Across the nation, construction projects large and smallfrom hospitals to schools to simple home improvementsare spiraling out of control. Delays and cost overruns have come to seem normal, 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 Americas sole remaining mom and pop industryan 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 industrys 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 structurefrom homeowners seeking to remodel to civic developers embarking on large-scale projectshas the information they need to change this antiquated industry, one project at a time.
LePatner describes what is wrong with the current system and suggests ways that architects can helpby retaking their rightful place as master builders.Fred A. Bernstein, Architect Magazine
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 industrys 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 structurefrom homeowners seeking to remodel to civic developers embarking on large-scale projectshas the information they need to change this antiquated industry, one project at a time.
LePatner describes what is wrong with the current system and suggests ways that architects can helpby retaking their rightful place as master builders.Fred A. Bernstein, Architect Magazine
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. . . .A swift kick to the construction industry.James R. Hagerty, Wall Street Journal
