Watch External Dependencies
Keep a careful watch on external dependencies. External things such as deliveries, contracts, and approvals that could delay your project if late. They may not be your direct responsibility and …
Contract
Scan Large Specifications
When reading a large specification, to avoid inducing sleep, scan it by key words. If possible, when given a specification by a client, get the it in electronic form. This …
Addition Clause in Contract
For contracts longer than 12 months, you should have a clause to allow unknown technologies to be added. Particularly for high tech and IT projects. Part way through a long …
Importance of the Contract
A contract is a risk allocation and control device. Remember the importance of the contract.
Agree on Deliverables
Make sure you and your client agree on the deliverables expected for the project. Sometimes a contract may specify deliverables without enough detail. This could lead to you delivering something …
Submit Deliverables Before Invoicing
Submit deliverables to the client (if that is required) before invoicing them. Don’t make the mistake of not submitting deliverables, as it will delay payment.
Treat Restarted Projects as New Projects
If a partly completed project is put on hold (deferred project) by the client, when it is restarted it should be treated as a new project. This includes reviewing and …
Make Contractor Responsible for Site Safety
If your company is not involved with construction (but just design or inspection), make sure the contract states that the construction contractor is responsible for site safety, not the “engineer” …
Directing Consultants
If, in your contract, the client instructs you to directly pass on the cost of consultants, it would be better to have the consultants contract directly with the client instead …
Document Reliance on Information
In a contract, your company should make sure the document indicates that you will rely on information and materials supplied by the client. E.g. surveys, soil tests, reports. If the …