Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Owners of construction projects have certain responsibilities to themselves, as well as to architects and contractors. The author has mediated many construction disputes in which the owners felt that their only responsibilities under the contracts were the payments of requisitions. This blissful innocence often leads to painful and costly reality.

The author points out the owner's many obligations and the inherent pitfalls in the 1987 AlA contracts between owner and architect and owner and contractor. Written from a background in construction, this article gives practical advice to owners of construction projects and their attorneys on how to minimize the risks of disputes and liabilities resulting from expensive claims.