On a regular basis, we highlight content posted on other blogs that we feel would benefit our readers. This week's blog highlights include:
Include Mockups to Reduce Risk on Building Enclosures
As most of us know from personal experience, building enclosures (curtain walls, envelopes, etc.) provide one of the biggest risks on a construction project. Designs are intended to prevent leaks and optimize energy efficiency. Key to achieving the design goals is building commissioning – which mostly checks out the mechanical equipment. Appearing as a recent post at the Building Design+Construction’s SSR Blog, Rick Ziegler emphasized the importance of including a mockup as part of the commissioning process. We agree. Check the post here.
Develop a Bond Evaluation Program to Avoid Fraudulent Bonds
An article in Watt Tieder’s latest newsletter by attorney Mark Rosencrantz warns about the existence of fraudulent surety bonds. Who knew? The article walks reader through a case study outlining the typical scenario the leads to a bond claim. Well worth reading – click here for the full article. If you have any issues or concerns about bonds and liens, and want to learn more, think about attending the upcoming Bonds and Liens online live webinar by Mark’s partner Christopher Harris on April 14. For more information, click here.
Construction Project Blog Sites -- the Thomson Line Dilemma
Last September, we highlighted the blogsite – Thomson Line Construction -- about the Singapore transit system, which featured progress updates and a wealth of photos of the jobsite. After three years, it appears the blog may be shutting down, possibly due to veiled threats from the subway authority – the Land Transport Authority (LTA). In a blog posted by mothership.sg, a Singaporean community news service, a controversy is brewing over the potentially forthcoming closure of the site. The LTA denies legal threats, but the article raises good points for not posting extensive details – security risk and exposure of sensitive details. This is a must-read for anyone involved with public construction -- click here for the article -- and check out the Thomson Line blog too (link above).
Are Rose Bowl Tickets to Public Officials Considered Free Speech?
At the California Construction Law Blog, Garret Murai brings to light a recent California Court of Appeals ruling on an alleged “pay to play” case pending against a joint venture group and its partners on a contract to renovate and rebuild schools. The defendants petitioned to have the case dropped, saying the gifts, lavish dinners and event tickets were tantamount to political contributions and donations and filed an “anti-SLAPP” suit saying this was an expression of free speech under the First Amendment. Not so, said the appeals court; read Garret’s interesting summation of the case here.
