Liability of design professionals for the preparation of cost estimates
Contributors: Pennsylvania State University
Publisher: Pennsylvinia State University; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1997
Place of publication: University Park; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 89
Subjects: COST ESTIMATES; CONSTRUCITON; ACCURACY; LITIGATION
Description: This thesis presents factors relevant to determining a design professional's liability for inaccurate cost estimates.      A study of the literature related to different types of estimating methods was performed to determine what      other authors have stated the accuracy to be for the respective type of estimate. Standard form contract      documents of the American Institute of Architects and Engineers Joint Contract Document Committee were      compared to determine the design professional's duties in meeting the requirements of the contract. Appellate      court cases dealing with disputes involving inaccurate cost estimates were identified and evaluated to determine      the key and consistent issues and rules applied by the courts. The cases are arranged by the primary      interpretation rule which was instrumental in determining the outcome. The objective is to develop a flow      diagram that owners and design professionals can use as an interpretive guide to assist them in understanding      their requirements and liabilities for cost estimates. By formulating this basis of understanding of requirements,      the parties will be able to practice claims prevention and avoid costly litigation.
Notes: AD-A339 915.

Thesis (M.S. in Civil Engineering) Pennsylvania State University, August 1997.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-67)

dk/dk cc:9116 08/28/97