ConsensusDOCS® Releases New and Updated Contract Documents to Address Today’s Design and Construction Industry for 2011
Washington D.C. – January 20, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — In response to the construction industry’s markedly changed economic conditions and rapid adoption of new technologies and green building goals, ConsensusDOCS today released a comprehensive update to its library of construction contract documents, as well as new contracts.
The update further implements the ConsensusDOCS coalition’s goals of writing fairer contracts to foster better project results with less litigation. Drawing from an actively growing coalition of more than 30 construction organizations, the revised documents incorporate the most recent best practices and extensive practitioner feedback, including significantly more design professional input. The endorsing ConsensusDOCS coalition has increased 50% since its inception three years ago, and now includes groups like Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). Valuable input was also solicited and received by the American Bar Association Forum on Construction, Owners and Lenders Division as well as the Design Division, the General Counsel of Engineering Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC), American Insurance Association (AIA), and Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA).
Revisions retain a project-first philosophy mission that put Owners in an active rather than passive role in the construction process. Revisions reflect a plain English writing style that provides clearer contract interpretation and project administration. By further promoting collaboration, communication and integration, ConsensusDOCS are in contrast to current practices that often create contractual silos that impede efficiency. Building information modeling (BIM) and green building goals were incorporated as specific callouts into the agreements. Additionally, contractual terms were flowed consistently among each document in the library.
“Rather than wait 10 years to react, the 2011 comprehensive update puts ConsensusDOCS ahead of curve” comments Brian Perlberg, Executive Director of ConsensusDOCS. “Today’s construction industry looks almost nothing like it did 2007. The practical expertise of an expanded coalition effort brought new ideas and actively listened to outside feedback to make the best standard contracts even better.”
“Owners from COAA indicate that ConsensusDOCS is a valuable contractual tool meeting their desire to get better project results,” states Ted Argyle, an Owner who represents COAA and currently serves as Chair of the ConsensusDOCS Drafting Council.
Use of ConsensusDOCS continues to grow despite a severely depressed construction economy, and the new documents are expected to continue the trend. For more information, visit www.ConsensusDOCS.org
Contact:
Carrie Ciliberto
