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What Are RFIs and Submittals—and Why Timely Responses Keep Projects on Track
In commercial construction, communication is everything. The most successful projects don’t just come from clean drawings or tight budgets—they come from clear alignment between the owner, general contractor, architect, engineers, and design team. And two of the most important tools for maintaining that alignment are RFIs (Requests for Information) and submittals. What Is an RFI,

A New Kind of Change Order Is Coming
A Change That Actually Builds… If you work in any capacity in commercial real estate, especially construction, you’ve probably flinched at the words “change order.”They usually mean delays, budget shifts, and tension on the job. But what if the term didn’t signal frustration—and instead stood for something better? At Brien Contracting, we’re not just launching

AI Isn’t Replacing People In Construction.
AI Isn’t Replacing People In Construction. It’s Making Us Better Communicators. The word “AI” gets thrown around a lot in construction. Most of the time, it’s either overhyped—or feared. But at Brien Contracting, we’re not interested in gimmicks. We’re interested in tools that help us communicate better, move faster, and build trust with the people

2025 Phoenix Titan 100 Honoree
Sheley Brien Named 2025 Phoenix Titan 100 Honoree We don’t usually stop to celebrate—our work speaks for itself. But this one matters. We’re proud to share that Sheley Brien, Vice President and Co-Owner of Brien Contracting, has been named one of the 2025 Phoenix Titan 100. This award honors the region’s top CEOs and C-level

Why Clean Job Sites Save Lives – and Money
You can tell a lot about a builder by their jobsite. At Brien Contracting, we take pride in what clients and partners say most often when they walk onto one of ours: “This is the cleanest site I’ve ever seen.” And that’s not a coincidence. Clean, organized jobsites aren’t just aesthetic. They’re a strategic advantage—protecting

How to Read a GC Proposal—and Spot Red Flags Before They Cost You
In commercial construction, selecting a general contractor shouldn’t be about chasing the lowest bid—it should be about trusting the numbers in front of you. At Brien Contracting, we’ve reviewed countless proposals. We’ve also been brought in to fix projects where a low bid turned into a costly mistake. In our experience, the difference comes down