More Resources for Contractors

Constructive Comments offers useful and timely business management guidance. It is published four times a year and distributed to Schinnerer and CNA contractor policyholders. Our archives can be found below, or you can read the current issue (Number 4, 2007) on:

• Integrated project delivery publications
• AIA changes to dispute resolution procedures
• Predictions for 2008 construction costs

Archive of past Constructive Comments

• No. 3, 2007
• No. 2, 2007
• No. 1, 2007
• No. 4, 2006
• No. 3, 2006
• No. 2, 2006

Articles arranged by topic:

• Claims
• Company Profiles
• Contract Language
• Insurance
• Legal Issues
• Professional Associations
• Running Your Business

Claims

• Does a Contractor REALLY Need Design Liability Insurance?: A representation of claims reported on design-build cases to Victor O. Schinnerer.
• Oral vs. Written Notice: Is a written notice of differing site conditions a requisite before filing a claim?

Company Profiles

• J. R. Filanc Construction Co., Inc.:  Find out how the Filanc family's recipe for success results in greater efficiency and more quality control.
• Jaynes Corporation: Learn how Jaynes is continually "pushing the envelope" for greater profitability.
• L.K.Comstock & Company: Learn how this specialty contractor enjoys its superior competitive position.
• PCL Constructors, Inc.: Learn about PCL's ingredients for a successful design-build method of delivery.
• Victory of West Virginia, Inc.: Find out how Victory has developed a niche by providing value-added solutions for clients.

Contract Language

• Contract Language: Indemnity: Discussion of how state laws differ on the issues of enforceability and interpretation of standard indemnity and insurance flowdown language clauses in their subcontracts.

Insurance

• Explaining a Claims-Made Coverage Trigger: A basic primer on the difference between a claims-made policy and an occurrence policy.
• Enhanced Pollution Liability Policy Unveiled: Details on Schinnerer's CPL policy.
• Getting the Best Value for Your Insurance Dollar: Making every cent count in a market full of rising premiums.

Legal Issues

• Challenges & Opportunities: The realities of the new A201.
• Changes Under the A201: A look at the most noticeable changes to the 1997 edition of A201.
• What's at stake concerning the ADA?: How does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to design-build projects?

Professional Associations

• AGC News: News updates regarding the Associated General Contractors of America.
• DBIA News: News about the Design-Build Institute of America.
• NASBP News: News and Information about the National Association of Surety Bond Producers.
• NECA News: News about the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Running Your Business

• Accounting for Changed Work: Using proper accounting standards for contracting changes and clams.
• Contractors and a Case for Strategy: Learn more about strategic planning and improving your profitability.
• Contractor-A/E Relationship: Read more about the variety of issues that a contractor needs to consider as they evaluate who to team with and how to organize the team.
• Marketing Strategy – Choosing a Primary Direction: Learn how to develop a marketing strategy for a construction firm.