Never before has the earth been so built upon. As the oldest industry in the world, construction has seen enormous developments in its 10,000-year history. New materials and methods have created a revolution in the way we build. The progress of this technology, however, often overshadows the vital importance of managing the “business” of building. A thorough mechanical knowledge of the trade is no longer enough to build a successful contracting business. In a climate of reduced home sales, elevated litigation activity and unrealistic consumer demands, builders and contractors are recognizing the frailty of this industry’s profitability.

• “Bill is an organizer of projects and people extraordianaire. He brings people to focus on the most difficult subjects with great ease; and they learn it.” November 17, 2008
Gil Cooke , Dean , NewSchool of Architecture & Design

In October of 1993 A series of wildfires swept across southern California stretching from Laguna to Malibu and spreading out through the valley areas of Altadena and Eaton Canyon. In all, thousands of acres were burned and hundreds of homes were lost. The victims of the "Firestorm" as it was called, faced the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives. At the time, I was volunteering at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo as the Director of the California Center for Construction Education for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. The goal of my Center was to produce and deliver quality continuing education to the working professionals and practitioners within the construction industry.

Perspectives on the defects in evaluating contractor performance claims

By Bill Dexter and Mary S. Jones

“Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!” What was once an established basis for measuring the performance of a contractor has become whisked up, blown around and relocated to a distant land that has different rules for the evaluation of a contractors’ performance in construction defect claims. The term: “Industry Standard” no longer has a uniform definition or an understood reference. Many judges and arbitrators as well as many in the construction industry have been bulldozed into believing that anything a “Testifying Expert” calls an “Industry Standard” must, in fact, be a widely held belief. The fact is: The standards for contractors are only defined in writing.

Bill Dexter has been working in association with the American Institute of Architects and the Office of the City Historian for the old city of Havana, Cuba to prepare case studies and research material regarding the historic restoration of the city's architectural treasures. This task is being supported by international organizations that have recognized the historic value of this living museum.

Havana was founded in 1519 by the Spanish. By the 17th century, it had become one of the Caribbean's main centers for ship-building. Although it is today a sprawling metropolis of 2 million inhabitants, its old center retains an interesting mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments, and a homogeneous ensemble of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards. Old Havana, Cuba (Habana Vieja(, in this sense, is a living architectural museum within an economic environment that once prospered from sugar and tobacco exports. In the 1940's and 50's tourism, gambling and maritime commerce led the economy to record levels followed by virtual bankruptcy and decline with the pull out of the Soviet Union's support in 1991. W.F. Dexter is currently involved with historical research in cooperation with the office of the City of Havana's Architecture Historian. Numerous programs regarding the international efforts to save and restore the ancient architectural treasures of the city of Havana have been presented nationally by Bill Dexter.

Today, Cuba has virtually no free enterprise other than foreign investments in tourism and limited elements of a population that lives in abject poverty. In other normal societal environments, with the growth of the national economy, old structures would be demolished and replaced with newer buildings. But not in Havana; as a result of political turmoil, revolution and government transitions, the once wealthy society found itself in the throws of economic decline with few resources to fund any redevelopment. This economic chasm in the development of Cuba actually spared the old historic buildings from the redevelopment wrecking ball. The use and reuse of grand private residences, with interior court yards, fountains, stained glass windows, marble floors and staircases fell to the occupation of multi family tenements. The once grand open court yards are now strung with clothes lines and have a dozen electric meters distributing power to each resident family.

The dawn of the 21st Century along with the emerging tourist-driven economy of the impoverished island is witness to new renovations of the architectural treasures. The expanding economy along with international funding from several groups dedicated to preservation of World Heritage sites provides some funds for repair. Although progress is being made, the technology and level of trade skills is lacking decades behind other countries. This article endeavors to explore the cultural and economic transitions in Havana that are influencing the rehabilitation of the country's architectural treasures. The world of architecture has been, for the most part, devoid of information as to the state of the built environment of Cuba, especially since the change of government in the fifties. Some of the most outstanding examples of early Spanish colonial architecture, and the vernacular elements particular to Cuba are still in daily use after 300 years. There are also some classic examples of early twentieth century buildings following the United States liberation of the island nation from Spain and the subsequent influence by the United States. Of critical interest are the restoration efforts during the forty four year long regime of the Castro government.

The management and control of risks facing real estate developers and contractors has been in the forefront of the building industry's goals for the past 15 years as law suits for defective and negligent design and construction have flourished.

By Bill Dexter & Mary S. Jones

For the past two decades, Homeowner Associations’ attorneys have been cutting a wide path through the assets of insurance carriers that underwrite contractors, architects and building products manufacturers. The drill has been perfected to a highly detailed and orchestrated attack on the builders and their consultants to coerce as much money from their insurance carriers while dangling expensive and drawn out litigation as the ultimate consequence of not settling early.

"A Self-Study Course On Writing Effective Construction Agreements For Residential and Light Commercial Projects"

by

Bill Dexter and Mary Jones
--------------------------------------------------------------------------