At GTHW, the extensive experience of our attorneys working with integrated and affiliated construction companies enables us to work effectively with owner-developers, their partners and lenders to create contracts that are responsive to the practical and real-world requirements of the development, design and construction process, while at the same time being able to minimize our client's potential exposure on both individual projects and the company's portfolio.

One of the major benefits of construction by an integrated and affiliated construction company is the cooperative relationship fostered. The omission of a third-party construction manager from a project also serves to streamline the communication process and minimizes delay in claim-related arguments. The use of an integrated, affiliated construction company also often enhances the coordination of the design and construction process, with the design and construction teams all operating through a central party with a working knowledge of what is required of each participant.

Some of the unique challenges to successfully performing as an integrated, affiliated construction company is assigning the proper development and construction roles amongst various entities, putting in place proper insurance to adequately cover all interested parties and risks, and creating advantageous corporate structuring which properly takes into account the various roles undertaken. We also recognize the importance of explaining how the affiliated nature of contracting can benefit a construction lender, rather than disadvantage it.