Masonry Magazine October 1985 Page. 30
`
SEPARATE CONTRACTS
Continued from page 21
Represents substantially more than half of the total cost of construction and is more significant than structural work in determining ongoing operating and maintenance costs as well as construction costs and the safety, comfort, and productivity of the building's future occupants.
The joint statement notes that separate contracts have been used successfully on state and local public works in numerous states for years and are becoming increasingly popular with private owners. A "1984 Survey of Current Construction Practices in the United States" by Arthur Andersen & Company indicated that more than 41 percent of projects contracted to construction contractors (excluding design/build) have multiple prime contracts. Among the advantages of separate contracts are:
Cost savings of as much as ten percent due to the elimination of double markups for overhead and profit, and the elimination of bid shopping.
Reductions in delays and liens since the payment problems inherent on single contract jobs are eliminated when specialty contractors receive payment directly from the owner.
Improved quality resulting from the owner's ability to determine which specialty contractors will be invited to bid and what will be expected of them.
`
QUALITY MORTAR AT LOWER COST
Easy-Spred, the mortar plasticizer that replaces lime.
Easy-Spred is a mortar plasticizer that performs better and costs less to use than lime. One 7 lb. bag of Easy-Spred replaces a 50 lb. bag of lime. Its water retention capability promotes better curing, less shrinkage, and the contractor doesn't have to retemper as often to maintain plasticity. Board life is increased as much as two times compared to a Portland/lime mix.
Easy-Spred is made from a formulation of minerals naturally compatible with basic ingredients in mortar, and is effective for use with brick, block or stucco. It accepts color pigments without bleaching, as lime often does, to make a brick color match easier.
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY
Contractor Products Division
5100 Suffield Court Skokie, IL, 60077
(312) 966-5720 TWX 910-233-0738
`
PROMPT PAY POLICY
Continued from page 19
The three organizations are promoting the following schedule beginning in the following example on the 20th day of the month:
20th day of the month-Sub-subcontractors request payment from subcontractors.
25th day-Subcontractors request payment from general contractor for themselves and sub-subcontractors.
1st day of next month-Contractor submits to the owner's representative an itemized application for payment with the necessary supporting data, covering the monthly progress of the entire contract being performed.
5th day-The owner representative issues the certificate for payment to the owner for the amount requested.
10th day or sooner The owner makes payment to the contractor for the amount certified by the owner's representative.
No more than 7 days after receipt-The contractor pays each subcontractor the amount received from the owner on his account promptly, but not later than seven days after receipt.
No more than 7 days after receipt-Each subcontractor pays each sub-subcontractor the amount received from the contractor on his account promptly, but not later than seven days after receipt.
ASC, ASA and AGC agreed that the schedule should be adjusted by making appropriate billings and payments on the last working day prior to any listed Saturday, Sunday or holiday and that commencement begins immediately following the day that payment was due.
In the joint policy statement issued by the three groups, they agreed that all payment should be made promptly. "This applies to both progress payments and final payments." The three associations also agreed to urge their local chapters to "make efforts singly or cooperatively where possible to persuade all owners, architects/engineers, general contractors, subcontractors and sub-subcontractors to adopt and adhere to this policy in the conduct of their business.