CAI-NJ Dec. 2018 (w)

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CRASH COURSE By Jennifer Nevins, DW Smith Associates, LLC

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A fter recently taking the CMCA exam, I understand in greater detail than ever before the depth of knowl- edge required by property managers to perform their jobs. I utilized experience gained from a construction management course taken at NJIT with current practices from my firm to provide a Construction Management Crash Course that would empower Property Managers to work with their Engineering Professionals, to feel comfortable asking questions, and most importantly — to be abundantly confident as they interact with their board members during capital improvement projects. The intention of this course was to review the nuances of reading plan specifications, to understand the value of a bid package, to know what to look for in a qualified contractor, and to better understand contractual transfer of liability.

Property managers often walk their sites and are very familiar with what they can observe at eye level. However, they often do not get a chance to observe issues that may compromise their community’s roofs. This crash course focused on a sample roofing project for that exact reason.

So, how does an engi- neering team get involved with a community’s roof- ing project? Generally, it’s for one of two reasons – either the roof has reached the end of its useful life, or significant leaks and other issues have been

“So, how does an engineering team get involved with a community’s roofing project?”

reported by homeowners. When the engineering team is called, the initial effort includes an inspection and condition CONT I NU E S ON PAGE 32

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