tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post7291326137166173747..comments2024-02-28T02:23:50.477-06:00Comments on Constructive Thoughts: The cost of customSheldonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-2231564304440074552016-03-03T18:16:06.426-06:002016-03-03T18:16:06.426-06:00Thanks for your insight. Now if we could only get ...Thanks for your insight. Now if we could only get our public-entity clients to allow a longer bid period...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02472609686454407035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-75193193023523836042016-03-03T18:12:50.009-06:002016-03-03T18:12:50.009-06:00Believe me, I understand the problem! One option i...Believe me, I understand the problem! One option is to specify a basis of design finish that must be matched. No big deal for paint, but a serious problem for other products. <br /><br />Another option is to require prior approval, a process I think is underused. It adds a bit to the bidding period, but when you're done, everyone knows exactly what will be acceptable. Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-37082234938215287322016-03-03T17:28:22.397-06:002016-03-03T17:28:22.397-06:00Point taken, but how would you suggest handling an...Point taken, but how would you suggest handling an open-bid or performance based specification in regards to details like this? The closest I can think is to indicate a basis of design product choice but how would you account for differences between manufacturers when it comes to color availability?<br /><br />For instance, I had an issue recently where a substituted casework manufacturer met all the specs but their standard color choices were very limited. I'm simplifying but you get the idea.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02472609686454407035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-7154850853048677172016-03-03T16:57:11.423-06:002016-03-03T16:57:11.423-06:00Thanks for the comment, Logan. I didn't mean t...Thanks for the comment, Logan. I didn't mean to imply that standard should always be specified. The point is that we have to know what "standard" means, as well as what the options are, so we can specify the proper range of options. <br /><br />Another problem is that one manufacturer of a particular product may have only a few standard colors, while a competitor has ten or twenty. In that case, "full range" doesn't really get what you want. We don't need that sort of surprise when the submittals come in! <br /><br />Some architects tend to specify "full range" all the time, even when a standard color would work, and even if the minimum quantity makes the price prohibitive. It's nice to have a lot of options, but if the bids are based on full range, the owner can needlessly pay a premium. <br /><br />As usual, the bottom line is, "Know the products, and specify what you want - no more, no less."Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-89662515906436209442016-03-03T16:45:27.248-06:002016-03-03T16:45:27.248-06:00We often lose track of that... We often lose track of that... Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-42384736938283214622016-03-03T16:44:57.177-06:002016-03-03T16:44:57.177-06:00I don't know when program schedules are set, b...I don't know when program schedules are set, but it's worth a try. Sheldonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799057838622646083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-72381809172752321122016-03-03T16:18:19.630-06:002016-03-03T16:18:19.630-06:00I agree, great topic but I would be cautious about...I agree, great topic but I would be cautious about going too far in specifying only the standard line. I have come across several situations where "standard" colors were specified and the end result was terrible. Some examples that spring to mind are metal flashings, toilet partitions, and some ceramic tile. It was only during submittals that we discovered the standard line only covers the bottom 3 or 4 options out of dozens of supposed choices. Naturally the one the architect wanted was one of the higher cost versions and we were forced to choose between a few lousy options or shelling out more cash.<br /><br />In a nutshell, I would suggest a distinction between "custom" and "chosen from manufacturer's full line" when having this discussion.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02472609686454407035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-14991344148343713482016-03-01T14:07:51.229-06:002016-03-01T14:07:51.229-06:00Great post. Architects care way more about specifi...Great post. Architects care way more about specific colors than owners do, and owners care way more about dollars than architects do. We need to do the right thing for the owner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6416426589713285085.post-59288122727550198172016-03-01T10:25:09.925-06:002016-03-01T10:25:09.925-06:00I love the idea of a joint presentation between AI...I love the idea of a joint presentation between AIA and CSI. I know that our insurance provider does a special Halloween presentation on insurance horror stories. Maybe AIA St. Paul and CSI Twin Cities could put something on in October.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440748544469094561noreply@blogger.com