Describes the array of contractual features between the project owner and the main contractor that can lead individually or in permutations to expediting the construction process and reducing the financial risks and expenditures of the project owner. (MLF)

Characteristics of construction management (CM), general contracting, and design/build contracting are defined. CM is shown to be a cost-effective alternative to the other project delivery systems. Explains the four forms of CM and provides guidelines for selecting and rating a CM firm. (MLF)

School officials must be aware of their own and others' influences on the cost of constructing a school facility. Administrators' responsibilities include investigating the architect's reputation for performance and adhering to a clearly defined educational program. (MLF)

A construction management firm and the architects working with the firm provided San Diego with ten elementary schools that were delivered on schedule, within cost, and met or exceeded the basic design criteria. (Author/MLF)

Construction management--the control of cost and time from concept through construction--grew out of a need to meet the realities of today's economy. A checklist of services a construction manager provides is presented. (Author/MLF)

School boards and other educational governing bodies will be better served if they: (1) appoint their architects based on recommendations of a qualified review panel, and via a process that is specific, open, and accountable; and (2) employ, for special consultative assignments, architects and engineers who are totally independent. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the construction phase of the school planning process. Presents an overview of the different contractual relationships between an owner and contractors. (Author/MLF)