Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-09-14
H. B. DAVIS URGES
"cOST-PLUS" PLAN
Master Builders Group
Member Contends System
Is Fairer to-AlI.

Adoption of a cost-plus plan for en-
Nloyment OF contractors on construction
Eobs as a substitute for the now gen.
Sral practice of awarding contracts to
the low bidder in the competitive estl-
mates plan is urged by Henry B. Davis,
member of the Master Builders Asso-
citation of Washington. He believes
the cost-plus plan to be more eQult-
able from the viewpoint OF the
three most interested parties: The
owner, the architect and the builder.
1.-THE method of doing work on a per-
centaee of cost above that Of all labor
and material required, would result UNI
doubtedly in better construction, because
IL would obviate criticism and disputes,
with the possibility of lawsuits, between
owners and contractors" he CONTENDS.
Contends Bidding Is Unfair.
"There is nothing fair In asking SIX
or more contractors to compete agalhsI
one another on any one JOB, using tneir
time and money to give information 20
prospective building owners on Iie
gamblers chance of being low piooer.
Too often the low bid Is the result
Of a mistake from the contractors SUB
bidders, or in his own office. Gambling
is prohibited by law, yet every SuDcon-
tractor and builder CANDLES every Gay III
submitting estimates.
"A reputable builder, even though ne
has made a mistake in his estimate OF
some of his Subcontractors reiuse ~
do the work under their proposal, VIII
proceed with the work and compete IT,
others will take advantage OF an op,
portunities to slight the work ana IN
case of extra work demand exorbitant
prices to trv to off set their losses. This
does not prevail under the cost-plus
system. as the owner pays for all extra
work, and can make any changes Oh
omissions. knowing that he Will De
benefited financially for the omission
and charged only on the commission
basis for any additional work.
An architect prepares plans ano
specifications under favorable condi-
tions after many CONSTITUTIONS VIZ.
the owners to ascertain their WISHES
and it is the architects duty to clearly
show on the plans and small-scale
cravings all details just what Is de-
sired and to thoroughly describe In the
specifications how the work snan pe
done and what material snail De uSeo
and not leaving anything for indefinite
Interpretation by the various suocon
tractors who bid with the general con,
tractor. When various notes are piaceo
on the plan to clarity the work tnese
items S1OulQ also De HltutAohCo AA ~
specifications as most Subcontractors IN
making I'D their estimates, check all
items from the specifications and IRE,
ouently miss notes that may be placed
on the plans and not specified.
Owners Actions Are Cited.
The owner engages an architect 1oI
The purpose Of designing distinct nome
or building, and expects him TO KEEP
within the amount of money avallapie
and to get the best results and WORK
manship, without extras. This Is some
times very difficult to overcome. De
cause the average owner cannot VISUAL
lie or foresee what the drawing Will pro-
duce until the work is In place. lie
then finds the results are not what he
expected and decides upon change.
TT is then that a low bidder. be ne
q general contractor or subcontractor
tries to make up for his losses, Nnd they
cannot be blamed under lump-sun
system of bidding. for the owner ano
architect have gambled upon getting
hid within their estimate and the ouiid-
err and subcontractor have done the
same thing. with a further chance OF
using their money in constructing the
building. and then having to walt OF
sue for the balance due. usually on &C
count of some trivial technicallty.'