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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Hot Topics
  • September 8, 2026 | The Business Unit Had a Project. The Capital Plan Didn’t.
  • September 1, 2026 | The Facilities Director Left. The Decision Process Got Exposed.
  • August 25, 2026 | The Executive Sponsor Is Not an Appeals Court
  • August 18, 2026 | The Cost Wasn’t Eliminated. The Options Were.
  • August 11, 2026 | The Building Gets Transferred. The Reasoning Often Doesn’t.

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…


Tenant Improvements & Build-Outs November 30, 2022

Knock Out and Win the Punch List Before Construction

Prepare for the Punch List before, during, and after construction.


Building Systems & Technology July 7, 2020

UV Disinfect on Demand – Post COVID-19 Office Technology Safety Series

A series of articles addressing various products and technologies available to complement the changing office landscape due to COVID-19 safety.


Building Systems & Technology June 23, 2020

Restrooms – Post COVID-19 Office Technology Safety Series

A series of articles addressing various products and technologies available to complement the changing office landscape due to COVID-19 safety.


Development & Capital Projects May 28, 2020

Delivering News, Good or Bad, is Key to Your Successful Construction Project

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place” – George Bernard Shaw


Risk & Regulatory May 14, 2020

Covid-19 – NYC and Long Island Construction Impact Update as of May 14, 2020

Construction Update for NYC & Long Island – Updates from New York State regarding Phase One Construction Guidelines


Risk & Regulatory May 6, 2020

Covid-19 – NYC and Long Island Construction Impact Update as of May 6, 2020

Construction Update for NYC & Long Island


Risk & Regulatory April 30, 2020

Covid-19 – NYC and Long Island Construction Impact Update as of April 30, 2020

Construction Update for NYC & Long Island


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THE OWNER’S PERSPECTIVE

Richard Neuman

Richard Neuman

Owner-Side Capital Leadership

About Richard →

STRAIGHT TALK WEEKLY

The Most Consequential Capital Decisions Are Made Before Construction Begins.

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

The issues explored here are often the ones project teams recognize long before they reach executive leadership.

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.


Because the decisions that matter most are often the ones everyone sees, but few discuss openly.

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