Ouch!
The situation I'm actually trying to avoid is where we're all four weeks
from completion, the burl, the linen, and the comfy chairs are all ordered
and installed, and the contractor comes to the meeting and says "it's
proving to be more difficult to get at the steel from the exterior than we
thought-- it's going to take 45 extra man-days, some specialized equipment
that has to be hand-shipped from Europe, and a yak.  Here's our change
order." If you're suggesting that the designer hides work in order to make
the budget fit his/her follies, well, there are counter-arguments about
contractors on that subject, as well.

I'd rather not begin a designer vs. contractor deathmatch here. I asked
the question because no one wins when ugly surprises occur in
construction, and it's in the best interests of designers and contractors
to resolve disputes as quickly and easily-- and as early-- as possible.

Kevin "of course, if you were making a joke, um... ha ha" Daly
BCA- New York City

On Thu, 2 Jul 1998, J.A. Drew DIAZ wrote:

> Kevin Daly wrote:
>
> > It seems to me that if everyone involved in a project has an understanding
> > of the work required before the contract is signed, the project runs much
> > more smoothly.  I'm just wondering if anyone has a systematic approach to
> > this problem that works well.
>
> It seems to me that if everyone knows what will be required....
> The contractor may make some money-
> which will cause the project to go over the budget that the architects'
> peon/indentured servant/intern put together
> Then too much money will have to go into the physical plant
> And consequently the Architectural/Arty embellishments ie the Anigre Burl & Belgium
> Linen wall treatment might have to go by the wayside.
> To say nothing of the carpet & furniture on which the architect is getting such a
> hefty commission
>
> DD
>