STRAIGHT TALK ON CAPITAL PROJECTS

STRAIGHT TALK ON CAPITAL PROJECTS

Owner-side insight into the decisions, tradeoffs, and realities that shape complex capital projects.

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Building Systems & Technology August 20, 2024

How Many Ethernet & Fiber Cables Fit Inside a Conduit? Updated

I originally wrote a blog article here back in 2011 on conduit sizing for Ethernet Cat6 cables. And to this day, it still remains the…


Development & Capital Projects August 15, 2024

Guardians of Performance: The Role of Building Commissioning and Envelope Consultants

In the world of construction, ensuring that a building performs efficiently, safely, and sustainably from day one is paramount. Two key players in achieving this…


Development & Capital Projects June 24, 2024

The Detective Work of Asset Management & Capital Planning

Let’s put on our detective hats because we’re diving into your assets—those valuable players that keep your facility up and running. Think of them as…


Risk & Regulatory October 24, 2023

Unlocking the Secrets to Swift and Smooth Construction Permits: The Vital Role of Expeditors

Imagine the excitement of embarking on a new construction project, only to be confronted with the daunting maze of permits, approvals, and regulations that can…


Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs July 19, 2023

Contractors and Change Orders: What You Need to Know

When you’ve signed a contract with a general contractor and receive a change order, you might wonder if they are entitled to charge you extra….


Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs July 18, 2023

SD’s to CD’s, Navigating the Design & Construction Acronym Salad

Turning a new space or building idea into a tangible reality involves a comprehensive and structured process encompassing various phases. In the world of architecture…


Leasing & Transaction Strategy July 6, 2023

Let Your Employees Shine In Your New Office Planning

Selecting the right building and layout for your new office space requires careful consideration during the early due diligence stages. While brokers and architects play…


Risk & Regulatory March 1, 2023

What is the difference between a “Union Shop” and “Open Shop” in Construction?

“Open Shop” and “Union” are two construction industry employment structures. And choosing between them is an important decision for business owners, contractors, construction workers, and…


Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs February 22, 2023

Unleashing the Power of Architectural and Engineering Design Teams: How They Supercharge Your Project!

You may have wondered who are all the engineers and consultants working on a project, and why are they needed.  Construction design teams are groups…


Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs February 9, 2023

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 6 – Logistics, Owner/Vendor Coordination

In this final part, I cover logistics and coordination between the GC/CM and your vendors along with my recommendation.      Pros of General Contractor…


Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs February 8, 2023

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 5 – Construction, Scheduling & Payments

There are several types of contracts that a General Contractor or Construction Manager (GC/CM) use: Lump Sum Contract: Under this contract, the GC/CM agrees to…


Development & Capital Projects February 7, 2023

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 4 – Contract, Design & Cost

A GC contract is a fixed-price contract and is considered a transfer of risk to the contractor. The GC assumes the risk of cost overruns…


Development & Capital Projects February 3, 2023

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 3 – Qualifications

When selecting firms to participate in a CM/GC RFP (Request for Proposal), it is important to carefully review each firm’s qualifications to ensure that you…


Development & Capital Projects February 2, 2023

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 2 – Pre-Construction

Pre-construction services (Precon) are a key aspect of the CM process and are crucial to a successful project outcome. These services can include critical path…


Development & Capital Projects February 1, 2023

Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part I – Overview

When choosing between a General Contractor (GC) or a Construction Manager (CM), several factors should be considered such as schedule, budget, the complexity of the…


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THE OWNER’S PERSPECTIVE

Richard Neuman

Richard Neuman

Owner-Side Capital Leadership

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STRAIGHT TALK WEEKLY

The Most Consequential Capital Decisions Are Made Before Construction Begins.

Straight Talk challenges assumptions and blind spots that shape capital outcomes.

Each week, you'll gain better questions to ask, earlier warning signs to recognize, and practical insights—before problems become expensive.

Grounded in real owner-side experience.

Plain-spoken.
Practical.
Unvarnished.

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