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Homeowner Forum / Construction / August 2008



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Submittal problem

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svietakovach@gmail.com - 22 Aug 2008 03:35 GMT
Guys, I have a quick question.

Lets say you are GC. Windows manufacturer prepares windows schedule
submittal for you, but windows shown on submittal are smaller than
those on drawings. You send this submittal to the architect. 4 weeks
later - still no response. You tell the architect that you'll start
framing in 4 weeks (smaller rough openings) if he doesn't tell you to
not to do so.
Does that make sense? Shouldn't you wait for this submittal to be
approved before you proceed with framing? Especially that you know
that it's not the same thing as on drawings?

Thank you so very much!

- svieta
hawgeye - 22 Aug 2008 03:59 GMT
<svietakovach@gmail.com> wrote...
> Guys, I have a quick question.
>
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> - svieta

It depends on how the contracts are written.  Who is responsible for what?
I'd call the window manufacturer and the architect and clear it up.  I'd
also get the owner in on it as well. You might mention additional expenses
and delays.  That usually gets their attention.
PeterD - 22 Aug 2008 14:55 GMT
><svietakovach@gmail.com> wrote...
>> Guys, I have a quick question.
>>
>> Lets say you are GC. Windows manufacturer prepares windows schedule
>> submittal for you, but windows shown on submittal are smaller than
>> those on drawings.

So you refuse to accept the incorrect windows, right? Unless you made
the mistake and specified them wrong...

>>You send this submittal to the architect. 4 weeks
>> later - still no response.

When you called the architect, what did he/she say?

>>You tell the architect that you'll start
>> framing in 4 weeks (smaller rough openings) if he doesn't tell you to
>> not to do so.

And the owner of the home rejects your work because the windows don't
match the specifications? You do have insurance right? (You'll need
it!)

>> Does that make sense?

None what so ever. First, don't accept materials that are not
acceptable, such as windows that don't match your specifications.
Second, don't make changes to the plans without *all* parties signing
off on the changes.

>> Shouldn't you wait for this submittal to be
>> approved before you proceed with framing? Especially that you know
>> that it's not the same thing as on drawings?

Absolutely wait. But take the lead, and call the architect, the owner,
and the window company. Find out who made the error and get *them* to
fix it. If you made the mistake, worse case: eBay the wrong windows,
and order new ones.

>> Thank you so very much!
>>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>also get the owner in on it as well. You might mention additional expenses
>and delays.  That usually gets their attention.

Agreed 100%. And if by chance you (the GC) made the mistake, be
prepared to eat the cost of the mistake.
svietakovach@gmail.com - 22 Aug 2008 17:55 GMT
Thank you guys, I knew I can count on you! I didn't expect such a
quick response though, I am really impressed.
What I was looking for, was confirmation that GC shouldn't proceed
without approved submittal, and if he does - it's his responsibility
if something goes wrong.
What does one do in the situation when architect is not responding in
timely manner to either RFIs or submittals, even if the owner is
informed and involved?
Let's say that this lack of response is a reason for project delay -
are we gonna put whole responsibility on architect? I assume that
maximum response time suppose to be somewhere in General Conditions -
is that correct?

Thank you!
- svieta
RicodJour - 22 Aug 2008 18:54 GMT
On Aug 22, 12:55 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
> Thank you guys, I knew I can count on you! I didn't expect such a
> quick response though, I am really impressed.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> timely manner to either RFIs or submittals, even if the owner is
> informed and involved?

Rattle some cages by sending a registered letter or telegram to the
Owner and architect informing them that the lengthy delay will be
raising the GC's costs and that a change order will be sent to the
Owner requesting additional monies to cover the delay.

> Let's say that this lack of response is a reason for project delay -
> are we gonna put whole responsibility on architect? I assume that
> maximum response time suppose to be somewhere in General Conditions -
> is that correct?

The contract language should cover delays due to non-performance.  If
the architect used the standard AIA documents you can guess which way
the bias goes.

Read the contract, send the letters.

R
PeterD - 22 Aug 2008 21:17 GMT
>On Aug 22, 12:55 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
>> Thank you guys, I knew I can count on you! I didn't expect such a
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>raising the GC's costs and that a change order will be sent to the
>Owner requesting additional monies to cover the delay.

Why, it's not the owner or the architect's fault that the windows are
the wrong size. It is either the window company, or the GC. Whoever
made the error should pay, not the architect or owner.

>> Let's say that this lack of response is a reason for project delay -
>> are we gonna put whole responsibility on architect? I assume that
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>Read the contract, send the letters.

And tell us *why* the windows ended up the wrong size, who's fault
that was. No advice is worth a hill of beans (or even a small pile of
'em) without that information.

>R
Pawel.Gotlib@gmail.com - 22 Aug 2008 22:04 GMT
> And tell us *why* the windows ended up the wrong size, who's fault
> that was. No advice is worth a hill of beans (or even a small pile of
> 'em) without that information.
>
> >R

Here's info I have:

CONTRACT:
Windows were dimensioned at 120" wide and 93" tall, factory-assembled,
one-piece units.

Windows manufacturer says that they quoted standard, off-the-shelf
unit to their Lumber Yard dealer who quoted the bidding generals. That
unit was SINGLE-PIECE. They do not make 120" wide and 93" tall windows
under their standard product line. Not only was it to be a custom-
fabrication, it had to come in three pieces.
I guess they figured that size is not critical... (?!!!)

- svieta
svietakovach@gmail.com - 22 Aug 2008 22:09 GMT
> And tell us *why* the windows ended up the wrong size, who's fault
> that was. No advice is worth a hill of beans (or even a small pile of
> 'em) without that information.

CONTRACT:
Windows were dimensioned at 120" wide and 93" tall, factory-assembled,
one-piece units.

Windows manufacturer says that they quoted standard, off-the-shelf
unit (100" wide and 84" tall) to their Lumber Yard dealer who quoted
the bidding generals. That unit was SINGLE-PIECE. They do not make
120" wide and 93" tall windows under their standard product line. Not
only was it to be a custom-fabrication, it had to come in three
pieces.
I guess they figured that size is not critical... (?!!!)

- svieta
hawgeye - 23 Aug 2008 05:19 GMT
>> And tell us *why* the windows ended up the wrong size, who's fault
>> that was. No advice is worth a hill of beans (or even a small pile of
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
> pieces.
> I guess they figured that size is not critical... (?!!!)

What does the window schedule or drawings have listed for the windows?
Is there a specification for the job?  Does it spell out the window
specifics?
If any of those specifically call for a single piece 120x93 window made by
that manufacturer then it sounds like the architect didn't do his/her
homework if the window doesn't exist or can't be made.
Nonetheless, I stand by my earlier statement.  Get the owner, architect and
manufacturer to settle on what is to be installed.  If communication between
these people is that hard now, you have a bumpy road ahead.
RicodJour - 23 Aug 2008 05:33 GMT
> On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:54:55 -0700 (PDT), RicodJour
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
> the wrong size. It is either the window company, or the GC. Whoever
> made the error should pay, not the architect or owner.

I agree with you that the GC has the primary duty to do a cursory
review of the shop drawings, but it is the architect's job to review
submittals and render verdicts.  It is more troubling to me that there
is such a delay in what should be a slam-dunk "Revise & Resubmit"
rejection from the architect.

There's also the fact that the usual supporting reason for
substituting or changing items is due to unavailability/delays or cost
savings.  The Owner has a big say in those decisions.

> >> Let's say that this lack of response is a reason for project delay -
> >> are we gonna put whole responsibility on architect? I assume that
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> that was. No advice is worth a hill of beans (or even a small pile of
> 'em) without that information.

I don't understand the OP's coyness in where they fit into the
picture.  They don't seem to realize that different parties have
different objectives.

R
svietakovach@gmail.com - 23 Aug 2008 17:28 GMT
> > On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:54:55 -0700 (PDT), RicodJour
>
[quoted text clipped - 48 lines]
>
> R

OK, let's put it all together.
It seems like all the parties involved screw up, more or less.
Windows manufacturer - bidding windows different than those shown in
contract documents.
Architect - not replying for submittal for way too long.
GC - proceeding with work without approved submittal.

What happens next? Framing is there (rough openings for smaller
windows). Architect says that it's unacceptable, it has to be redone,
new windows ordered. Who is gonna swallow the extra cost? Is it fully
GC responsibility? I know that one may need to know more details, but
that's all I know about the situation.
RicodJour - 23 Aug 2008 17:45 GMT
On Aug 23, 12:28 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:

> > > On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:54:55 -0700 (PDT), RicodJour
>
[quoted text clipped - 61 lines]
> GC responsibility? I know that one may need to know more details, but
> that's all I know about the situation.

There are so many variable that it's a pointless question to ask
unless someone feels like hypothesizing possible scenarios.  I'd
rather answer specific questions about construction.

R
PeterD - 23 Aug 2008 21:29 GMT
(As I have all gmail.com posters blocked, I'm replying using
RicordJour's message. Comments are directed to the OP however...)

>On Aug 23, 12:28 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
>>
[quoted text clipped - 55 lines]
>> Windows manufacturer - bidding windows different than those shown in
>> contract documents.

So you, the GC didn't review the window maker's bid?

>> Architect - not replying for submittal for way too long.

The windows were wrong, the architect is not a major player in that
problem

>> GC - proceeding with work without approved submittal.

You said in your opening post, you were the GC. Are you not? Then who
are you, the owner? What's your stake in this?

>> What happens next? Framing is there (rough openings for smaller
>> windows).

Why, oh why, did you frame to the wrong specifications?

You have the plans from the architect, that is what you build, you
don't have the ability or authority to change the plans as you did,
especially for such a silly reason. What you should have done, was
built to the specifications and gotten the 'right' windows.

There are so many things wrong with that move it isn't even funny.
Sad, really. You should not hide the problem, but fix it.

>>Architect says that it's unacceptable, it has to be redone,

That makes 100% sense.

>> new windows ordered. Who is gonna swallow the extra cost?

Who authorized framing to the wrong specifications? He will pay. Who
continued without properly reviewing the window maker's bid to ensure
it met the specifications? He will pay. Wait, they are both the GC's
responsibility, and you said you were the GC. Right?

>> Is it fully
>> GC responsibility?

Yes, from everything you have posted, it is your fault.

>> I know that one may need to know more details, but
>> that's all I know about the situation.

You wouldn't be the owner, trying to be his own  GC would you?
Figuring you could save a buck or two?
svietakovach@gmail.com - 24 Aug 2008 16:26 GMT
Luckily it's only homework for school. But then - if I were the owner
trying to be his own GC - we wouldn't have a problem here. If owner/GC
accepts smaller windows (assuming that modified framing is not gonna
affect the rest of design) there is no need to rebuild the rough
openings.
Anyway - thank you guys for all your help - enjoy the rest of your
Sunday!

- svieta
gudi - 26 Aug 2008 12:22 GMT
On Aug 24, 8:26 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
> Luckily it's only homework for school. But then - if I were the owner
> trying to be his own GC - we wouldn't have a problem here. If owner/GC
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> - svieta

Just penalizing the one who deviated.. anyhow applies.But one may like
to ask, after all in an inter-dependant building business, are not the
rights  responsibilities and privileges between GC, architect and
owner/client not clearly defined in _any_ contract?
PeterD - 26 Aug 2008 13:56 GMT
On Aug 24, 8:26 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
> Luckily it's only homework for school.

You have got to be joking...

1. If you must post your homework, at least say so.
2. I hope you fail in school, you deserve it.

> But then - if I were the owner
> trying to be his own GC - we wouldn't have a problem here. If owner/GC
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> - svieta
hawgeye - 26 Aug 2008 23:33 GMT
"PeterD" <peter2@hipson.net> wrote..
> On Aug 24, 8:26 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
>> Luckily it's only homework for school.
>
> You have got to be joking...
>
> 1. If you must post your homework, at least say so.

Which is why I'm always leery about replying to someone with a g-mail
account.
It's usually some looser or coward that doesn't have the balls to use a real
e-mail account.

> 2. I hope you fail in school, you deserve it.

Well if he's stupid enough to trust a bunch of strangers on the internet for
his homework, then he should.
PeterD - 27 Aug 2008 13:57 GMT
>"PeterD" <peter2@hipson.net> wrote..
>> On Aug 24, 8:26 pm, svietakov...@gmail.com wrote:
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>Well if he's stupid enough to trust a bunch of strangers on the internet for
>his homework, then he should.

<GGG> Worse, since I'm (now retired) also a college professor! And
yes, we do check the Internet for just this type of thing... Unless he
is going to a school with an idiot for a professor, he's been caught.

I have a filter on gmail.com so I don't see any original posts. I did
see follow-ups and that is how I ended up in the thread.
 
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