• Electrical inspection failed because of egress lights issue. The corrective work on egress lights has been completed and electrical inspection is scheduled for Monday.
• Elevator passed final inspection.
• Cleaning is in progress.
• Sound System: Second floor sound system testing /correction is in progress and is to be completed this week.
• Side Walk, grading and seeding is complete.
• Touch ups: completed.
• Fire Alarm inspection failed because HVAC smoke detectors were not working properly. Corrective work is scheduled for Monday & Tuesday and inspection is to be scheduled for later part of the week.
• Remaining door hardware has been installed. Existing doors to be repaired this week.
• Carpet installation: completed.
• Sprinkler System inspection failed because new inspector asked for some additional work. This work is scheduled for Monday / Tuesday before its final inspection in later part of the week.

Once the above work is completed we should be ready for final fire marshal
inspection. I am hoping that above work can be completed by the end of this
week. The final overall building inspection is to be scheduled once we pass
fire inspection and then we will apply for temporary occupancy permit.

• Final Plumbing inspection passed.
• Electrical work was completed and electrical inspection for the inside of the building passed. Outside egress lights need to be modified to meet the code. The sub was apparently aware of this problem but ignored it, hoping that city will overlook it.
• Elevator is ready for final inspection.
• Cleaning is in progress.
• Sound System: Second floor sound system testing /correction postponed until after all the inspections are done.
• Side Walk: 95% complete. Grading needs to be completed soon.
• Touch ups in progress and to be completed before installation of carpet.
• HVAC dampers installed but one cover is awaited.
• Remaining door hardware continues to be installed. Existing doors to be repaired once new door work is complete.
• Carpet installation on first floor: Monday onward.
• Fire extinguishers to be installed at sites per recommendations of fire marshal.

Once the carpet installation is done we should be ready for final fire and fire alarm inspection. During this inspection, electrical, sprinkler and HVAC subs have to be on site. I am hoping that above work will be completed by the end of this week. The final overall building inspection is to be scheduled once we pass fire inspection and then we have to apply for temporary occupancy permit.

The remaining issues before we can get temporary occupancy certificate are:

All these items were scheduled for completion during last few weeks but because of holidays got delayed. Completion of these is now expected before the end of next week - January 12, 2008.

Use of Mussallah is dependant upon installation of carpet and audio system. Carpet is expected to arrive any day and audio system testing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2008.

We thank Allah (SWT) and ask Him to reward all our brothers and sisters for their tremendous contributions and support for this project.

• Sheetrock work is substantially complete on all floor.
• Second and third floor painting is complete and first floor painting is to start this week.
• Electrical work on first floor is complete.
• Audio and data wiring, acoustic ceiling and fire sprinkler work on Second and third floor is complete and in progress on first floor.
• Lobby and prayer hall have been walled off to tie into new building.
• Third floor flooring is substantially complete except bathrooms. Second floor flooring is to start this week.

• Conflicts with Sub for insulation of on the roof ducts for HVAC, needs to be resolved.
• The plumber is behind the schedule.
• Railing for stairs has been replaced but is unsatisfactory.

• cost over-runs.
• Cost of Sprinkler system and
• Cost of a number of items previously excluded from the budget.

• Minarets and Dome.
• Fixtures or furniture.
• Computers and other fit up for computer lab.
• Science lab fit up.
• Removing trailers and re-fencing etc

1. Insulation and interior Sheetrock work is substantially complete on all floor.
2. Third floor painting is complete and Second floor painting has started.
3. Electrical work on first floor is complete.
4. Audio and data wiring, acoustic ceiling and flooring work is in progress.
5. Lobby has been temporarily roofed in preparation for making it available during Ramadan.

1. Conflicts with Sub for programming Controller for HVAC, system testing and warranty were finally resolved this week.
2. Backflow Valve for Sprinkler System was changed to appropriate valve.
3. Railing for stairs is to be replaced soon.

1. cost over-runs.
2. Cost of Sprinkler system and
3. Cost of a number of items previously excluded from the budget.

1. Minarets and Dome.
2. Fixtures or furniture.
3. Computers and other fit up for computer lab.
4. Science lab fit up.
5. Removing trailers and re-fencing etc

1. Insulation and interior Sheetrock work is substantially complete on third and second floors and progressing well on first floor.
2. Third floor painting has started.
3. Electrical work on first floor is nearing completion.
4. Audio and data wiring, acoustic ceiling and flooring work is to start in next four weeks.
5. Lobby has been temporarily roofed in preparation for making it available during Ramadan.

Remaining Issues:

1. Conflicts with Sub for programming Controller for HVAC, system testing and warranty are being resolved.
2. Backflow Valve for Sprinkler System has not been resolved.
3. Railing for stairs does not meet the code and is to be replaced.

Updated Budget:

1. cost over-runs.
2. Cost of Sprinkler system
3. Cost of a number of items previously excluded from the budget.

1. Minarets and Dome.
2. Fixtures or furniture.
3. Computers and other fit up for computer lab.
4. Science lab fit up.
5. Removing trailers and re-fencing etc

Completion Date:

The loan program is very simple and easy. We are asking the community members to lend us part of the saving money they have until December of 2008. This program will generate a large sum of cash flow in our hands to go ahead and pay all the subcontractors on time and not delay any part of this project. Then, we will continue receiving money from our community members who have pledged in the previews fundraising events and will pledge in the up coming ones and pay our lenders from that money.

As almighty Allah swt commanded us to write this money loan transaction, we will sign a promissory note to the lender which reflects the amount and the due date for repayment. The loan amount could be from a $1000 & up. To participate in this great program, please fill out the Lender Information form, sign, and mail it to Islamic Association of Raleigh, 3020 Ligon Street, Raleigh NC 27607. Inshallah upon receiving your letter, we will send you the loan program package.

Again, we thank you very much for your generosity and support and ask Allah swt to accept your good deeds and reward you many folds.

Lender Information form

• A new building permit from city was required and was acquired in first week of March 2007.
• With total control in our hand we were required to have builder’s risk and workman compensation insurance. These were acquired.
• RFP’s from different subs were requested, reviewed and contracts developed and signed with selected subs.

1. Immediate steps to reduce water leaks were taken and significantly controlled the problem.
2. Corrected several deficiencies in the work in place and completed remaining Masonry work.
3. Water damaged insulation and sheetrock were removed and replaced. Steps were taken to treat mold from areas , the insulation or sheetrock could not be removed.
4. EFIS (exterior finish ) was work started on a priority and has been completed.
5. Deficiencies in structure were corrected and inspected.
6. Windows ordered and installed 99%.
7. Roof was missing in several areas and water leak was a major problem. Roof is complete and now building is 99% dried out.
8. Original sprinkler system sub was very honorable and has completed his work without giving us any problems.
9. Original electrical sub contractor restarted the work but went bankrupt. A new electrical sub has taken over and is working well.
10. Original plumbing contractor also restarted his work but also went bankrupt.
11. A new sub was hired and has completed his work for this stage of the project.
12. Original HVAC sub was too unreasonable to work with. He was replaced and new sub is working well.

• Insulation and interior Sheetrock work started on second and third floor this week. We could not start this work on first floor because of some code issues raised by city inspector and deficiencies in electrical work. Once these issues are resolved insulation and Sheetrock work on first floor will start. Sheetrock work should take approximately 4 weeks for substantial completion.
• Next step will be finishes work (this includes taping sheetrock, painting, floors, ceiling, audio wiring and final electrical, plumbing and HVAC system installation and testing). This is expected to take at least 6-8 weeks. To this I’ll add 2-4 weeks for tying loose ends because of complexity of work and multiple trades being involved.
• Last step before getting conditional use or Temporary Occupancy Permit will be addressing questions raised by city inspectors. This can take 1-6 weeks depending on whims of city inspectors.
• Final step before Full Occupancy will be to address site related issues including removing trailers and fencing etc. These can be addressed much later and will need to be coordinated with Schools.

1. EIFS (stucco) exterior work related to building is 90-95% complete.
2. With few exceptions window frames and windows have been installed.
3. Roofing work is complete.
4. Sprinkler work inside the building is complete.
5. Structural steel bracing is complete. The deficiencies in stair-cases are being corrected and once complete we expect to pass Structural steel work inspection and certification.
6. Plumbing and electrical work are continuing.

Projections:
Time Schedule:
The building is sealed with exception of Mehrab and two other small areas. The Mehrab construction material is being modified to cut cost. A number of options are being evaluated for this. Date of completion is by the end of the year (Insha-Allah). The schedule of construction may need to be adjusted according to available financial resources. If city inspections schedule and finances work out an early date of complete is quite possible.

Cost Estimates:
No new cost data is available and as such previous cost estimate has not been revised.

1. EIFS (stucco) continues to be installed. EIFS subcontractor is installing first coat of finish in some areas and final coat that include decorative elements in other areas.
2. Some additional window frames have been installed, and others are on site, waiting for installation.
3. Roofing subcontractor continues to install sheet metal flashing and sealing rubber roofing on parapet walls.
4. Remaining Sprinkler heads have been installed.
5. Sheet rock from Security office has been removed in preparation for installing structural steel bracing. Once bracings have been installed the Structural steel work will be complete and will need inspection and certification.
6. Plumbing and electrical work are continuing.

Projections:
Time Schedule:
It is expected that building will be sealed (Roof, Stucco and Windows installation completed) by end of the month. Some subcontracts are still pending. Although early completion is possible, realistic date of completion is by the end of the year (Insha-Allah). The schedule of construction may need to be adjusted according to available financial resources.

Cost Estimates:
Estimated additional cost (above 2.2 M that has already been paid to previous General contractor) is 1.8 M. This is a very rough estimate but does include a number of items that were not included in initial budget.

Water Shut off:
Water will be shut off to whole building on 6.4.07 and washrooms from 6.4.07 till 6.8.07. Please forgive the inconvenience.

AlhamdullilAllah construction work is progressing well. The EFIS (Exterior Finish Insulation System) subcontractor has set up for starting EFIS work. EFIS is expected to take 4-6 weeks. Once EFIS is done on one side of the building, window installation will start on that side. Electric work is progressing well and Plumbing work started this week. The sprinkler system work is almost complete. We are in final stages of negotiation with HVAC sub.

We are still waiting for bids on audio and site work. Until we have all the subs signed up we are unable to give a firm finish date or cost figure. The lobby has been closed and its roof has been taken off. It will remain closed until end of construction. We apologize for the "Construction Mess" and inconvenience this work is causing to all of you and appreciate your understanding and support. Please pray for success of the project and donate generously.

The construction project has resumed. The framer & sheet rocker began to frame the area between the two buildings on the third floor, seal the A/C shafts and began to remove the sheetrock from the old stairs and replace it with the new sheetrock. However, with as much rain as we have gotten it could have been worse, but we have began the process of drying up the building.

We have received bids on the EFIS and windows & glass; the work will start soon InSha`Allah.

The week of 3/19/07 we should be moving forward with our framer who will be taking down the entrance side of the building and beginning to place the new sheetrock.

Next, we will be preparing the windows for the window contractor by removing the incorrectly placed blocks, wood, or metal by the previous general contractor.

Next, EFIS (contractor) will follow the same route the framer is following. He will start on the roof, then front (entrance side), then he will go around towards the east side and continue in that same direction.

The electrician will also resume his work InSha`Allah.

Next, environmental cleaning of the building's A/C duct and molded sheetrock will take place. The molded sheetrock will be cleaned because it can't be removed because it is already covered with bricks.

We hope InSha`Allah that this process will get the project on track and will run smoothly from here and on in.

Please continue to make Dua`to Allah The All Mighty to make it easy on us and to accept all our good deeds. Ameen.

Since termination of the previous general contractor we have hired a project manager and superintendent and with their help have contacted the sub contractors, whose work is incomplete, to assess costs and their willingness to complete the work. We have also asked for bids for the work previously not contracted.

Once all this information is obtained, the old contract may be renewed or a new one signed and a schedule of construction will be developed. Meanwhile we have applied for changing the general contractor on the permit. Construction will restart after these steps are completed. Hopefully very soon.

Paper work for changing to a new general contractor is being processed. A Project manager has been hired and soon we will have superintendent in place. We are in process of contacting all the subcontractors and cross checking their work and payment information, their willingness to complete the work, price and availability schedule. Once this process is completed we will have good idea of start up and completion.

After consultation with the Shura and EC, and professional advice from the attorney and project superintendent, IAR is working to resolve our dispute with the General Contractor. Our current goal is to have well-defined milestones with enforcement clause. The negotiations have taken longer because of the holidays. InshaAllah, we will update the community when an agreement has been reached with the builder.

As previously reported because of back order of doorframes and windows the construction was delayed significantly. Window frames arrived today and hopefully construction can get back on track. Kitchen is to be completed by October 8,06. Masonry work is almost complete.

As previously reported, in order to have minimum disruption of the facilities during Ramadan, Mehrab side wall of existing Prayer Hall and Lobby demolition and installation of sprinkler pipes in the existing building has been delayed until after Ramadan. The new proposed schedule of construction by GC contemplating completion of construction by March 07 is still being reviewed and negotiated by P&CC.

P&CC has been concerned about inability of the GC to properly co-ordinate different aspects of construction and subcontractor’s work. These concerns have been repeatedly communicated to the GC and have not resulted in significant improvement in his performance. GC has been warned about consequences and alternatives are being evaluated. One of the alternatives being negotiated is to have contract addendum with penalty clause for further delays.

Update 9/12/06:
 
Accomplishments 
The speed of the project during the month of August is still slow due to back order of the door- frames and windows and unavailability of subcontractors. 
 
Current Status 
As previously reported because of back order of doorframes and windows the construction has been delayed significantly. Windows were supposed to have arrived in last week of August but have not arrived yet. Also, because of this delay the subcontractors left the site for other projects; this increased the delay more than anticipated. The new proposed schedule of construction by GC contemplating construction will be negotiated and approved by P&CC. 
 
Upcoming plans 
To have minimum disruption of the facilities Mehrab side wall of existing Prayer Hall and lobby will not be demolished and installation of sprinkler pipes in the existing building will be delayed until after Ramadan. GC has been given notice to take all required steps to prevent any leaks during Ramadan. 
 
The construction will continue but at a slower speed during Ramadan. 
 
Concerns 
New proposed schedule of construction by GC contemplates construction to be completed in March 2007. This scheduled has not been approved by P&CC and will be negotiated. However, given track record of the GC I think that this schedule is optimistic. The sheet rock installed on the outside has been water damaged and needs to be replaced without any additional cost to IAR. This has caused a significant dispute between the GC and his subcontractor. As ways and means of construction are in the domain of GC, P&CC does not want to get involved in this dispute.  
 
 

Update: Friday July 28, 2006
Please be advised that due to circumstances beyond our control we will not be able to complete the project by Ramadan. We are facing a long delay in the delivery of doors and windows, making it impossible to achieve our goal.
 
 
Update: Friday July 7, 2006
The progress report for construction is as follows:
 
June Construction Progress:

1. Remaining concrete slabs were poured.
2. Wall framing continued, and is largely complete.
3. Roof is complete except for over chases and Mehrab.
4. HVAC is largely roughed in.
5. Third Floor plumbing is roughed in.
6. Third Floor electrical is roughed in and Second Floor electrical has begun.
7. Hotbox and underground piping for sprinkler system was installed, and some paving patching done.

1. Cafeteria will be shut down after 7/4 and existing roof and ceiling over cafeteria removed, framing will be added and HVAC connections in existing building will begin.
2. Sprinkler piping installation will begin.
3. Stair B installation is to start.
4. "Fast track" door frames will be installed.

Current Status 
As previously reported because of back order of doorframes and windows the construction was delayed significantly. Window frames arrived today and hopefully construction can get back on track. Kitchen is to be completed by October 8,06. Masonry work is almost complete.  
 
Upcoming plans 
As previously reported, in order to have minimum disruption of the facilities during Ramadan, Mehrab side wall of existing Prayer Hall and Lobby demolition and installation of sprinkler pipes in the existing building has been delayed until after Ramadan. The new proposed schedule of construction by GC contemplating completion of construction by March 07 is still being reviewed and negotiated by P&CC. 
 
Concerns 
P&CC has been concerned about inability of the GC to properly co-ordinate different aspects of construction and subcontractor’s work. These concerns have been repeatedly communicated to the GC and have not resulted in significant improvement in his performance. GC has been warned about consequences and alternatives are being evaluated. One of the alternatives being negotiated is to have contract addendum with penalty clause for further delays.  
 
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