in structure and
roles from the contractor’s PMO.
,15. For the same construction project, the contractor has a project manager, and the owner may
have a project manager. What are the major differences in their roles?
Answer: Both the contractor’s and owner’s project manager monitor the work progress and
report to their parties, but the contractor’s project manager has the authority and responsibility
over the work crews and subcontractors. He/she can direct work onsite and make decisions
regarding the site. The owner’s representative, under normal circumstances, cannot interfere
with the work nor issue orders or directions to the work crews and subcontractors. Basically, the
contractor “owns” the project while under construction until the point of hand over to the
owner.
16. Mention two types of each category:
a. Vertical construction
b. Horizontal construction
Answer: Horizontal projects include Highways / roads, bridges, tunnels, and mass transit,
railways, airports. Vertical projects include all types of buildings, residential, commercial, and
other.
17. What are the main two types of project organization? How do they differ? What is the project
organization that is in-between the two types?
Answer: Basically, there are two structures:
A. Functional project organization where all or most of the PM’s team members belong
and report to their functional managers in the main office.
B. Pure project (projectized) organization where the PM’s team is almost autonomous. The
PM acts like the CEO of his/her own organization.
The Matrix project organization is a hybrid between the above two opposites structures, with
varying degrees of leaning towards one of them. The matrix structure closer to the functional
organization is considered “weak matrix.” Conversely, the matrix structure closer to the
projectized organization is considered “strong matrix.”
,Chapter 2: Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Exercises:
1. Who is the “chief designer” for a typical building project?
Answer: The architect who starts the design process, creating the floors’ plans and sections and
the building elevations. The architect also creates the internal details and divisions, as well as
specifications and other details. After that, the engineering designers, structural and others,
design their systems. During this engineering design, particularly the structural, there may be
exchange with the architect, triggering changes to the original design within the guidelines of
safety, cost limit, and owner’s approval.
2. Who is the “chief designer” for a typical road and bridge project?
Answer: The structural / civil engineer. Other designers that are likely involved include electrical,
environmental, landscape, and even architects.
3. The architect designs and balances two important criteria while the structural engineer designs
and calculates two other criteria. Discuss the balance of these four criteria. Which one of them
is not subject to compromise?
Answer: The architect balances functionality and aesthetics of the project within the owner’s
cost and preferences guidelines. The structural engineer designs for safety at minimum cost.
Altogether, designers may juggle functionality and aesthetics, which will have an impact on cost,
but cannot juggle or compromise safety.
4. Design and construction go in sequence: Design first and then construction. Can they overlap?
Explain.
Answer: Yes, they can overlap in the case of fast-tracking. Typically, the project concept
(preliminary) design is done first. The project is broken down into phases for the detailed design.
After the completion of the detailed design of phase 1, the construction of this phase starts
while the detailed design of phase 2 is underway. This overlap continues, allowing the
construction of each phase to proceed after its detailed design is completed while the detailed
design of the next phase is proceeding.
Concept
Design
Detailed Design
Construction
5. In the design of building projects, the architect and structural engineer complement each
other’s work, explain.
, Answer: The architect, as mentioned earlier, balances functionality and aesthetics while the
structural engineer takes care of safety. The challenge is to maintain safety and stay within the
owner’s guidelines, particularly cost. The design may take several iterations among the different
designers: especially between the architect and the structural engineer. The structural engineer
may object to certain elements in the architectural design, such as large spans or cantilevers and
suggest more practical or efficient ones. The design exchange cycle is likely to include the
owner, especially when there is an impact on the functionality, appearance / shape, or cost of
the design. The designers will evaluate available options that maintain the safety, cost, and
other requirements. The architect cannot do this alone, nor can the structural engineer. This is
why they must complement each other and possibly include other designers such as mechanical
(HVAC + plumbing), electrical, and others.
6. The designer will attempt to optimize the design from the client’s perspective but can also help
optimize the design from the contractor’s perspective. How can the designer do this?
Answer: Designers take the project’s service life as a primary objective for design, but they are
encouraged to also take the construction phase into consideration. In cases where the general
contractor is picked early enough by the owner, or in the case of design-build contracts, the
participation of the contractor in the design process provides valuable input, particularly from
the constructability point of view. The contractor may make suggestions to optimize the
construction process from cost, duration, efficiency, functionality, safety, or other criteria. For
example, the contractor may suggest replacing the conventional one- and two-way concrete
suspended slabs with flat slabs, where no drop beams exist. Thus, the contractor can use “fly
tables” as formwork, which provides for faster work. The contractor may suggest roof trusses
for a house or other building, in lieu of traditional rafters and joists. The contractor may suggest
slight adjustments to the locations of internal partitions to optimize the utilization of resources
and minimize waste. These suggestions, however, must be approved by the designer and owner.
7. What are the owner’s choices in monitoring the construction process and the contractor’s
adherence to the contract terms?
Answer:
1. Do it him/herself, if qualified and dedicated,
2. Hire the same firm that designed the project for additional services: construction
management, or
3. Hire a 3rd party construction management firm.
