Blog: Procurement

Lower budgets have become a reality for many in the public and private sectors. Local and state government agencies, school districts, universities, hospitals and others have struggled with trying to accomplish as much as possible with fewer financial resources. Making sure that you’re using the most efficient methods possible is one way to stretch dollars without sacrificing quality.   

Change orders remain one of the most frustrating issues in the construction industry, seeming to sneak up on owners and contractors to spike costs and prolong project schedules. Even when all financial and planning systems are in order, a last-minute alteration can throw everything out of sync, leaving decision-makers feeling like they have no other choice but to throw more money at the project to keep it on schedule. On average, change orders account for approximately 8-14% of all capital construction dollars. 24% of the time change orders account for over 10% of the total project costs. 

Change orders affect construction projects of all sizes, and can feel like they are a way of life in construction.   

Natural disasters and mechanical failures, such as a water line break or a bridge bearing failure, can create an emergency event that requires an immediate response to stabilize the building, site or impacted area, to clean up, and to make the required repairs.   

One of the many great things about my marriage is my wife doesn’t really understand what I do, and as a result, she doesn’t read my blogs either, so I am safe in writing about the time we went to a marriage counselor.