Update July 1, 2007

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.