Items of Interest from the Disk of Knowledge
posted by Larry J Smith on 09/01/06
Close-out can make or break a project
In the "Jan 05 Items of Interest column " I pointed out "the motiviation for timely contract completion for some contractors appears to be directly related to the motivation for timely completion demonstrated byt government representatives."
The DOK step-by-step process and the "Red Zone" concept are tools to help all parties understand and focus on the last portion fo the project.
In a recent CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) webinar Mr. Richard Bernardini, CCM, vice president of Hill International Inc. urges participants "to see project close-out as an opportunity to lead and deliver even greater value to clients."
A successful close-out, Bernardini said, "begins with detailed and specific planning at the beginning of a project." A similar concept titled "The Green Zone" was presented in the July 2006 Article of The Month.
Bernardini suggested that "a number of typical close-out functions, including punch lists, testing and provisions for operation and maintenance manuals, should be listed in the projects Schedule of Values. These are real work items. They have value, and they should be listed. If you make these pay items, they will be treated with more respect."
"The close-out" of the project is the client's memory of your work" Bernardini concluded. Even projects delivered on time and on budget can be remembered negatively if the process of occupying the building is fraught with delays, confusion, and claims.
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