More Resources for Contractors

Special Note: Constructive Comments will be published as an electronic-only newsletter starting in 2009. To sign up for our newsletter email list, please see this article for instructions.

Constructive Comments offers useful and timely business management guidance. It is published four times a year and distributed to Schinnerer and CNA contractor policyholders. Our archives can be found below, or you can read the current issue (Number 3, 2008) on:

• A comparison of integrated project delivery documents
• Constructive Comments going digital in 2009

Archive of past Constructive Comments

• No. 2, 2008
• No. 1, 2008
• No. 4, 2007
• No. 3, 2007
• No. 2, 2007

Articles arranged by topic:

• Claims
• Company Profiles
• Contract Language
• Insurance
• Legal Issues
• Professional Associations
• Running Your Business

Claims

• Does a Contractor REALLY Need Design Liability Insurance?: A representation of claims reported on design-build cases to Victor O. Schinnerer.
• Oral vs. Written Notice: Is a written notice of differing site conditions a requisite before filing a claim?

Company Profiles

• J. R. Filanc Construction Co., Inc.:  Find out how the Filanc family's recipe for success results in greater efficiency and more quality control.
• Jaynes Corporation: Learn how Jaynes is continually "pushing the envelope" for greater profitability.
• L.K.Comstock & Company: Learn how this specialty contractor enjoys its superior competitive position.
• PCL Constructors, Inc.: Learn about PCL's ingredients for a successful design-build method of delivery.
• Victory of West Virginia, Inc.: Find out how Victory has developed a niche by providing value-added solutions for clients.

Contract Language

• Contract Language: Indemnity: Discussion of how state laws differ on the issues of enforceability and interpretation of standard indemnity and insurance flowdown language clauses in their subcontracts.

Insurance

• Explaining a Claims-Made Coverage Trigger: A basic primer on the difference between a claims-made policy and an occurrence policy.
• Enhanced Pollution Liability Policy Unveiled: Details on Schinnerer's CPL policy.
• Getting the Best Value for Your Insurance Dollar: Making every cent count in a market full of rising premiums.

Legal Issues

• Challenges & Opportunities: The realities of the new A201.
• Changes Under the A201: A look at the most noticeable changes to the 1997 edition of A201.
• What's at stake concerning the ADA?: How does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to design-build projects?

Professional Associations

• AGC News: News updates regarding the Associated General Contractors of America.
• DBIA News: News about the Design-Build Institute of America.
• NASBP News: News and Information about the National Association of Surety Bond Producers.
• NECA News: News about the National Electrical Contractors Association.

Running Your Business

• Accounting for Changed Work: Using proper accounting standards for contracting changes and clams.
• Contractors and a Case for Strategy: Learn more about strategic planning and improving your profitability.
• Contractor-A/E Relationship: Read more about the variety of issues that a contractor needs to consider as they evaluate who to team with and how to organize the team.
• Marketing Strategy – Choosing a Primary Direction: Learn how to develop a marketing strategy for a construction firm.