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- The Building Insider: August 2025
The Building Insider: August 2025
Lance Luke
July 30, 2025
Foundation issues often start small—subtle shifts, tiny cracks—but can quickly grow into serious structural concerns if ignored.
In this month’s newsletter, we’ll explore how to recognize and respond to early warning signs with insights from Lance’s book, Fixing Building Foundation Problems, a practical guide packed with real examples, expert repair methods, and smart strategies to protect your property from costly damage.
Hawaii Admission Day
Celebrate Hawaii Admission Day by honoring the unique culture, history, and spirit that make Hawai‘i truly special. On this day in 1959, Hawai‘i officially became the 50th state of the United States. It’s a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how we can continue to build wisely and responsibly. In the spirit of protecting our homes and communities, our featured book, 2025 Contractor Bidding – Avoid the Rip Off, empowers homeowners and board members with the knowledge to make smart, cost-effective construction decisions. Here’s to a proud, informed, and aloha-filled Hawaii Admission Day!
Featured Book
Contractor Bidding – Avoid the Rip Off arms homeowners, property managers, and condo boards with the knowledge to confidently navigate contractor bids. Learn how to avoid overpriced proposals, spot red flags, and protect yourself with the right contract language. A must-read guide filled with real-world case studies, bidding tips, and industry insights to help you save money and avoid costly mistakes.
Download available for 30 days only.
Contractor Bidding: What Property Owners Should Know Before the First Bid Comes In
 | Bidding is a critical phase in any construction project, whether it's a home renovation, new development, or capital improvement for a condo association. Getting the right contractor at the right price isn’t about going with the lowest bid—it’s about understanding what’s behind the numbers. |
Understanding the Role of the DPP in Your Building or Renovation Project
 | The Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) plays a vital role in every permitted construction or renovation project in the City and County of Honolulu. Whether you’re a homeowner adding a new lanai or a condo board managing a large repair project, you’ll need to work with the DPP at some point. |
National Building  Introducing the | Webinars  Explore our | Expert  Enhance your building's safety with Lance Luke's |
Q&A: Ask the Building Expert
Question: We received three contractor bids for our condo re-piping project, but the prices are drastically different—one is $5.8 million, another is $6.3 million, and the last one is $8.1 million. How do we know which bid is reasonable and whether we’re being overcharged?
Answer: Large variations in contractor bids are a red flag. It often means the contractors are not bidding on the exact same scope of work. Ask each contractor for a detailed breakdown or Schedule of Values (SOV), and compare line-by-line: labor, materials, overhead, and profit. Also, ensure all bidders received the same plans and specifications. If needed, consult a construction manager or estimator to verify fair pricing. This step can prevent expensive mistakes—and even save your association hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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