Skip to main content
Spotify for Podcasters
The Pipeline Podcast

The Pipeline Podcast

By Scott Jennings

Construction Topics and Talk
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Castbox Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Stitcher Logo
Currently playing episode

Construction Law Bible

The Pipeline PodcastJun 10, 2019

00:00
05:55
Larry King and Katt Williams: Now It’s Your Turn
Jun 05, 202309:06
Measured Mile: It’s Not Just for Contractors
May 25, 202314:10
Partner, But Not Necessarily Via Partnering
May 19, 202309:57
Stroke: You’re Having One Right Now
May 09, 202310:27
Contractor Estimating: Drop the Curtain
May 09, 202311:15
New Civil Grads: Three Roads, Choose One!
May 05, 202312:05
Construction in Thailand: 1st and 3rd World Combined
May 01, 202311:45
Your Last Choice: The Total Cost Claim Approach
Apr 07, 202308:48
What is Extended Performance?
Mar 31, 202309:24
Mindset Differences – Major Leaguers v. Minor Leaguers
Mar 21, 202308:20
An Offering of a Contractor’s Standard of Care
Mar 10, 202311:25
Business In Hawaii Is The Same, But Totally Different
Feb 13, 202314:17
Pipeline Trench Talk 01 - Crane Operator Clem Conceicao
Feb 03, 202325:32
How to Start a Professional Construction Company
Jan 29, 202311:10
What’s the Difference Between Unit Price and Lump Sum Bids?
Jan 24, 202309:41
The Low Bid Model – Time to Go?
Jan 15, 202310:22
Utility Drawings 101: The Plan and Profile
Jan 06, 202315:10
Subsurface Disclaimers Don’t Hold – Travelers v. U.S.
Dec 29, 202213:25
Parkinson's Law - Hoping to Quantify Pacing
Dec 21, 202209:01
The Preparatory Meeting: Priceless
Dec 14, 202211:39
Legal Jargon and Process 101
Dec 06, 202210:57
Bonds and Bonding Capacity 101
Nov 28, 202210:41
Construction is Broken - Give me the Onsite EOR
Nov 22, 202209:52
The Importance of As-Builts
Nov 14, 202208:26
University Cooperative Education – the Real Deal!
Nov 09, 202210:00
Water in the Hole! What’s it Mean?

Water in the Hole! What’s it Mean?

–The Pipeline Podcast – Ep 230 Water in the Hole! What’s it Mean? – With Scott Jennings

Listen to this latest episode of “The Pipeline Podcast” where Scott Jennings talks about the importance of understanding what water behavior in an excavation tells you about site conditions.  There is good water, and there is bad water.  Bad water is pretty much any water in your house - it causes degradation of wood frame members, settlement in your foundation, and many other things.  In a heavy/civil sense, it can do major things like introduce unwanted buoyancy in temporary or permanent structures and produce unwanted voids below ground.

In this episode, Scott goes over water inspection and field observation/research techniques to help you, your crew, and the structure stay safe during construction. It is also explained here that water may change with the seasons, so it is important to take this into account in addition to the water's velocity, the smell, and, if you dare, the taste. Scott further explains how respecting the water and having a backup plan will help your project succeed.

I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.
Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!

Connect with Scott Jennings, host of The Pipeline Podcast:

Website:      http://sjcivil.com

LinkedIn:   www.linkedin.com/in/scott-jennings-p-e-1435103

Email:          sj@sjcivil.com

Subscribe to the Podcast:

http://sjcivil.net/podcast/
https://anchor.fm/sjccsitesurvey

Nov 04, 202209:02
Smartsheet™ - A Contractor's Dream
Oct 26, 202209:41
Pipe Encasement Flotation – Archimedes was the Man!
Oct 18, 202208:56
Owners Loosen Up Your Grip!
Oct 12, 202210:32
Reading Rebar Drawings 101
Oct 04, 202208:43
Great Ways To Die
Sep 27, 202208:56
Don’t Get Your P.E. License - A Ridiculous Statement
Sep 20, 202208:26
I Wrote A Children’s Book Because I Could
Sep 12, 202205:35
Why to Get a Contractor’s License

Why to Get a Contractor’s License

Operating without a contractor’s license can be anywhere from inconvenient to illegal.  Hear here why you should consider obtaining a license.


http://sjcivil.net/news/why-to-get-a-contractors-license/

Feb 01, 202207:23
No Taj Garage

No Taj Garage

Building a business is ultimately about dollars and cents. You’ve got to not lose money to stay in business. Here’s some advice for those in business or thinking about going into business. Spend less.

http://sjcivil.net/news/no-taj-garage/

Dec 06, 202105:59
Linear Scheduling: Effective with a Bend of Your Mind

Linear Scheduling: Effective with a Bend of Your Mind

Gantt charts have long been the established norm for construction scheduling. Linear scheduling is not nearly as common, especially in America, but can be a great tool.

http://sjcivil.net/news/linear-scheduling-effective-with-a-bend-of-your-mind/

Nov 28, 202110:30
A Kick in the, Well, You Know: “Last Minute” Bid Postponement

A Kick in the, Well, You Know: “Last Minute” Bid Postponement

The effects on a Project by an Owner who untimely, in a “last minute” manner, postpones a bid are significant – here’s how.

http://sjcivil.net/news/a-kick-in-the-well-you-know-last-minute-bid-postponement/

Nov 25, 202109:28
Claims Tools & Methodologies

Claims Tools & Methodologies

Construction claims are generated using many tools and many different methodologies. Listen here to learn some of the basic to intermediate approaches.

http://sjcivil.net/podcast/claims-tools-methodologies/


Nov 01, 202109:29
Cake Batter and Concrete Mix Design: Same Thing!

Cake Batter and Concrete Mix Design: Same Thing!

Knowing how to read a concrete mix design is helpful for the project management team: from project manager to foreman. Here are some basics.

http://sjcivil.net/engineering/cake-batter-and-concrete-mix-design-same-thing/

Oct 12, 202109:16
Help Yourself: Be the Most Coachable Player

Help Yourself: Be the Most Coachable Player

Being the best employee does require having traits which benefit your company, but one trait more than any other will help you as an employee benefit yourself and your own career. It’s called being coachable.

http://sjcivil.net/management/help-yourself-be-the-most-coachable-player/

Oct 07, 202107:04
Ways That Engineers Manage Failure: Deflection

Ways That Engineers Manage Failure: Deflection

In construction, or after the fact in the permanent structure, engineers are predicting structural behavior and trying to either control a failure or minimize it. Herein are ways engineers engineer failure in both instances – via deflection.

http://sjcivil.net/news/ways-that-engineers-manage-failure-deflection/

Sep 30, 202110:30
Bridges 101: What Makes up a Bridge

Bridges 101: What Makes up a Bridge

Basically, from the dictionary, a bridge carries a road across an obstacle. On top it could be a railway, or it could be a walking path, or it could be a vehicle roadway. And down below it could be going over a river or it could be a ravine, or it could be another road. Everyone knows what a bridge is; however, not everyone knows the names of the components of a bridge.

http://sjcivil.net/news/bridges-101-what-makes-up-a-bridge/

Sep 29, 202104:39
Another Contractor Claims Tool: ASCE 71-21 Identifying, Quantifying, and Proving Loss of Productivity

Another Contractor Claims Tool: ASCE 71-21 Identifying, Quantifying, and Proving Loss of Productivity

Loss of productivity claims for contractors are common, and always difficult to be successful with against an owner. ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers), primarily an Owner’s advocate, has provided contractors with another tool for their toolbox: ASCE Standard 71-21 Identifying, Quantifying, and Proving Loss of Productivity. It was published in 2021.


http://sjcivil.net/news/another-contractor-claims-tool-asce-71-21-identifying-quantifying-and-proving-loss-of-productivity/

Sep 10, 202109:37
 Project Loss Insurance: Heard of It?

Project Loss Insurance: Heard of It?

There exists an insurance product to mitigate the risk associated with catastrophic failure of a construction company. It’s called Project Loss Insurance.

http://sjcivil.net/news/project-loss-insurance-heard-of-it/

Aug 07, 202106:34
Debt: You Need It

Debt: You Need It

Debt, at least in the American construction business, is helpful when it comes to growth. Here’s a couple reasons why.

http://sjcivil.net/news/debt-you-need-it/

Jul 21, 202111:09
Utes and Bunds: Working in New Zealand

Utes and Bunds: Working in New Zealand

Civil construction is the same, but different, in New Zealand. Some terms and methods which vary from American civil construction follow.

http://sjcivil.net/means-methods/utes-and-bunds-working-in-new-zealand/

Jul 16, 202103:38
Bluebeam Revu Review

Bluebeam Revu Review

Bluebeam Revu is a tool that’s been around for several years now to aid in the manipulation of pdf documents – hear a little bit about it here and why I insist on using it.

http://sjcivil.net/software/bluebeam-revu-review/

Jul 07, 202107:45
Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Manual Work: It’s Ok

Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Manual Work: It’s Ok

In a world now so heavily reliant upon computers, many construction professionals try to automate the entire process, of whatever they may be working on. Some things will still have to be manual, and that’s ok.

http://sjcivil.net/engineering/dont-be-afraid-of-a-little-manual-work-its-ok/

Jul 01, 202107:20
Keep the Excavator Digging – It Drives the Cost

Keep the Excavator Digging – It Drives the Cost

Properly planning and monitoring the work can result in a safer and more profitable activity. Here’s one way to do it in utility installation.

http://sjcivil.net/operations/keep-the-excavator-digging-it-drives-the-cost/

Jun 22, 202105:59
Estimating: Theoretical Versus Production History

Estimating: Theoretical Versus Production History

Many approaches exist for estimating – two of them being a theoretical approach versus a production history approach. One is based on what you think, the other on what you know. These terms may not be familiar to you, but the difference in execution may be.

http://sjcivil.net/news/estimating-theoretical-versus-production-history/

Jun 18, 202108:26
Webinar: Inside the Contractor Mind: Bidding, Change Orders, & Claims

Webinar: Inside the Contractor Mind: Bidding, Change Orders, & Claims

Scott Jennings and Patrick Mullen gave a very frank presentation on what runs through the contractor’s mind in his/her creation of a bid, formulation of a changer order, and preparation of a claim. Both cost and time.

http://sjcivil.net/webinars/inside-the-contractor-mind-bidding-change-orders-claims/

Jun 03, 202101:21:08
Inside the Contractor’s Mind: Bidding, Change Orders, & Claims

Inside the Contractor’s Mind: Bidding, Change Orders, & Claims

Scott Jennings and Patrick Mullen gave a very frank presentation on what runs through the contractor’s mind in his/her creation of a bid, formulation of a change order, and preparation of a claim. Both cost and time.

http://sjcivil.net/news/inside-the-contractors-mind-bidding-change-orders-claims/

Jun 03, 202103:30
Using a Static Indirect Bid Item in your Bids

Using a Static Indirect Bid Item in your Bids

Create a static bid item in all of your bids to serve as a checklist for indirect costs – both jobsite and corporate indirects!


http://sjcivil.net/estimating/using-a-static-indirect-bid-item-in-your-bids/

Jun 02, 202106:04
SJ's Toolbox Term: Joint Venture

SJ's Toolbox Term: Joint Venture

Joint Venture

May 15, 202100:39
Lose the Guilt – Mark it Up!

Lose the Guilt – Mark it Up!

Contractors deserve to be profitable. It’s necessary for business survival. A perceived exorbitant markup should not be fretted over. Mark it up!

http://sjcivil.net/news/lose-the-guilt-mark-it-up/

May 14, 202106:29
SJ's Toolbox Term: Working Capital

SJ's Toolbox Term: Working Capital

Working Capital

May 01, 202100:43
Blind and Dumb: Meeting Attendees

Blind and Dumb: Meeting Attendees

An effective meeting is one wherein the attendees are “with” the facilitator the entire time and can and do follow along. Here are some suggested tactics.

http://sjcivil.net/management/blind-and-dumb-meeting-attendees/

Apr 27, 202107:02
SJ's Toolbox Term: Pay Width

SJ's Toolbox Term: Pay Width

Pay Width

Apr 24, 202100:48
Trained or Untrained? Being Claim-Ready

Trained or Untrained? Being Claim-Ready

Contractors that deal with tough projects, tough clients, and/or tough contracts need to be in a mindset of always being claim-ready. Here’s the start to being claim-ready.

http://sjcivil.net/claims/trained-or-untrained-being-claim-ready/

Apr 20, 202107:33
SJ's Toolbox Term: Unbalance

SJ's Toolbox Term: Unbalance

Unbalance

Apr 17, 202101:00
The Calibration Period: Plan for Patience

The Calibration Period: Plan for Patience

New business relationships do not come free of humps and bumps. Work through these challenges to develop lifelong partners.

http://sjcivil.net/management/the-calibration-period-plan-for-patience/

Apr 14, 202106:18
SJ's Toolbox Term: Minority Goal

SJ's Toolbox Term: Minority Goal

Minority Goal

Apr 10, 202100:53
Delay Letter: A Template & How to Write One

Delay Letter: A Template & How to Write One

As a contractor, the notification of delay is critical. Here are the important ingredients to a delay letter.

http://sjcivil.net/claims/delay-letter-a-template-how-to-write-one/

Apr 08, 202109:34
SJ's Toolbox Term: LLC

SJ's Toolbox Term: LLC

LLC

Apr 05, 202100:27
Your Equipment Rates: Where to Start

Your Equipment Rates: Where to Start

Whether in an estimate setup or change order negotiation scenario, if you do not know your equipment rates, start with a baseline cost.

http://sjcivil.net/estimating/equipment-rates/

Mar 31, 202107:59
SJ's Toolbox Term: Float

SJ's Toolbox Term: Float

Float

Mar 27, 202100:32
The Leonard Curves: Another Tool in Labor Loss Quantification

The Leonard Curves: Another Tool in Labor Loss Quantification

Charles Leonard performed a study which resulted in the Leonard curves. These curves may be a helpful tool to quantify your labor productivity loss due to cumulative impacts on your project.

http://sjcivil.net/claims/the-leonard-curves-another-tool-in-labor-loss-quantification/

Mar 25, 202109:35
SJ's Toolbox Term: Extended Overhead

SJ's Toolbox Term: Extended Overhead

Extended Overhead

Mar 20, 202100:44
Going “Legit”: Lose the Brown Paper Bag

Going “Legit”: Lose the Brown Paper Bag

If you’ve been running the accounts receivable and accounts payable out of a brown paper bag and want to go “legit”, here are the first steps.

http://sjcivil.net/news/going-legit-lose-the-brown-paper-bag/

Mar 16, 202113:08
SJ's Toolbox Term: Covenant

SJ's Toolbox Term: Covenant

Covenant

Mar 14, 202100:43
Jet Grout in Five Minutes

Jet Grout in Five Minutes

Jet grout has been, and continues to be, a successful means of ground improvement. It can serve many purposes – two of the most common are structural support and groundwater control.

http://sjcivil.net/means-methods/jet-grout-in-five-minutes/

Mar 02, 202107:04
SJ's Toolbox Term: Entitlement

SJ's Toolbox Term: Entitlement

Entitlement

Feb 27, 202100:26
Engine Failure Makes Engineers Great: Redundancy

Engine Failure Makes Engineers Great: Redundancy

On February 20, 2021 a Boeing 777 airplane lost an engine during flight over Colorado. The engine failure was catastrophic and could have resulted in hundreds of deaths. The plane landed safely back in Denver. This failure highlights the greatness of engineers.

http://sjcivil.net/news/engine-failure-makes-engineers-great-redundancy/

Feb 23, 202106:21
SJ's Toolbox Term: Force Account

SJ's Toolbox Term: Force Account

Force Account

Feb 21, 202100:35
What a College Degree Says

What a College Degree Says

A college degree sometimes seems overrated as it isn’t necessarily a measure of intelligence, nor a guarantee of success. A pigskin on the wall says more than “I know engineering” or “I know business”. It says, “I can finish things.”

http://sjcivil.net/management/what-a-college-degree-says/

Feb 16, 202104:53
SJ's Toolbox Term: Invert Spring Line Crown

SJ's Toolbox Term: Invert Spring Line Crown

Invert Spring Line Crown

Feb 14, 202100:47
Contingency Doesn’t Exist When Low Bid Wins

Contingency Doesn’t Exist When Low Bid Wins

When an owner determines the method of award is that the low bid wins, they shouldn’t expect contingency in a contractor’s bid. Here’s what they should expect.

http://sjcivil.net/news/contingency-doesnt-exist-when-low-bid-wins/

Feb 09, 202105:22
SJ's Toolbox Term: Spider Box & Bologna Cord

SJ's Toolbox Term: Spider Box & Bologna Cord

Spider Box & Bologna Cord

Feb 07, 202100:44
Bucketing – the Proper Claim Accounting Method

Bucketing – the Proper Claim Accounting Method

The categorization of costs incurred in a changed condition scenario is critical in dispute resolution. Account for costs by issue and sub-issue by creating buckets of costs. Do it early!

http://sjcivil.net/news/bucketing-the-proper-claim-accounting-method/

Feb 01, 202107:54
SJ's Toolbox Term: Allowance

SJ's Toolbox Term: Allowance

Allowance

Jan 31, 202100:56
K.I.S.S. – Keep It Simple Stupid
Jan 30, 202103:39
SJ's Toolbox Term: F.A.R. (Federal Acquisition Regulations)

SJ's Toolbox Term: F.A.R. (Federal Acquisition Regulations)

F.A.R. (Federal Acquisition Regulations)

Jan 15, 202100:24
 Incidental: What’s in a Word?

Incidental: What’s in a Word?

The word “incidental” is common to the construction industry and it can be damning if you’re not careful. Understand what you’re committing to when you enter that unit price in the bid proposal when it requires “all incidental costs be included”.

http://sjcivil.net/payment/whats-in-a-word-incidental/

Jan 15, 202108:07
SJ's Toolbox Term: Latent versus patent

SJ's Toolbox Term: Latent versus patent

Latent versus patent

Jan 09, 202100:21
Delay Types – Top 4 List

Delay Types – Top 4 List

Contractors experience all sorts of delays. This article covers what, arguably, may be the four most common types: inexcusable, excusable, compensable, and concurrent delays.

http://sjcivil.net/news/delay-types-top-4-list/

Dec 24, 202001:60
SJ's Toolbox Term: Purchase order

SJ's Toolbox Term: Purchase order

Purchase order

Dec 19, 202000:30
Five Minute “How To”: Starting A Construction Business

Five Minute “How To”: Starting A Construction Business

Starting a construction business has its unique requirements. These plus the norms will get you up and running at your new construction business.

http://sjcivil.net/business-development/five-minute-how-to-starting-a-construction-business/

Dec 15, 202006:54
SJ's Toolbox Term: Squares

SJ's Toolbox Term: Squares

Squares

Dec 12, 202000:32
Shallow versus Deep Foundations: What’s the Difference?

Shallow versus Deep Foundations: What’s the Difference?

Our nation’s infrastructure bears on many types of foundations. Generally speaking, they can be classified into two different types: shallow or deep foundations.


http://sjcivil.net/news/shallow-versus-deep-foundations-whats-the-difference/

Dec 11, 202005:19
SJ's Toolbox Term: Post-tensioned concrete

SJ's Toolbox Term: Post-tensioned concrete

Post-tensioned concrete

Dec 05, 202000:53
Pre-Bid Questioning to the Owner or Yourself

Pre-Bid Questioning to the Owner or Yourself

Many challenges in a project can be flushed out in the pre-bid phase with clear and concise questioning to the Owner. Consider these questions as a part of your bidding procedure.

http://sjcivil.net/news/pre-bid-questioning-to-the-owner-or-yourself/

Dec 03, 202010:30
SJ's Toolbox Term: Level vs plumb

SJ's Toolbox Term: Level vs plumb

Level vs plumb

Nov 28, 202000:41
General Contractor & Owner Financial Protection: Two Ways

General Contractor & Owner Financial Protection: Two Ways

When making regular payments throughout the lifespan of a construction project, there are two main ways a general contractor or owner can achieve a significant level of financial protection: the joint check and/or the lien release.

http://sjcivil.net/cost-controls/general-contractor-owner-financial-protection-two-ways/

Nov 27, 202008:15
SJ's Toolbox Term: Prestressed concrete

SJ's Toolbox Term: Prestressed concrete

Prestressed concrete

Nov 21, 202000:43
Please Cough – The One Thing to Do This Week

Please Cough – The One Thing to Do This Week

Caring about your employees is human and it’s good for business. Combine the two to create solid and long-lasting relationships plus a healthy business. Send your employees to the doctor. Regularly.

http://sjcivil.net/news/please-cough-the-one-thing-to-do-this-week/

Nov 20, 202005:43
SJ's Toolbox Term: Concrete Slump

SJ's Toolbox Term: Concrete Slump

Concrete Slump

Nov 14, 202001:00
Setting the Bid Unit Price: 2 Main Reasons for Unbalancing

Setting the Bid Unit Price: 2 Main Reasons for Unbalancing

Setting of bid prices on a unit price bid can have significant effects on the financial performance of a project. Set your unit prices in your proposals to have positive impact. Be strategic.

http://sjcivil.net/estimating/setting-the-bid-unit-price-2-main-reasons-for-unbalancing/


Nov 14, 202013:14
SJ's Toolbox Term: Formwork

SJ's Toolbox Term: Formwork

Formwork

Nov 07, 202000:28
Top 6 Ingredients of a Letter

Top 6 Ingredients of a Letter

Letters in the construction industry, during the course of a project, usually are reserved for contentious issues or to satisfy notification requirements. Here are six of the most important and common ingredients in these letters.

http://sjcivil.net/claims/top-6-ingredients-of-a-letter/

Nov 07, 202007:11
SJ's Toolbox Term: Continuity Equation

SJ's Toolbox Term: Continuity Equation

Continuity Equation

Oct 31, 202001:13
Pipe Goes Bang!

Pipe Goes Bang!

Any noise beyond liquid simply flowing in a pipe is likely not a good thing. Two potentially dangerous noises in pipes/pumping systems are water hammer and cavitation.

http://sjcivil.net/engineering/pipe-goes-bang/

Oct 30, 202005:02
SJ's Toolbox Term: Beam-column

SJ's Toolbox Term: Beam-column

Beam-column

Oct 24, 202000:59
Insult Your Client with Simplicity: Day Labeling

Insult Your Client with Simplicity: Day Labeling

Construction contracts are almost always measured in some sort of day: a working day or a calendar day. In analysis and project communication, kill the doubt for the reader and always define the type of day in every use of the word “day”.

http://sjcivil.net/news/insult-your-client-with-simplicity-day-labeling/

Oct 23, 202010:30
SJ's Toolbox Term: 10 Civil Construction abbreviations

SJ's Toolbox Term: 10 Civil Construction abbreviations

10 Civil Construction abbreviations

Oct 17, 202000:45
Closer to 1.30, not 1.50

Closer to 1.30, not 1.50

A common mistake in estimating is the cost of an overtime manhour.  Overtime is generally not one and one-half times the straight time rate.  It’s usually closer to 1.30.


http://sjcivil.net/news/closer-to-1-30-not-1-50/

Oct 16, 202003:24
SJ's Toolbox Term: Pre-Stressed vs Post-Tensioned

SJ's Toolbox Term: Pre-Stressed vs Post-Tensioned

Pre-Stressed vs Post-Tensioned

Oct 10, 202000:53
Fire! Run to It, Not From It!

Fire! Run to It, Not From It!

Construction often times does not go per plan. These unexpected variances in the plan can make or break a job. How you treat these “fires” can define your effectiveness as a manager. In construction there’s dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of things, that can go wrong...


http://sjcivil.net/management/fire-run-to-it-not-from-it/

Oct 09, 202004:57
SJ's Toolbox Term: Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel

SJ's Toolbox Term: Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel

Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel

Sep 26, 202000:42
Contract Mapping: A Valuable Tool in Your Toolbox

Contract Mapping: A Valuable Tool in Your Toolbox

Contract interpretation can be difficult for a construction professional. Contracts are comprised of thousands of words and hundreds of paragraphs. Consider “contract mapping” to help quickly guide you through a contract.

http://sjcivil.net/contracts/contract-mapping-a-valuable-tool-in-your-toolbox/

Sep 25, 202006:29
SJ's Toolbox Term: Trenchbox

SJ's Toolbox Term: Trenchbox

Trenchbox

Sep 19, 202000:48
You Better Honor Your Bid on Bid Day Mr. Subcontractor

You Better Honor Your Bid on Bid Day Mr. Subcontractor

As a general contractor you can rely on your subcontractor’s bid on bid day as a binding agreement.  But not in all states. Listen on to learn about protection granted by the Doctrine of Promissory Estoppel...

http://sjcivil.net/law/you-better-honor-your-bid-on-bid-day-mr-subcontractor/

Sep 18, 202007:46
SJ's Toolbox Term: Parapet

SJ's Toolbox Term: Parapet

Parapet

Sep 12, 202000:30
An Hour’s not an Hour, and it’s Certainly not a Day
Sep 11, 202006:53
SJ's Toolbox Term: Order of Precedence

SJ's Toolbox Term: Order of Precedence

Order of Precedence

Sep 05, 202000:37
Anatomy of a Change
Sep 04, 202006:46
SJ's Toolbox Term: PK Nail

SJ's Toolbox Term: PK Nail

PK nail

Aug 29, 202000:48
Shhh, You’re being Recorded – and Two Other Tips
Aug 28, 202003:00
SJ's Toolbox Term: EROPS / ROPS

SJ's Toolbox Term: EROPS / ROPS

EROPS / ROPS

Aug 22, 202000:42
Quantifying the Loss in Labor Productivity: the MCAA Factors
Aug 21, 202010:30
SJ's Toolbox Term: Air Entrainment

SJ's Toolbox Term: Air Entrainment

Air Entrainment

Aug 15, 202000:41
Cash v. Accrual Accounting – Whatchu Talkin’ About Willis?
Aug 14, 202007:07
SJ's Toolbox Term: Grouser

SJ's Toolbox Term: Grouser

Grouser

Aug 04, 202000:30
How to do a Job Cost Projection: Cutting through the Fog – Part 2
Aug 03, 202013:52
SJ's Toolbox Term: Escalation

SJ's Toolbox Term: Escalation

Escalation

Aug 01, 202000:34
How to do a Job Cost Projection: Cutting through the Fog – Part 1
Jul 31, 202009:33
SJ's Toolbox Term: Serial Letter

SJ's Toolbox Term: Serial Letter

Serial Letter

Jul 25, 202001:01
Mistaken Taboo: Project Overhead

Mistaken Taboo: Project Overhead

Field overhead carries different names with different contractors and owners. Discussed here is what field overhead is, and why it’s important for owners to understand.

http://sjcivil.net/news/mistaken-taboo-project-overhead/

Jul 24, 202010:30
SJ's Toolbox Term: Spreader Beam

SJ's Toolbox Term: Spreader Beam

Spreader Beam

Jun 28, 202000:53
The #1 Driver of a Construction Claim

The #1 Driver of a Construction Claim

A construction claim is a dispute in the Work as it was contemplated in the original construction documents. However, a large percentage of what drives a claim is not the Contract. It’s the people. It’s personalities.

http://sjcivil.net/claims/the-number-1-driver-of-a-construction-claim/

Jun 27, 202010:31
SJ's Toolbox Term: Active & passive soil pressure

SJ's Toolbox Term: Active & passive soil pressure

Active & passive soil pressure

Jun 20, 202000:45
Don’t be Charlie Brown’s Teacher

Don’t be Charlie Brown’s Teacher

If you are interested in communicating information to your audience, and you want your audience to absorb and remember what you’re saying, communicate effectively. Communicate using vocabulary, tempo, brevity, and body language that your client understands and wants. It’s not about you. It’s about them. They need to get it. You already do.

http://sjcivil.net/lessons/dont-be-charlie-browns-teacher/


Jun 19, 202007:50
SJ's Toolbox Term: May vs Shall

SJ's Toolbox Term: May vs Shall

May vs Shall

Jun 13, 202000:41
Construction Contract Review Basics

Construction Contract Review Basics

Each day we hand contracts down to our subs or we are signing contracts down from Owners or General Contractors.  Know some of the basics of what to look for here.

http://sjcivil.net/legal/construction-contract-review-basics/

Jun 10, 202011:25
SJ's Toolbox Term: Termination for Convenience

SJ's Toolbox Term: Termination for Convenience

 Termination for Convenience

Jun 10, 202001:07
Webinar: Small/Medium Business Cybersecurity & Best Practices during COVID-19
Jun 10, 202001:02:21
SJ's Toolbox Term: Invert Elevation

SJ's Toolbox Term: Invert Elevation

Invert Elevation

Jun 06, 202000:38
Better the Devil You Know

Better the Devil You Know

Many folks make changes based on temporary pains. More often than not, better the devil you know that the devil you don’t.

http://sjcivil.net/ceo-owner/better-the-devil-you-know/

Jun 05, 202003:50
SJ's Toolbox Term: PCO

SJ's Toolbox Term: PCO

PCO

May 23, 202000:37
Estimating: It’s an Art and a Science

Estimating: It’s an Art and a Science

Construction estimating isn’t wholly about the numbers. It involves a “feel” in its execution. This is why many say estimating is an art and a science.

http://sjcivil.net/estimating/estimating-its-an-art-and-a-science/

May 23, 202005:15
SJ's Toolbox Term: Cubic yard

SJ's Toolbox Term: Cubic yard

Cubic yard

May 09, 202000:27
Bond Premium and the Project Time Extension
May 08, 202005:15
SJ's Toolbox Term: Surety

SJ's Toolbox Term: Surety

Surety

May 06, 202000:32
Webinar: Construction Insurance & Bonding during COVID-19
May 06, 202059:57
SJ's Toolbox Term: Builders Risk Insurance

SJ's Toolbox Term: Builders Risk Insurance

Builders Risk Insurance

May 01, 202000:46
Video Conferencing Softwares: a Quick Review
May 01, 202007:20
SJ's Toolbox Term: Pawl brake

SJ's Toolbox Term: Pawl brake

Pawl brake

Apr 25, 202000:45
Dear Owner, No Change Orders Thank You
Apr 23, 202010:08
SJ's Toolbox Term: Entrapped air vs. air entrainment

SJ's Toolbox Term: Entrapped air vs. air entrainment

Entrapped air vs. air entrainment

Apr 18, 202000:34
I Didn’t Ask for a Lamborghini
Apr 16, 202005:30
SJ's Toolbox Term: Notice to proceed

SJ's Toolbox Term: Notice to proceed

Notice to proceed

Apr 11, 202000:32
Letters to the Owner Need to Tell, Not Ask
Apr 10, 202008:21
SJ's Toolbox Term: Pressure

SJ's Toolbox Term: Pressure

Pressure

Apr 04, 202000:27
“Boosting” Job Profits on Equipment Purchase - on Paper
Apr 02, 202007:37
SJ's Toolbox Term: Plastic hinge

SJ's Toolbox Term: Plastic hinge

Plastic hinge

Mar 28, 202000:35
Webinar: Force Majeure & Differing Site Conditions – Notification and Response
Mar 26, 202001:18:18
SJ's Toolbox Term: Hoptoe

SJ's Toolbox Term: Hoptoe

Hoptoe

Mar 25, 202000:17
But What Does It Smell Like?
Mar 25, 202008:43
SJ's Toolbox Term: Well graded material

SJ's Toolbox Term: Well graded material

Well graded material

Mar 21, 202000:28
Project Parties – Who does what?
Mar 19, 202006:10
SJ's Toolbox Term: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

SJ's Toolbox Term: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Mar 15, 202000:39
Signing a Change Order: What to look for
Mar 12, 202007:55
SJ's Toolbox Term: Constructive Acceleration

SJ's Toolbox Term: Constructive Acceleration

Constructive Acceleration

Mar 12, 202000:27
What Information Governs: Order of Precedence
Mar 12, 202004:33
SJ's Toolbox Term: Retention Bond

SJ's Toolbox Term: Retention Bond

Retention Bond

Mar 01, 202000:33
Notice: Writing the Letter
Feb 27, 202004:36
SJ's Toolbox Term: Arbitration

SJ's Toolbox Term: Arbitration

Arbitration

Feb 21, 202000:28
Legal Word of the Day: Contemporaneous

Legal Word of the Day: Contemporaneous

In a construction matter, the quality of evidence can be as important as the evidence itself. Using contemporaneous information can be invaluable in your legal matter against an opposing party.

http://sjcivil.net/news/legal-word-of-the-day-contemporaneous/


Feb 21, 202003:25
SJ's Toolbox Term: Unexcused delay

SJ's Toolbox Term: Unexcused delay

Unexcused delay

Feb 15, 202000:33
The Joint Venture Estimate: Setup is Key
Feb 13, 202013:54
SJ's Toolbox Term: GL Account

SJ's Toolbox Term: GL Account

GL Account

Feb 08, 202000:46
Optimizing the Contractor’s Professional Engineer
Feb 06, 202008:35
SJ's Toolbox Term: Collapsed as-built analysis

SJ's Toolbox Term: Collapsed as-built analysis

Collapsed as-built analysis

Feb 01, 202000:19
Wanna Eat? Help me Kill
Jan 31, 202003:46
SJ's Toolbox Term: $1 Million, $2 Million

SJ's Toolbox Term: $1 Million, $2 Million

$1 Million, $2 Million

Jan 25, 202000:44
Laos: Infrastructure / Means & Methods
Jan 24, 202010:12
Earthwork: What’s a Cubic Yard?
Jan 15, 202009:32
Takeoff: Beyond the Drawings
Dec 30, 201908:10
Avoid Claims with a Pre-Bid Analysis
Dec 17, 201907:07
From Me to You: Things I’ve Learned as a Professional
Dec 13, 201909:12
 Introduction to Contractor Estimating
Nov 06, 201904:44
Designers Design, Constructors Construct: Drawings Constructability Review
Oct 31, 201910:13
Designing with Cost in Mind
Oct 10, 201909:25
Subs Should Join Forces!
Sep 13, 201908:38
The Lookahead Schedule and 90/60/30
Sep 05, 201906:29
Cracks in Construction
Aug 21, 201908:15
Needed Software for a Contractor
Aug 08, 201907:15
Is One RFI One Too Many?
Jul 31, 201905:24
If Cash is King, Time’s the Queen

If Cash is King, Time’s the Queen

Time for any business is critical, perhaps more so in construction than many other industries. The role of time and its effect on a contractor are discussed here.

http://sjcivil.net/ceo-owner/if-cash-is-king-times-the-queen/

Jul 26, 201905:13
Time, an Owner’s Achille’s Heel

Time, an Owner’s Achille’s Heel

Discussed here, by a contractor, is arguably the #1 area of recommended improvement for infrastructure owners with fiduciary responsibility. The area in need of improvement: response time to construction issues.



Jul 26, 201905:31
Microsoft Excel v. Microsoft Project v. Primavera P6
Jul 09, 201907:47
Crew Cost Clicker
Jul 01, 201903:11
Top 10: Basic Business Etiquette
Jun 19, 201903:16
Construction Law Bible

Construction Law Bible

If you work for a public works construction contractor or you do construction management on public works jobs, Administration of Government Contracts by John Cibinic, Jr. and Ralph C. Nash, Jr. is the bible for governmental law. A very brief background from a construction professional, not a lawyer, is provided here on this key publication which should be on your bookshelf.

http://sjcivil.net/news/construction-law-bible/

Jun 10, 201905:55
Davis-Bacon, OSHA, Jones Act, and Buy American
May 28, 201904:34
The Basics of Advanced Scheduling Terminology
May 06, 201909:15
A Crane with Wings!

A Crane with Wings!

Construction equipment is always evolving in its attempt to increase safety and efficiency of construction. One newer technology is the use of “wings” on construction cranes. Learn more about the wings on the Manitowoc®Grove GMK6400 MegaWingLiftTM crane here.  Our partial analysis showed a lifting capacity increase of up to 68%.

May 01, 201904:51
Fleet Management: Ways to Gather Data

Fleet Management: Ways to Gather Data

Several means exist in the way of gathering data from your operating fleet. Here are the basic ways and then a quick explanation of current technology. 

http://sjcivil.net/news/fleet-management-ways-to-gather-data/

Apr 22, 201908:20
 Instant Resolution of Contractor Overhead Daily Cost

Instant Resolution of Contractor Overhead Daily Cost

Projects often experience delays for which the Contractor is awarded additional time.  The determination of the per day reimbursement to the Contractor for this time is fraught with protracted analysis and negotiation.  Owners should consider the time related overhead bid item for instant resolution.

http://sjcivil.net/claims/instant-resolution-of-contractor-overhead-daily-cost/

Apr 16, 201906:31
Timecard Collection – Like You’ve Never Heard
Apr 08, 201905:51
Unit Conversion

Unit Conversion

Converting from one unit of measure to another is critical for any position of management in a construction company. Using the internet is one way of doing it but knowing the simple process of fraction multiplication and the value of the number “1” gets it done too. Unit conversion is nothing more than taking a unit and multiplying it by “1” as many times as it takes to get a result in units you desire.

http://sjcivil.net/sjcc/unit-conversion/

Feb 18, 201909:17
What’s BI? Do I need it?

What’s BI? Do I need it?

BI stands for business intelligence. It is the process by which information from all of your company’s different computer systems (estimating, job costing, accounting, operations, et cetera) is displayed on one screen. You may not need it, but you better understand it – it’s coming.


http://sjcivil.net/technology/whats-bi-do-i-need-it/


Feb 06, 201904:32
Freight Terms Over Land

Freight Terms Over Land

There are several trucking freight terms that a buyer should know. They’re important to know when contracting the transportation of your goods as well as when it’s time to pay the bill.


http://sjcivil.net/financial/freight-terms-over-land/

Jan 19, 201906:14
What is Section Modulus, S?

What is Section Modulus, S?

One of the most basic properties of a beam is its section modulus. How does the section modulus, S, come into play in structural design?  And, why should I care?

http://sjcivil.net/sjcc/what-is-section-modulus-s/

Jan 10, 201912:11
What's a GL Account?

What's a GL Account?

 A GL account is separate from a cost code financial and job cost reporting. Here we introduce the basics of GL accounts. 

Read more: http://sjcivil.net/news/whats-a-gl-account/

Jan 05, 201905:52
Cost Codes: What, Why & How
Dec 15, 201807:14
Why be an Engineer: It’s the Mornings

Why be an Engineer: It’s the Mornings

A recent article by the American Bar Association caught my eye. It was entitled “When is it okay for a lawyer to lie?” I could probably end the article right here. I’ll keep going. [QR] Contemplating a law career. Yup, I get it, you know someone who watched television like the rest of us and you became a lawyer because of Perry Mason, Law & Order,or Boston Legal. Don’t get me wrong, I loved A Few Good Men. http://sjcivil.net/podcast/why-be-an-engineer-its-the-mornings/
Dec 04, 201805:53
The Internal Pre-Con: Top 10
Nov 23, 201806:34
The Construction Daily Report: Why & What
Nov 15, 201807:59
Spearin and Modified Total Cost Method Adopted in Missouri

Spearin and Modified Total Cost Method Adopted in Missouri

One of contractors’ most reliable defenses, the Spearin Doctrine, has been upheld in a Missouri Court. Certainly, for Missourians, this is a good thing, and to the extent, others may be able to reference this case or use a similar approach in claims, is a win for the construction industry.
Nov 02, 201806:17
Training: Now I See the Value

Training: Now I See the Value

Training is an investment in your company. In your people. And anyone who has had a business knows that the fanciest equipment and tools are still only as good at the workers who use them. Invest in making better workers.

http://sjcivil.net/training/training-now-i-see-the-value/

http://sjcivil.net/remote-training/

Oct 26, 201807:42
Choosing a Construction Consultant
Oct 16, 201808:51
Construction Claims Hierarchy
Oct 10, 201808:29
Customized Programming: Easy Access and Low Cost
Aug 29, 201805:22
 Some Basic Analysis Techniques in Claim Preparation
Aug 23, 201808:56
Plans Constructability Review: Why, When, & What?

Plans Constructability Review: Why, When, & What?

A constructability review of a plan set can greatly benefit the project. On the surface, it looks like it benefits primarily the Owner, but the benefits to the design team and contractor can also be significant. All project parties should encourage this service on their projects.
Aug 10, 201806:16
Credit Unions versus Banks

Credit Unions versus Banks

A credit union is a viable option for many small businesses. Consider the advantages of a credit union over a traditional bank.
Aug 10, 201805:32
Equipment – Buy, Rent, RTO, RPO, Lease - Which One???
Aug 10, 201808:17
Inventory Tracking: A Money Saver
Jul 26, 201805:13
Top 10: Basic Business Etiquette
Jul 20, 201805:29
The Unilateral Change Order
Jul 13, 201806:15
Project Management Triple Constraint
Jul 05, 201803:32
Why Track Extra Costs and How

Why Track Extra Costs and How

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201805:25
Balance Sheet: Knowing the Basics of Liabilities

Balance Sheet: Knowing the Basics of Liabilities

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201805:20
All Zeroes One Code

All Zeroes One Code

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:51
The $5 Casio

The $5 Casio

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201801:58
Estimate Handoff

Estimate Handoff

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201805:26
Conversion of Inches to Feet in Decimals

Conversion of Inches to Feet in Decimals

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201801:46
Calc of WC, GL, & Bonds in your Estimates

Calc of WC, GL, & Bonds in your Estimates

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:44
Where to use QR codes today

Where to use QR codes today

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:48
Engineers and Architects Gotta Step It Up!

Engineers and Architects Gotta Step It Up!

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:08
Proposal Terms & Conditions

Proposal Terms & Conditions

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201803:37
I See Claims

I See Claims

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:53
Why Hire a Management Consultant

Why Hire a Management Consultant

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:50
Letter Writing

Letter Writing

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201805:46
A Cheap Lawyer

A Cheap Lawyer

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201804:55
Standardized Docs

Standardized Docs

The very first episode of SJCC's Site Survey!
Jun 30, 201806:22
RFI Notice

RFI Notice

Latest episode of SJCC's Site Survey
Jun 30, 201807:09
DEF

DEF

Latest episode of SJCC's Site Survey
Jun 30, 201804:20
Two for Today: Taxes & Fuel
Jun 28, 201805:42
Cost versus Price
Jun 28, 201808:22
An RFI can Satisfy Notice Requirement, said the Feds

An RFI can Satisfy Notice Requirement, said the Feds

Possibly the leading cause of contractor claim denials – lack of proper notice – just got a little bit easier for contractors thanks to the U.S. Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals’ conclusion that a request for information (RFI) can satisfy a notice requirement under F.A.R. (Federal Acquisition Regulation).

http://sjcivil.net/sjcc/an-rfi-can-satisfy-notice-requirement-said-the-feds/

May 07, 201807:09