Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets

Across the nation, construction projects large and smallOCofrom hospitals to schools to simple home improvementsOCoare spiraling out of control. Delays and cost overruns have come to seem OC normal, OCO even as they drain our wallets and send our blood pressure skyrocketing. In "Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets," prominent construction attorney Barry B. LePatner builds a powerful case for change in AmericaOCOs sole remaining OC mom and popOCO industryOCoan industry that consumes $1.23 trillion and wastes at least $120 billion each year.
With three decades of experience representing clients that include eminent architects and engineers, as well as corporations, institutions, and developers, LePatner has firsthand knowledge of the bad management, ineffective supervision, and insufficient investment in technology that plagues the risk-averse construction industry. In an engaging and direct style, he here pinpoints the issues that underlie the industryOCOs woes while providing practical tips for anyone in the business of building, including advice on the precise language owners should use during contract negotiations.
Armed with "Broken Buildings, Busted Budgets, "everyone involved in the purchase or renovation of a building or any structureOCofrom homeowners seeking to remodel to civic developers embarking on large-scale projectsOCohas the information they need to change this antiquated industry, one project at a time.
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OC LePatner describes what is wrong with the current system and suggests ways that architects can helpOCoby retaking their rightful place as master builders.OCOOCoFred A. Bernstein, "Architect Magazine"""aOC Every now and then, a major construction project is completed on time and on budget. Everyone is amazed. . . . Barry LePatner thinks this exception should become the rule. . . .aA swift kick to the construction industry.OCOOCoJames R. Hagerty, "Wall Street Journal"aa"