Analysis of Contract Documents in Construction: Bridging Method

This report analyzes the impact of contract documents in construction projects, specifically focusing on the bridging method. The bridging method, which emphasizes a binding agreement between the owner and contractor, is examined to understand how it addresses potential issues from project inception to completion. The report highlights the importance of clear terms, particularly in handling design changes and cost allocations, and how it promotes collaborative problem-solving, thereby minimizing disputes and ensuring project success. It underscores the role of the architect as the owner's representative in ensuring adherence to the contract terms, and the flexibility the method provides in defining project timelines and budgets. The report concludes that the bridging method facilitates a mutually beneficial agreement, ensuring value for the owner and opportunities for the contractor to deliver high-quality services, preventing low bids and change orders.

IMPACTS OF CONTRACT DOCUMENTS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (BRIDGING
METHOD)
One of the elements of successful implementation of the bridge method is the contract
document which stipulates what and how the entire project will be done right from inception to
termination. Notably, parties involved must enter into a binding agreement as documented in
the contract on the modus operandi of the entire project. The bridging method, being one of
the most effective construction methods presents an opportunity to all parties to exhaust the
project requirements as it encourages consensus. Essentially, in the contract document, owner
is given freewill to terminate the contract before construction can begin.
Often times, commitment to the contractual agreement would be at stake if parties do not
address the underlying or rather the teething problems that are at least foreseeable. Teething
problems would stem from owner not getting satisfied with the design as soon as construction
begins and he/she may want to change. This method provides an ample opportunity for
consultative engagements between the parties. Otherwise lack of it may lead to dishonoring of
the contract by either party which would then attract endless suits and disputes. In the process,
great cost is incurred and valuable time is lost. In order to address this proactively, the bridging
method can be used to align the conflict of interest at the earliest opportune time.
Notably, in the event that either party breaches the contract, as mentioned, this would attract
more disputes which can hamper the success of the project as the method does not guarantee
complete insulation against such eventualities. However, the concerned parties, that is, the
owner and contractor are likely to be reconciled beforehand such that each bears hefty
responsibilities given the nature and scope of the project. For instance, in a case where owner
decides to change his/her requirements and redesign is possibly needed, the contract
document would clearly spell out who to bear the cost of revisions in design. Additionally, if
damages have been caused by such a decision, who to compensate for the same, in other
words, terms of engagements before, during and after the project are clearly stipulated.
Admittedly, the method, for example, encourages the owner and the contractor to collectively
prepare the legal and technical RFP. Besides, the owner is technically represented by his/her
architect who adopts the contract documents and see to it that the contractor follows all the
agreed upon project terms. Additionally, the method also gives the owner the latitude to decide
when project is to be initiated and then the contractor agrees on the time and budget for its
completion.
In conclusion, therefore, this method greatly provides an opportunity for both parties to come
into a binding agreement by ironing out the teething problems beforehand. It ensures that the
owner receives value for the project that is being undertaken by the contractor and the

contractor also gets an opportunity to fortify his/her quality of service to the client. Meanwhile,
all the necessary terms are clearly spelt out such that the contractor does not give low bids to
avoid submission of change orders.