A New Chapter: Xpera Group joins The VERTEX Companies

The press release is below: Xpera Group’s team is recognized as the West Coast’s most comprehensive team of construction expert witnesses, construction consultants, and strategic advisors for the built environment.For Xpera Group, Vertex provides the right fit, as it is an employee-owned company that offers the expanded resources of a multi-disciplinary firm throughout its 25+ … Continue reading A New Chapter: Xpera Group joins The VERTEX Companies →

Jones Day on Covid-19’s impact on construction projects and disputes

The lawyers at Jones Day have published a three-part white paper series analyzing potential impacts of the global pandemic on not just the construction industry itself, but also on the disputes that so often result from it. Here is an overview: Part I sets out an overview of some of the recurring issues facing construction … Continue reading Jones Day on Covid-19’s impact on construction projects and disputes →

Winter is coming: First decrease in construction costs in a decade

Construction Dive published an article recently highlighting the measurable decrease in construction costs. Based on the Turner Building Cost Index, it would appear that nonresidential building construction costs dropped 1.01% from the first quarter of 2020 compared to the second. This means that there are more companies than usual bidding on each available project, which … Continue reading Winter is coming: First decrease in construction costs in a decade →

The party with the best documentation in a construction dispute typically prevails

"The side with the best paper trail usually wins." This is a concept that my general contractor father tried to teach me when I was younger, and one that I've learned the hard way myself through direct experience. In my work as a forensic consultant on behalf of many different parties in all manner of … Continue reading The party with the best documentation in a construction dispute typically prevails →

For proper espresso, material scientists now suggest coarser grind and less coffee

Coffee is vitally important in my life. I consider myself fortunate that I have access to a truly amazing coffee roaster, that even in lockdown, has been keeping me supplied with freshly roasted and expertly sourced beans. The key elements to all good coffee are good beans, proper roast, proper grind, good water, proper temperature, … Continue reading For proper espresso, material scientists now suggest coarser grind and less coffee →