Developers Telephone Seminars - Training Resources

Understanding LEED for Sustainable Building BenefitsThis teleconference will help you better understand the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program, as it was significantly revised in 2009. The comprehensive introductory materials will prepare you for additional training to receive your LEED credential as an accredited professional or LEED AP. In January 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council  more...

Traffic Management for Construction Work Zones: Unique Challenges and Solutions BenefitsThe hazards encountered at construction zones vary by project and by project phases. To address these hazards, certain program elements must be completed before work begins, while additional elements must be addressed on-site and on an on-going basis. Many contractors who are required to prepare and implement traffic control plans often do not understand how to process the approval and  more...

Building Preservation: Preventive Measures to Combat Deterioration BenefitsDo you have an old or historic building and just don't know where to begin with condition assessment and repairs or renovations? This information-packed teleconference will cover the nuts and bolts of repair and maintenance of historic, landmarked and old building exteriors. We will help you understand why certain buildings are considered historic and how to preserve their valued  more...

ConsensusDOCS Contract Fundamentals BenefitsIn the fall of 2007, the Associated General Contractors of American and the Construction Owners of America folded their AGC contract documents program into a new organization and issued a new series of contracts called the ConsensusDOCS. These forms, some revised and some entirely new, were issued at nearly the same time as the American Institute of Architects' 2007 revision of the AIA  more...

Health Care Facility Design and Development BenefitsDeveloping or expanding a health care facility is particularly challenging in the modern economic and regulatory environment. Health care administrators are looking for project delivery models that ensure excellence in planning and delivery. Incorporating thought leadership in design, operational efficiency and sustainability, as well as efficient project delivery are important  more...

Maintain and Gain Downtown Businesses in a Tough Economy: Key Retention and Recruitment Concepts BenefitsIt is possible to pursue new growth and attend to those who have already invested in your community. In fact, we believe that it should be a goal of every economic development or downtown to have a balanced 'maintaining and gaining' approach to economic growth. This teleconference will illuminate a number strategies and tactics to consider as you pursue this goal. Learning Objectives -  more...

The New ADA Design Standards- When, Where, and How? BenefitsThere has been a great deal of speculation about when the Department of Justice will adopt the revised ADA/ABA Guidelines as the new ADA Design Standards and the implications of the proposed changes. This teleconference will provide an update on the status of the new rule, a highlight of the major changes, and the potential implications for your business and clients. Presenters include  more...

CPM in Construction Management: Preventing and Measuring Delays BenefitsThis teleconference will discuss how to use today's project management tools effectively to identify project delays before they are insurmountable. You'll learn how to use the schedules persuasively and reliably to measure and quantify project delays. The discussion will also provide the technical and legal foundation for the techniques presented. You will be brought up-to-date on the very  more...

Retaining Wall and Slope Design Considerations BenefitsLow cost sites ideal for development are becoming scarce as growth continues to increase in high density population centers. As a result, sites considered less ideal (small sites, sites with limited right-of-way, and/or sites with excessive topographic relief, etc.) are becoming more attractive. As a result, the design and construction of retaining walls and slopes are becoming more  more...

Revitalizing Vacant Commercial Properties BenefitsWith the tremendous turmoil in the commercial real estate market, there will plenty of potential opportunities for owner-users and investors to purchase vacant properties at pennies on the dollar. The question is how? The ability to acquire these properties and bring them back to a viable place to do business or to investment status will require a plan and know how. This teleconference  more...

EPA's Rules on Compensatory Mitigation for Impact on Wetlands, Streams and Other Waters ... the new approach to compensatory mitigation - a must for developers, consultants and attorneys in the field. Learning Objectives - You will be able to explain the purpose of compensatory mitigation. - You will be able to describe the new compensatory mitigation rule. - You will be able to discuss practical impacts of the final rule. - You will be able to identify emerging trends. Engineers,  more...

Infill Development Fundamentals BenefitsOver the past decade, a variety of forces have operated to create a trend toward more infill development and less development of greenfields or agricultural land. But infill development poses a unique set of challenges compared to more traditional development on vacant land. This teleconference will summarize the principal differences between infill development and greenfield development,  more...

Real Estate Due Diligence: Managing Risk and Developing a Winning Strategy in the Face of Challenging Credit Markets BenefitsThis teleconference will look back over 2009 at lessons learned in light of the fall in real estate values, increase vacancies in office and retail buildings, tightening of underwriting standards in the credit markets and increased use of alternative financing sources to provide an overview of the due diligence process to ensure a sound investment decision is made at the outset regarding  more...

Conflicts With Additional Insured Coverage BenefitsStandard form contracts and purchase orders often require contract counterparties to add one another as additional insureds to general liability, property and other insurance policies. Relying upon another parties' insurance coverage can offer important benefits to the additional insured, whose own insurance coverage may not be implicated in the event of a claim. At the same time, relying  more...

The Construction Bidding Process BenefitsThe federal construction bidding process is complex. This teleconference will review the complicated federal construction bidding process, including sealed bidding procedures and negotiated procurements. The teleconference will also review practical substantive issues which commonly arise in preparing a bid or proposal for federal construction work, such as proprietary specifications,  more...

Public/Private Partnerships and Major Infrastructure Construction ...re needs. At the same time P3s provide an opportunity for developers and contracts to weather this economic crisis. The expectations and hopes are high on all sides, and the risks, political and financial, are even higher. The purpose of this teleconference is to assist you in understanding how the P3 model works and to provide you with tools for evaluating the viability of a proposed P3.  more...

Mechanics Liens in Massachusetts: Protecting Your Lien Rights in Uncertain Times BenefitsMechanics liens are an essential tool for collection of debts in any economy - in today's uncertain times, a thorough understanding of mechanics liens is even more critical. The mechanics lien process is complex and must be executed flawlessly in order for liens to be perfected. In turn, the Massachusetts mechanics lien law is often confusing, even to lawyers who are not expert in its  more...

Workout Strategies for Troubled Condominium Projects ...oject in today's uncertain times. Attorneys, real estate developers, lenders, borrowers, mortgage companies, mezzanine lenders, financial institutions, loan servicers, investment banks, private equity companies and other investors, real estate professionals, condominium associations and their board members, unit owners, management and leasing agents, brokers, CFOs, accountants and others who  more...

Recent Updates to the EPA's Brownfields Program BenefitsThis teleconference will provide you with an update on the current status of the Federal Brownfields Program. You will learn about benefits you can obtain under the Federal Brownfields Program, the status of the program and some of the risks to brownfields development resulting from a recent Supreme Court case and environmental risks associated with vapor intrusion. Learning Objectives -  more...

Zoning Variances: Nonconforming Uses and Structures BenefitsThis teleconference will be useful in determining how to devise and apply nonconforming development and land use regulations, how to review evidence documenting nonconforming development and uses, and how to determine whether a nonconforming development or use has been terminated, abandoned or modified. Learning Objectives - You will be able to report and document a nonconforming use. -  more...

Access Management Design and Development BenefitsAccess management is a critical element of every private and public roadway or site development project. As a transportation engineer and/or planner, understanding the basics of access design and access development is crucial in delivering a successful project to your client. Driveway access to a site can have positive or negative consequences on the amount of potential business a retail  more...

AIA Contracts: The Owner-General Contractor Agreement ...widely used and accepted in the industry. Some owners and developers use the AIA forms without any changes and many others have developed their own standard set of revisions to the forms. However they are used, an understanding of the AIA forms and how they allocate risk is essential for anyone negotiating, drafting, interpreting, arbitrating or litigating construction contracts based on the  more...

Construction Joint Ventures: Benefits and Pitfalls BenefitsConstruction joint ventures, properly conceived and implemented, enhance the marketing opportunities and organizational assets of the individual joint venturers, thereby enabling the joint venture to obtain and successfully complete larger, more complex projects than those the joint venturers could undertake individually. Construction joint ventures are excellent vehicles for combining  more...

Reading and Understanding Soil Reports BenefitsJust because you have hired a consultant to provide you a soils report does not necessarily mean it will be put to good use. Many of the terms and even the recommendations given in soils reports could use some explanation. This teleconference will help you understand what type of soils report you may need, the technical terms found within the soils report, what is really the important  more...

Documentation and Proof of Construction Delay BenefitsTime truly is money, especially in construction. Consequently, being able to determine and document delay is a crucial skill for owners, contractors, subcontractors, design consultants, project managers and their legal team. This teleconference will focus on the key terms, important contract provisions and the most successful approaches to the determination of delay. It will include a  more...

Affordable Housing: Finance and Development, How to Maximize the Available Resources ...nment stimulus concepts and programs may prove helpful to developers of affordable housing. This teleconference is designed for those involved in all aspects of the production and operation of affordable housing and will discuss, in both general and specific terms, current topics affecting affordable housing throughout the country. Recent trends in the housing market will be discussed and the  more...

Float Ownership Issues in Construction Project Management BenefitsFloat is a measure of schedule flexibility. It can be used to avoid creating disputes about delays or misused to exacerbate them. We will discuss the relationships between schedules, float and delays, and examine techniques which may be used to manipulate them and to minimize manipulation. This teleconference will also review the effect of contract provisions and the development of case  more...

Easement Valuations: Common Pitfalls and Principles BenefitsMany state and local governments are acquiring a variety of preservation easements for a broad variety of reasons and it is important that property owners understand the proper method of valuing these easements to insure they are receiving just compensation. Further, condemnors are increasingly recharacterizing temporary construction easements as noneasements to avoid paying compensation.  more...

New Developments in Greywater Irrigation Systems ...er-drafting and sheer population increase, pressure is on developers and builders to conserve water in new developments. The focus for such conservation is on the landscape, which currently uses about half of all urban water. This teleconference will teach you what greywater really is, all the environmental and financial benefits of reusing it, how to legally capture and irrigate with it, and  more...

New Developments in Greywater Irrigation Systems ...er-drafting and sheer population increase, pressure is on developers and builders to conserve water in new developments. The focus for such conservation is on the landscape, which currently uses about half of all urban water. This teleconference will teach you what greywater really is, all the environmental and financial benefits of reusing it, how to legally capture and irrigate with it, and  more...

Easement Valuations: Common Pitfalls and Principles BenefitsMany state and local governments are acquiring a variety of preservation easements for a broad variety of reasons and it is important that property owners understand the proper method of valuing these easements to insure they are receiving just compensation. Further, condemnors are increasingly recharacterizing temporary construction easements as noneasements to avoid paying compensation.  more...

Basics of Reverse Osmosis for Brackish Groundwater Treatment nMany professionals in membrane desalination design, operation and maintenance are faced with the difficult task of keeping current on the rapidly changing technology. Reverse osmosis membrane products change as the suppliers introduce new models. How and when to best apply these products and what features and benefits they offer must be analyzed before optimum performance can be realized.  more...

A Road Map to Greening Our Residential Buildings: National Green Building Standards Review BenefitsIn this teleconference, you will uncover the hidden opportunities across our largest environmental problem areas in residential buildings. We will uncover how we are missing substantial ways to save energy, water and money, and discuss the new national green building standards that will affect you and your industry. You'll be exposed to new data and connections you've never seen before and  more...

Construction Contract Bid Errors BenefitsThe pressures on contractors to obtain work have never been greater. The competition for contracts, often coupled with precarious financial health, leaves very little margin for error - yet bid mistakes are on the increase with adverse consequences for owners, contractors and subcontractors. This teleconference analyzes the legal consequences of bid errors and how to avoid them. Those who  more...

Ground Failures and Other Groundwater-Related Property Damage BenefitsOne ground failure can destroy your professional reputation or decimate your life savings. A ground failure doesn't have to make the national news to be a catastrophic loss to a property owner. Ground failure mechanisms come in many forms - landslides, sinkholes, soil expansion, bedrock heave, soil collapse, erosion - all of which typically include water as a major contributing factor.  more...

Slope Stabilization: Best Practices and Challenges BenefitsThis teleconference will address the types of slope stabilization failures and techniques used to avoid failures by the application of best practices. There are well-established engineering principles for the design and maintenance of stable slopes. This teleconference summarizes practices to overcome challenges to enhance slope stability. Many engineers are faced with challenges to  more...

Contractor Selection BenefitsIn today's difficult financial times when construction is considered, it is vital to have the best construction team members available. While design professionals, lenders and other professionals are important for a successful project, in these 'watch the bottom line' times, the contractor you place in charge of the work is the most important person on the project. This teleconference will  more...

Low Quality Asphalt: How to Avoid Problems Down the Road BenefitsLow quality asphalt is a facility owner's or manager's nightmare. How to turn it into a high quality asset can be a difficult question. That's what this teleconference is about. Reconstruction of asphalt pavements, whether a roadway, commercial parking lot or large distribution center, can be time consuming and very expensive. Costs associated with loss of use can easily exceed costs of  more...

Low-Impact Development Maintenance and Upkeep Techniques BenefitsThroughout the country new storm water regulations are requiring the control of runoff peak flow rates, runoff volume and water quality. To meet these requirements, engineers and planners are implementing low impact development concepts into their site development plans. This results in the use of many complex storm water BMPs such as bioinfiltration systems, infiltration basins,  more...

LEED Tax Incentives and Credits for Green Buildings BenefitsLEED is a certification program for green buildings. Key elements of the program are water conservation, energy conservation and a reduction in waste going to landfill. Federal, state and local jurisdictions are looking for ways to incentivize improved performance in these key areas. The President is working with Congress to pass comprehensive legislation to protect our nation from the  more...

Implied Obligations in Construction Contracts BenefitsWhen parties enter into construction or design contracts, there may be numerous implied obligations that arise under law or in equity. These implied obligations should be carefully considered by owners, design professionals and contractors. These implied obligations apply to most construction and design contracts unless a specific contractual provision is provided in the contract that  more...

The Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act: Application to Condominiums and Single Family Homes ...le-family home sales from slipping away. Many condominium developers and home builders who are subject to the federal Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act do not understand how to comply, or perhaps worse, they think they're in compliance when they're not. These developers do not understand either how to draft unit purchase agreements to comply with the completed home exemption or when  more...

Construction Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements for Government Contracts BenefitsWhile a systematic records retention policy is a hallmark of every successful business, it is also a mandatory condition of contracting with the federal government. Federal laws and regulations require federal contractors, including construction contractors, to maintain certain records related to the contract for a specific number of years. Consequently, federal contractors are well  more...

Water Supply and Groundwater Well Design BenefitsThe demand for reliable clean water continues to grow across the country and one of the most common sources is ground water. The most important component in a ground water based supply system is the wells used to extract water from underground aquifers. Maintaining the long term performance of wells requires an understanding of the factors that effect well performance. Problems with well  more...

Basic Principles of Construction Insurance BenefitsThis popular teleconference offers an overview of basic insurance coverage used for construction projects. The presenters are experienced construction and insurance coverage attorneys who will discuss how to secure appropriate insurance coverage at a project's inception and what to do when claims arise during construction or after project completion. Builder's risk, CGL and other common  more...

When HOA's and the IRS Compete for Lien Property: Lien Priorities, Perfections and Foreclosure Rights BenefitsIn lien law, timing is everything - or is it? If an HOA's statutory lien is perfected by recording its CC R's, then an HOA lien should have priority over a subsequently recorded IRS income tax lien; but does it? When the IRS records an income tax lien, lien priority determinations under state law may be complicated by governed federal laws. This teleconference will discuss HOA lien  more...

Emerging Trends in Infrastructure Finance - The Stimulus and Beyond BenefitsOur nation's competitiveness has long relied on an efficient, effective and affordable infrastructure network. Over time, both private and public sector investors have played roles in developing our infrastructure. Unfortunately, as the era of government-led and government-financed infrastructure comes to an end because of diminishing resources, alternatives must be explored. Governments  more...

Nanotech Materials for Sustainable Buildings BenefitsA nanotech revolution is underway in building materials and technologies. In fact, you won't achieve truly green, sustainable buildings without some of the products emerging from this revolution. Many nanotech products are already here and you can use them with confidence. This 90-minute, nontechnical teleconference will give an overview of how nanotech is changing the full spectrum of  more...

Integrated Project Delivery Principles and Building Information Modeling BenefitsMany in the facilities community, including designers, builders and owners, need a hand understanding IPD and BIM. What does it all mean? Who benefits and how? Some that have heard about IPD and BIM may be wondering how to either ask for it in their projects or implement these principles in their firms. There are some basic concepts in IPD and BIM that can be used in every project large or  more...

Form-Based Coding: An Alternative to Conventional Zoning BenefitsThis teleconference will provide a basic understanding of form-based codes: how they are different, how they can be applied and how they can help implement more sustainable communities. Lessons learned and steps toward beginning the process will provide you with a clear path toward a successful form-based code. Legal and practical considerations associated with adopting form-based zoning  more...

Documenting and Organizing LEED Projects: Lessons Learned for Better LEED Submissions BenefitsLEED certification is becoming a more common requirement for designs in this environmentally sensitive and energy-conscious world. Design teams are being asked to integrate steps for LEED certification into already established design processes. Even though a designer might understand the principles of sustainable design and are familiar with LEED certification, until they have managed a  more...

Commercial Ground Leases: A Conceptual Framework BenefitsEven well-seasoned real estate attorneys may not have enough direct experience with ground leases to negotiate them effectively. Indeed, lessons learned in negotiating ordinary leases often mislead lawyers handling ground leases into taking negotiating positions that are fundamentally incompatible with the economic basis for ground lease transactions and the requirements of leasehold  more...

Subleasing Issues In A Down and Recovering Market BenefitsBrokers and property owners agree: The subprime mortgage meltdown has finally reached the office market, bringing with it a flood of subleases as the economy continues its downward trend, and even as it recovers. It is time to dust off the practices and procedures lessons first learned in 1991 and 1992 when the savings and loan industry collapsed, and then again in 2000 and 2001 when the  more...

Common Annexation Issues in Development BenefitsAnnexation is a process for the adjustment of government boundaries. Annexation can have a significant impact on the owners of the real property to be annexed, on the annexing government agency and on those who own property in the immediate area. This teleconference will discuss the pros and cons of annexation and how it is used to control development. You will gain useful information  more...

Construction Payment Remedies: Using the Right Tools BenefitsThe recession has made nonpayment and late payment critical concerns to many in the construction industry. The unique nature of the industry and the special remedies available to those in it make payment disputes matters of much interest to all involved in the construction process. The recession has only made resolution of these disputes more challenging. This teleconference will cover  more...

Collection Issues for Condominium and Homeowners' Association: Legal Tips, Concepts and Current Trends in Assessment Collection BenefitsThis teleconference will address relevant legal issues and practical considerations related to the collection of assessments for condominium and homeowner associations. Given current economic trends, the suppressed housing market and rising rates of foreclosures and bankruptcies, homeowners' associations are now inundated with delinquencies and legal issues in degrees not previously  more...

Practical Transportation Design and Solutions: Concepts and Implementation BenefitsDue to the increasing age of our nation's transportation infrastructure, in conjunction with the increasing demand for travel, the need for ongoing road preservation, safety and mobility projects has continually increased. However, the long term availability of funds for such improvements continues to diminish. Typical planning and design approaches may prioritize projects at the planning  more...

Shop Drawings and Other Construction Submittals - Legal and Architectural Perspectives BenefitsThere is perhaps no aspect of construction which is more misunderstood, and which is more fraught with the potential for confusion, than the shop drawing submittal process. When the process breaks down, the result can be deficient work, economic loss and even disastrous collapse. This teleconference will help you understand your responsibility and risks in the shop drawings submittal  more...

Collective Bargaining and Construction Labor Contracts BenefitsThe construction industry is rife with contractors who sign collective bargaining agreements and later find out that the agreements do not accurately represent the verbal understandings they had reached with the union. Many of these contractors soon learn they are bound to the collective bargaining agreements for longer periods of time than expected and that the agreements cover all  more...

Measuring Inefficiency on a Construction Project BenefitsEfficiency is often the key to profitability. Conversely, inefficiency boosts costs, busts budgets and kills profits. Given the consequences, understanding and managing the efficiency of construction is important to everyone on the project - from the contractors, subcontractors and suppliers that experience inefficiency to the owners and design consultants whose actions can lead to  more...

Fair Housing Act: 2009 Hot Topics ...nent litigator who has assisted property owners, lenders, developers and managers in FHA, ADA and Rehabilitation Act compliance and litigation all across the country; a registered architect, attorney and former ADA/Rehabilitation Act coordinator for the city of Miami Beach, Florida, who works with property owners, builders, design professionals, developers and managers on FHA, ADA and  more...

Clean Air Act Update BenefitsU.S. businesses are facing unprecedented uncertainty as to future requirements under the Clean Air Act and an array of new programs addressing stationary and mobile emission sources. The Obama Administration and Congress are poised to usher in a new era of greenhouse gas and energy regulation. At the same time, the Obama EPA is confronting a bewildering array of court-ordered regulatory  more...

Multifamily Project Finance and Development ...tinues to be a challenge, even for well-capitalized owner/developers with good track records and performing or well conceived new projects. The looming 'refinance crisis' for multifamily projects financed with CMBS and with soon-to-expire construction loans will only add to the challenges. This teleconference will explore a variety of debt and equity programs, including some new and  more...

Federal Flood Plain Regulation BenefitsSafety and environmental issues are the most significant issues in flood plain development today. Practitioners continue to struggle with jurisdictional issues under the Clean Water Act regarding wetlands regulation, with new EPA and USACE guidance following the Rapanos decision offering limited relief. In the post-Hurricane Katrina era, FEMA is proposing sweeping changes to flood plain  more...

Construction Documentation: Preparing Effective Job Records BenefitsAlthough the term 'papering the file' is often associated with increased documentation efforts in preparation for litigation after a job has gone bad, it shouldn't be. Effective communication and accurate recordation of those communications can keep the parties - and the project - on course and out of litigation. And should an irreconcilable dispute nevertheless arise, thorough project  more...

Not in My Backyard (NIMBY): Overcoming Development Resistance BenefitsNIMBY resistance to land use proposals can add millions to the cost of the development project and add months to the permitting process. This teleconference will provide practical, actionable tools to anticipate and avoid community resistance to controversial land use projects and to actively build community enthusiasm for the proposal. We'll begin with an in-depth look at managing hostile  more...

Landlord and Tenant Law: Commercial Tenant Bankruptcy Considerations BenefitsIn today's uncertain economic climate, commercial tenants may find themselves with diminishing cash flows and limited resources to satisfy their obligations to their landlords, leaving both grappling with tough decisions, including whether to renegotiate the existing lease, terminate the lease or exercise other remedies upon default. This teleconference will explore the rights, remedies  more...

Lighting Design and Control for Commercial Buildings: Increase Sales, Increase Productivity and Save Energy BenefitsWhatever your business is, the proper illumination can provide paybacks that far exceed the energy saved. Studies have confirmed findings. This topic will be presented in a fast paced teleconference with many real life examples. System efficiencies, impact on other architectural systems and integrated controls will all be discussed. We will discuss daylighting, a 100 year old feature that  more...

Current Issues in Right-of-Way: Joint Ventures, Corridors and the Use of Eminent Domain BenefitsRight-of-way corridors and the use of joint ventures between private and public entities for the development of infrastructure are two of the hottest issues facing the right-of-way industry today. In this teleconference, you will learn about both of these issues and how they affect the right-of-way professional. You will also learn about the use of eminent domain to acquire right-of-way  more...

Building Green Without Losing Green: Managing Risk in Sustainable Design and Construction Contracts BenefitsRising energy costs, government mandates and market forces are combining to produce a surge of interest in sustainable development. The introduction of new green practices and processes requires a fresh review of old design and construction template agreements. In this teleconference, you will learn to identify areas of contractual risk in the green development context. You will also learn  more...

Managing Post-Construction Claims BenefitsClaims that arise after project completion can ruin a previously successful job. Such claims arise from a host of problems, such as physical failures, unpaid lower tier contractors, undiscovered defects of design and construction, and personal injuries. Taking steps to avoid such claims is prudent but companies also need strategies to deal with claims that inevitably arise. This  more...

Understanding the Complexities of OCIPs and CCIPs Insurance Programs BenefitsOwner-controlled insurance programs and contractor-controlled insurance programs, sometimes referred to as wrap-ups, are becoming more popular, as they can result in significant savings if properly structured and managed. While historically available only on the largest of projects, more recently these programs have been used on projects as small as $25 million in construction costs.  more...

Automated Meter Reading and Advanced Metering Infrastructure: A Guide for Municipal Water and Energy Utilities BenefitsCan you make a sound business case for AMR/AMI? What does it take to have a successful advanced metering system project? Advanced metering systems are evolving to meet municipal needs for efficient customer service, infrastructure management and conservation. But, acquiring and successfully integrating automatic meter reading/advanced metering infrastructure presents unique challenges to  more...

Legal Construction Issues in Connection With Office Condominiums BenefitsWhat you don't know could hurt you - stay updated on issues concerning office condominiums. Join us for this innovative teleconference and get up to speed on the construction of condominiums. Get a handle on complicated issues surrounding the construction of a condominium association. Avoid problems down the road by protecting yourself and your company - find out exactly what the critical  more...

Pervious Concrete - The Pavement That Drinks! ...n control and storm water management. Property owners and developers can also reduce fees and enhance the bottom line by using pervious concrete, which commonly provides 20 or more years of service with little or no maintenance. You will learn about the latest mix designs, freeze and thaw resistance, environmental benefits, storm water management planning and placement techniques. This  more...

Current Trends in Carbon Credits and Markets BenefitsThe world of greenhouse gas regulation is increasingly complex. International, national, state and regional greenhouse gas reduction programs typically include carbon offsets or allowances as one of the tools to achieve compliance. This teleconference will help those who are involved with and responsible for climate change programs and compliance to understand the nature, use and value of  more...

ALTA Policy, Endorsements and Transaction Strategies with Title Insurance BenefitsThis teleconference will examine the role of title insurance in real estate transactions and review policy forms, with an emphasis on the 2006 ALTA Policy. Using the commitment for title insurance, the course will discuss how counsel, investors and lenders can avoid title pitfalls and coverage gaps, expedite a pre-closing response to coverage requests, and ultimately enhance coverage.  more...

Who Should Bear the Risk? Top 10 Things Developers Need to Know About Loan Documents ...fitsWith the tightening in the commercial lending market, developers are under increased pressure to provide lenders with projects that present no more than a responsible risk. After an equity requirement, loan documentation is the primary vehicle for allocating risk between the parties. This teleconference will help you understand lenders' requirements and the variety of loan documentation  more...

5 Principles for Successful Design-Build Projects BenefitsYou will learn how design-build project delivery systems differ from the traditional design-bid-build system, how to evaluate whether design-build may be advantageous for your particular situation and project, how to structure a design-build approach to maximize the probability of a successful project in either the private or the public sector and how to select an appropriate contract  more...

Combating Rising Construction Costs BenefitsRising construction costs are a fact of life. Budget overruns are frequent occurrences. When costs rise, someone pays - how can you avoid being the one who pays? A savvy construction business person can take many steps along the way to apportion the risks of construction in a way to ensure that his or her company avoids getting stuck with the bill for escalating costs. Some of the most  more...

Storm Water Best Management Practice (BMP) Inspection and Maintenance BenefitsAvoid costly permit violations and problems meeting storm water discharge benchmark criteria with proper inspection and maintenance of BMPs. Storm water best management practices require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure long-term proper function. Inspections are the most effective way to detect and avoid potential problems before they become a liability. This teleconference  more...

Terminating a Construction Contract: Legal Issues and Considerations BenefitsAn unstable economy causes owners and contractors to increasingly consider the last resort of terminating their construction contracts. It is important to fully appreciate and understand the law governing termination in order to avoid causing even more economic damage. This teleconference will provide the basic concepts of termination and will provide some examples of the right and wrong  more...

Collection Techniques for Landlords BenefitsFor many commercial landlords, consistent receipt of rent and other tenant charges is the key to their business. However, as a result of the recent economic downturn, fewer commercial tenants are making these payments on time and in full. Most leases specifically outline collection techniques and security mechanisms (such as security deposits and guaranties), but landlords are finding that  more...

Surface Parking Lots Development and Design ...erence will be of great benefit to architects, engineers, developers and contractors. You will learn how to acquire a potential property, how to design and maintain surface parking lots. This teleconference will not only devote time to surface features, such as pavements, drainage and striping, it will also discuss the importance of paying attention to soil preparation and pavement foundation.  more...

Practical and Legal Aspects of Real Estate Auctions ...n today's uncertain real estate economy, many real estate developers, investors and fiduciaries are holding surplus inventory with poor turnover performance and a grim outlook on return on investment. The carrying costs to maintain the property during a lengthy conventional brokerage sale weaken the asset's physical properties and investment potential. Real estate auctions have been a viable  more...

Building Information Modeling: Planning, Design and Legal Considerations nWhether you are an owner, a designer or a builder, you need information about building information modeling. The good news is that there is lots of information out there; the bad news is that much of it is not useful. No one knows everything about BIM but we can start by talking about authoritative sources for BIM information, then sprinkle in some basic BIM concepts. Information will be  more...

Pervious Pavement Alternatives ...tating cities in a sustainable manner. However designers, developers and municipal officials are reluctant to use porous pavements until numerous questions about their practicality and feasibility are answered. This teleconference conveys the scientific results and on-the-ground experiences that answer those questions. It reviews performance results and important provisions for pavement design,  more...

Design Codes and Standards for Noise Control nAcoustics strongly affects the human response to our environment and yet noise rises to the top of any list of user complaints in buildings. Complaints relate to poor hearing conditions, annoyance from neighbors, inadequate privacy, noisy mechanical equipment and a plethora of other issues. This teleconference will provide you with information on how to use building design to control sound and  more...

Navigating the Troubled Construction Project: Recognizing, Analyzing and Handling the Risks nThe current economic downturn has given rise to a massive increase in the number of troubled construction projects. Whether trouble arises from the withdraw or lack of funding or a failure in performance of the contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to perform, the reality is that each project represents unique challenges that must be met head on. This teleconference presents the issues  more...

Understanding the Language of Mold Assessment Reports nLaymen and professionals who do not deal with mold assessment reports on a regular basis are likely to struggle with understanding the language presented in a mold assessment report. They may be prone to accepting the written word of the consultant at face value, without question. This would be a mistake for anyone. For others it could be considered negligent and result in liability. Far too many  more...

Understanding Legal Issues with Construction Subcontracts nThis teleconference will provide you with information and knowledge on legal and contractual issues affecting subcontracts that are commonly encountered, such as changes and extras, pricing, termination, dispute resolution, risk allocation, pay to be paid provisions and other common clauses. The information obtained through this will assist you in fully comprehending the risk you are assuming in  more...

AIA Document A312 Payment Bond Forms nMany owners require contractors to obtain payment and performance bonds using the American Institute of Architect's A312 bond forms, but those bond forms require contractors, owners and sureties to contend with a number of challenges - the most recent of which is the surety industry's refusal to issue such bonds without modification because of the so-called 45-Day Rule. This teleconference is  more...

Demand-Side Water Conservation Initiatives nMany water utilities are having to prepare conservation, drought preparedness and diverse water supply plans to meet existing and future water demands. Internal and external factors are causing water shortages, rate impacts, conflicts among neighboring water users, and both real and perceived unreliable water supplies. These circumstances are impacting businesses, homeowners, and the health and  more...

Making It Through the Land Entitlement Process nWith a multilayered regulatory framework and a myriad of reviewing agencies and stakeholders, the land entitlement process is often bewildering. The rules, processes and players vary widely by jurisdiction but there are common keys to success. Get an insider's perspective on differentiating the various regulatory processes, understanding and addressing stakeholder concerns, getting staff on your  more...

Water Well Rehabilitation - Technical Considerations and Economic Advantages nThe decline of global economic conditions has discouraged high-volume water well owners, including municipalities, water companies, industrial entities and other large well owners, from incurring the cost of installing new wells. However, the decline of the economy has not reduced the requirement of water purveyors and other well owners to provide a safe and dependable supply of high-quality  more...

Green Roof Sustainable Design Techniques nIt is essential that customers for green roofs appreciate the importance of their decisions to achieving wished-for benefits. Design choices do have implications. All green roof assemblies will not confer equivalent benefits. This teleconference will explain how specific aspects of a green roof design will affect long term waterproofing performance, storm water runoff, energy requirements and  more...

Brownfield Redevelopment and LEED. in 2009 - What Happens When You Mix Green and Brown? ...rty is no longer stigmatized by experienced investors and developers because of our mature position on the learning curve. Conventional wisdom was the costs incurred for green building related costs may not enhance the market value even on greenfield sites. Now studies indicate that increased energy efficiencies and a market demand for a limited supply of green buildings can provide ROI when  more...

2009 Updates to the International Residential Codes nSignificant changes to the 2009 International Residential Code lie ahead for many in the construction industry. Some of the changes will be controversial as jurisdictions will have to choose whether or not to adopt the new codes, such as residential fire code provisions, as system manufacturers and installers work to keep up with the mandates. Some professionals view the changes as unnecessary,  more...

Management and Protection of Wetland Buffers nBuffers are upland or riparian areas that separate wetlands or other aquatic resources from upland areas, which are often found in developed or agricultural states. They are very critical to the ecological integrity of the wetlands and typically consist of native plant communities that reflect the local landscape and ecology. They perform a variety of habitat functions for wildlife and other  more...

More Affordable and Sustainable Communities: The Role of Good Design for Workforce Housing ...n of new housing developments which meet the needs of the developers, neighbors and future residents. To avoid lengthy and contentious public review procedures, these methods have proven to help expedite the design and public review process, saving time and money for developers, and resulting in developments that better meet the needs of the residents. n nLearning Objectives n- You will be  more...

Community Benefit Agreements ... a CBA can be a win-win solution for community groups and developers. The community receives assurances about job benefits, affordable housing, environmental impacts and other issues related to the development and to the community's needs. The project developer, in return, gets community support for permit approvals and subsidies, as well as a release of claims. This teleconference will help  more...

Writing Construction Specifications: Formats and Practices nAfter a facility's design is complete and construction products have been selected, construction specifications must be prepared that are clear, correct, complete and concise. Specifications also need to conform to recognized standards for formats in order to be expediently produced and used. This teleconference is an overview of current construction specification formats and writing practices,  more...

Understanding Warranties and Guarantees in the Standard AIA Contract nUnderstanding the interplay between warranties and call-back periods and the limitations on each is critical to both successful negotiation of a construction contract and the successful completion of a construction project. This teleconference will help you understand the issues concerning warranties and call-back periods, including the legal limitations on them, which will in turn allow you to  more...

Understanding LEED. for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance nThe U.S. Green Building Councils' LEED® for Existing Buildings' program goal is obtaining higher performance in buildings that have already been constructed and are currently in operation. LEED® EB emphasizes maximizing operational service and efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. The system addresses whole-building energy and water use, indoor comfort and air quality, cleaning and  more...

Utilizing Congestion Pricing to Reduce Traffic Congestion and Generate Infrastructure Revenue nMany states and metropolitan areas are faced with increasing traffic congestion along with inadequate sources of transportation revenue to address transportation investment needs. After completing this teleconference, you will improve your understanding of the ability of congestion pricing to address both congestion reduction and revenue generation objectives. You will be able to describe some of  more...

Construction Delays Caused by Permitting nConstruction delays caused by delays in obtaining permits can result in significant costs to all parties involved in a project. It is essential for you to know how to avoid permitting delays and how to address them when they arise. This teleconference will address how to use contract language to minimize and allocate the risks associated with permitting delays. In addition, it will address  more...

Differing Site Conditions nThe advent of and increasing use of 3-D building information modeling is taking much of the guess work out of a variety of different types of construction. For example, through BIM, the structural steel, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fire sprinkler and communications subtrades can all determine whether the new and existing utilities, beams, piping and conduits are going to run into each other or  more...

Real Estate Market Studies: Critical Decision Tool or Superfluous Information? nMost significant real estate projects are required to pass the market study hurdle during due diligence. What factors impact the applicability, reliability and timeliness of these market studies? This teleconference will help real estate professionals identify the best providers of market studies, formulate a scope of work to suit the needs of the assignment, assist the consultant without  more...

Floodproofing Fundamentals: Design Methods to Reduce Flood Damages nProblem: Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, more than 80 percent of the natural disaster losses in the United States are caused by flooding. Over the past 10 years, the National Weather Service estimates that flood losses have averaged more than $4 billion a year nationwide. Various government and insurance groups  more...

Key Provisions of Two New EJCDC Contract Documents nThe EJCDC documents are widely used in the construction industry for design and construction of public and private infrastructure projects, including bridge, highway and other transportation projects, water and wastewater treatment facilities, utilities, processing facilities, pipelines, landfills, and other engineer-designed facilities. This teleconference will provide a focused discussion of  more...

Design Tips for Rain Gardens: Storm Water and Runoff Control nRain gardens have been used to beautify landscapes while improving runoff quality since their inception in Prince George's County, Maryland, in the early 1990's. Research has shown that their cousin, bioretention, does a very good job of reducing pollutant loads, reducing runoff volumes and increasing infiltration, spurring regulators to look favorably on these practices. What these systems look  more...

Mitigating the Impact of Construction Projects: Hurdles to Project Success nAll construction projects have impacts on their surroundings, including neighbors, businesses, communities and the physical environment. These impacts frequently are the center of controversy surrounding a project and can lead to unnecessary delays, lost productivity, added project costs and bad public relations. This teleconference will provide you with practical strategies for identifying and  more...

Green Leases: Negotiating Renewals and Direct Leases Under Sustainability Mandates nA steadily increasing number of tenants, along with state pension funds and other institutional partners of commercial landlords, and state and local legislators are combining forces to press commercial landlords into moving forward with green buildings and the greening of existing buildings. The LEED® movement for green building leases started with encouraging energy efficiency and then  more...

Keys to Understanding Land Records nThis teleconference will provide you with the practical information you need to better understand the process of researching and evaluating land records in connection with the transfer of ownership and real estate financing. This teleconference will identify real property interests and sources of land information, explain how property interests are created and transferred, and discuss title  more...

Roundabouts: Planning, Design Principles and Current Practices nAlthough roundabouts have proven safety and operational benefits, proper planning and engineering design is essential for roundabouts to function correctly. This brief, yet practical, teleconference is your opportunity to better understand modern roundabouts and their installation, learn specific design skills and current practices, and apply roundabout design principles to projects in your  more...

Commercial Lease Negotiations and Due Diligence nIn this informative teleconference, our speaker will take the key lease provisions and go back to the basics with respect to commercial leases. This program is ideal for beginners and experts alike, since each provision will start at the simplest level and go to the most sophisticated level. You'll learn about the critical due diligence issues and developments that impact you, whether you work on  more...

Strategies for Successful Mixed Use Development ...nd necessary collaborations between design professionals, developers, leasing agents, tenants, municipal planners, land use attorneys, local government and communities. This teleconference prompts discussion of challenges you face and opportunities available for common mixed use design elements from site selection to plan approvals and operations. We'll discuss selected topics from a 360-degree  more...

Clean Water Act Jurisdiction Guidance Under the New Administration - Rapanos or Oberstar? nThe federal regulatory landscape affecting development in and around waters of the United States was significantly altered by the Rapanos decision. Indeed, that landscape continues to shift as the Army Corps and the courts respond in new ways to a perceived loss of jurisdiction. This teleconference will help you understand the ever-changing jurisdictional landscape and navigate a course to  more...

Commercial Leases: A Discussion of Legal, Negotiating and Drafting Considerations For Build-Out, Operating Expense, Tax and Othe nBy attending this teleconference, you will learn the types of expenses commercial tenants should expect to incur and how to appropriately attempt to limit such expenses. By limiting expenses, you'll go a long way toward protecting the tenants you represent against unforeseen leasing costs. Such expenses include the cost of improving the premises, operating cost pass-throughs, real estate taxes,  more...

Maximizing Innovation and Design Process Credits for LEED. Certification nThis teleconference will help you understand how to gain credits for advanced green building practices, including both system technologies and design innovations, which may qualify under the Innovation and Design Process section. The IDP section and qualifications policy has been reworked under the 2009 revisions to the LEED® program. n nThe information in this teleconference is important to  more...

Pros and Cons of Cost-Plus vs. Fixed Price Contracts nLump sum and cost-plus contracts for construction projects offer different protections and incentives for both owners and contractors. With today's economic pressures, it is important that project participants know the factors to consider in choosing between these pricing approaches and to understand the advantages and disadvantages to each. n nThe current economic situation has imposed great  more...

What You Need to Know About Section 404 Permits nAny proposed project involving wetlands or other waters of the United States is likely to require some type of permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As the federal agency responsible for regulating impacts to wetlands, the Corps' regulations and the permit process can represent a significant part of a project's development. The identification of wetlands or other waters on a project  more...

Common NEPA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them nSince 1970, the National Environmental Policy Act has been the cornerstone for environmental protection in the United States. To implement NEPA, federal agencies must prepare environmental impact statements or environmental assessments to study the impacts of their proposed actions. Unfortunately, some federal agencies, their consultants and affected citizens do not fully understand the  more...

Problems and Risks Associated With Green Construction nThe benefits of pursuing green design and construction continue to expand, causing many diverse owner/developer groups and project types to embrace these technologies, design elements and operation models. Moving in the green direction without proper preparation may cause a development to see red in the form of red tape, interruptions and negative bottom-line impacts. In this teleconference, we  more...

Current Trends in Transit-Oriented Development nAs the United States faces the most severe economic recession since the Great Depression, one sector of real estate - transit-oriented development - is situated to protect investors from the economic downturn and deliver attractive long-term profits. TOD provides a new investment opportunity for both the public and private sectors as our cities are faced with the challenges of rapid price  more...

The Fundamentals of Leasing Provisions and Covenants nIn today's economy it's more important than ever for real estate attorneys and practitioners to be clever in understanding the legal and financial implications of lease terms and covenants. This teleconference will delve into the essential terms of the commercial lease and focus particularly on the clauses that often draw the most attention during negotiations: common area maintenance, key tenant  more...

Detention Pond Design: Water Storage Solutions nYou will learn design tips for both dry and wet storm water management ponds. You will understand the relationship between variables in hydrologic and hydraulic runoff models and their impact on pond design. You will learn about the impact of USEPA Phase II storm water regulation. n nLearning objectives: n- The attendee will be able to differentiate wet vs. dry ponds. n- The attendee will be able  more...

Challenges and Contractual Issues With Sub-Subcontractors nA subcontractor in today's construction industry faces unique challenges and concerns - from dealing with a bid process that can lock in a bidding subcontractor without any written agreement, to subcontractor form contracts that are written largely, if not entirely, in favor of the general contractor. In addition to concerns in bidding and contract formation, a subcontractor must constantly  more...

Reclamation and Rehabilitation of Vacant Properties nDistressed real estate is easy to find in this market. To come out of the recession, just waiting for the economic cycle to change for the better may not be enough. Coming out of the recession will require new techniques. The sprawl model is dying and not just because of swings in energy prices. Consumers increasingly enjoy urban settings and lifestyles. This is driven by demographics and  more...

Sustainable Development and Land Use: The Future is Here and it is Green nBuilding green was for years entirely voluntary. The U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® program and other high performance building rating systems are not legislated by any governmental entity and they are not designed to be mandatory. But thanks to an explosion of state legislation and local ordinances across the country, green building methods and requirements have now been given the force of  more...

Capital Improvements for Condominium and Homeowners' Associations nThe common elements of all forms of community associations are in a never ending cycle of deterioration. It is the fiduciary responsibility of the association's board of directors to protect and maintain the community. It is not optional to address the physical condition of the community in a well-considered manner. This teleconference will help you develop strategies. The board itself needs to  more...

Effective Job Cost Reports in Construction Project Management nIn today's fast-paced and complex construction environment, construction industry professionals require immediate access to timely and accurate information. One of the most important management tools available to project teams is the job cost report. Properly designed and used, the JCR can be a powerful document that provides an up-to-date snapshot of the project status that also highlights  more...

Aging Building Management: Best Practices in Development Long-Term Capital Plans nUp to 30% of the average organization's annual capital outlay is spent on facilities and related infrastructure. How can an organization ensure it is most effectively leveraging this investment to support operations today and meet the needs of the future? n nOptimally managing capital assets requires detailed information about the condition of an organization's facilities and major building  more...

AIA and ConsensusDOCS Contract Documents: Comparison and Contrast nHardly a business day goes by in the construction industry when the parties involved in the construction contracting process encounter standard form contract documents. Two of the principal sources of such standard form construction contract documents have both recently issued the 2007 editions of their respective families of contract forms. The long established family of documents published by  more...

A Tax Primer on Real Estate Investment Trusts nMore than $375 billion are invested in approximately 180 publicly traded real estate investment trusts (or REITs). In addition, billions more are invested in privately held REITs. This teleconference will provide an introductory summary of the tax requirements REITs face in their formation and ongoing operations. You will develop a basic understanding of REITs through this program. The  more...

Construction Project Closeout: Is Your Customer Satisfied? nMake sure your customer is satisfied at project completion - register for this thorough teleconference today. You'll learn the proactive strategies you need to make sure project closeout goes smoothly and you're not spending the final days dealing with claims and complaints. n nOur expert will give you tips on establishing a bulletproof closeout checklist, handling move coordination and dealing  more...

Environmental Issues in Commercial Leases Benefits Environmental issues impact myriad provisions in a commercial lease and can have not only a material legal effect, but a material economic effect on the rights, duties and risk allocation between the landlord and the tenant. From pre-delivery site and building assessment to operational risks, insurance and indemnification obligations to premises surrender, restoration and abatement,  more...