Con Doc Terminology Flashcards
Define the following type of insurance:
- Loss of Use
Protects agains losses arising out of delays or other events that prevent an owner from using a project when and as intended
Define the following type of insurance:
- Workers Compensation
Covers the liability of the employer, architect, or contractor to the employees for injury or sickness as a result of their employment.
Define the following type of insurance:
- Property Damage
Purchased by the owner, equal in amount to the total value of the project. Covers damage and loss of the work on and off site.
Define the following type of insurance:
- Professional Liability
Protects an architect against claims which may arise out of his or her negligent acts, errors, or omissions during the performance of professional services. Also known as errors and omissions or malpractice insurance.
Define the following type of insurance:
- Products and Completed Operations
Purchased by the contractor, covers claims liability for damages caused by installed goods after the construction phase and transfer of title.
Guarantees:
- The bidder will enter into a contract with the owner at the price and on the terms stated
- The bidder will provide a performance and labor and material payment bond to guarantee that the work will be properly carried out and paid for.
Bid Bond
Guarantees to the owner that the contractor will pay for all labor and materials used for the project.
Labor and Material Payment Bond
A sum chargeable against the contractor as reimbursement for damages suffered by the owner because of the contractor’s failure to complete the work within a specified time.
Liquidated Damages
Consist of drawings and specifications that clearly delineate the scope of the work required.
Construction Documents
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Sustainable-Design Reporting, Historic-Treatment Procedures, and Life-Cycle Activities
Division 01 General Requirements
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Geodesic Domes
Division 13: Special Construction
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Door Hardware and Curtain Walls
Division 8: Openings
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Folding Partitions
Division 10: Specialties
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Healthcare Sinks
Division 22: Plumbing
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Commercial Kitchen Hoods
Division 23: Heating, Ventilating, and AC (HVAC)
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Special Purpose Lighting
Division 26: Electrical
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Paint
Division 09: Finishes
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Excavation
Division 31: Eathwork
Under which division of the CSI MasterFormat would the following topic be located?
- Wall Decoration and Sculpture
Division 12: Furnishings
A list of subcontractors and a list of material substitutions will typically be found in what part of the construction documents?
The bidding requirements portion of the project manual.
A method of compensation for professional or construction services based on a lump-sum amount for a particular scope of service.
Also called a Stipulated Sum Agreement.
Fixed Fee
In general, what is the minimum amount of time an architect should give contractors to prepare a bid?
2 weeks
In a typical project manual, what comprises the contract forms?
- The Owner-Contractor Agreement
- A Performance Bond
- A Payment Bond
- A Certificate of Insurance.
After the execution of the Owner-Architect Agreement, certain circumstances may affect the architect’s services. These changes in service may entitle the architect to additional compensation. Name some of these circumstances.
- Changes in a project’s scope, quality or budget.
- New or revised codes, laws or regulations
- The architects preparation for, or attendance at public hearings or dispute resolutions in which the architect is not directly involved.
Allowance included in a construction cost estimate to cover unforeseen costs such as alterations due to unavoidable site conditions. Initially, 5% of the total construction cost. It is not intended to cover increases in the scope of a project.
Contingency Allowance
According to the AIA General Conditions, who is responsible for the approval of shop drawings?
- Owner
- Contractor
- Architect
- Manufacturer
Contractor and Architect
The contractor reviews shop drawings for compliance with the contract documents, approves and submits them to the architect.
Which project phase usually requires the most amount of time?
Construction Documents
According to the Standard Form of Agreement Between Architect and Consultant, who is responsible for the coordination of work designed by the consultant?
- Architect
- Contractor
- Consultant
- Owner
Consultant
During the bid phase, a bidder find two different details for the same connection. What is the correct course of action?
- Provide a bid price for the less expensive detail
- Provide a contingency allowance
- Notify the architect
- Increase the bid to cover both options.
Notify the architect
The architect should issue a written addendum to all bidders for clarification
It is discovered that concrete test cylinders from a foundation pour have tested far below the expected results for the seven day strength test. What authority does the architect have?
The architect may NOT immediately order the removal of all suspect concrete. However, the architect with the owner’s consent, may order testing on all foundation work by an independent testing laboratory. Assuming that sufficient concrete strength was specified by the architect and that the testing reveals insufficient concrete strength, the contractor is responsible for the cost of the tests as well as the correction of the work.
Additional requirements to the Supplementary General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. These requirements are usually requested by government or local building agencies.
Special Conditions
What is the architect’s role regarding a pre-bid conference?
Participate in, and at the owner’s request, organize a meeting for all of the prospective bidders prior to the bid date. This meeting is a means of familiarizing bidders with any unique aspects of the project and answering any questions they may have. This gives the architect the opportunity to express the design intent and give a general overview of the goals of the project.
What is the main purpose of building codes?
Protect the health and safety of the public.
These are additional conditions, included in the project manual that are used to modify the General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. This is done to accommodate any specific legal, climatic, or site conditions of a particular project.
Supplementary General Conditions
A claim against an owner’s property for outstanding payment of labor, materials, or services for that property. An architect or engineer may be entitled to impose this claim.
Liens
Also called a mechanic’s Lien
A written or graphic notice issued by the architect, prior to the execution of the Contract for Construction, and distributed to the bidding parties during the bid phase.
Addendum
A statement from the architect to the owner verifying the amount of money due to the contractor for accomplished work.
By issuing this statement, the architect confirms that:
- the work noted on the contractor’s Application for Payment has progressed according to the schedule of values,
- is in accordance with the contract documents, and that the contractor is entitled to payment from the owner.
Upon receipt of the Application for Payment, the architect has seven days to either, approve the contractor’s request or contact the owner and contractor with the reason for withholding approval.
Certificate for Payment
Labor often comprises what percentage of the construction cost?
50%
Construction cost includes all of the following except:
- Labor
- Contingencies
- Surveys
- Contractor Fees
Surveys
Construction cost excludes the fees for professional services (architects fees and surveys).
What is the role of the specifications?
Part of the contract documents and are legal documents contained in the project manual. They describe in writing the requirements and technical nature of materials, systems, equipment construction methods and workmanship. Used to define the quality and execution of the various components of a project.
What are the potential drawbacks of using a computerized master specification system?
Due to their broad scope, the architect risks accepting inappropriate material specifications if not thoroughly reviewed. However since each project is unique, a totally comprehensive master specification system is difficult to create. These systems can quickly become outdated due to progress in technology.
What are the essential differences between the Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build approaches to project delivery?
Design-Build views design and construction as integrated responsibilities, while D-B-B views them as separate.
Method of dispute resolution bt project participants that does not involve litigation. The award is final and binding and may be enforced by the courts. Usually quicker and less complex process than a trial, less expensive, and a private process and does not become part of the public record.
Arbitration
What is included in the Contract Documents?
- Owner-Contractor Agreement
- General & Supplementary Conditions of the Contract
- Specifications (CSI Masterformat)
- Working Drawings
- Addenda
- Modifications
Define Fast Track
Type of project delivery scheduling that attempts to decrease total project time by overlapping the design and construction phases.
What is the owner’s authority regarding the selection of subcontractors?
After the award of the contract for construction, the contractor is to furnish the owner(through the architect) with a list of proposed subcontractors.
An owner requests a particular manufacturer and model of commercial refrigerator, which specification type is most appropriate for the architect to use?
- Open Specification
- Performance Specification
- Proprietary Specification
- Reference Standard Specification
Proprietary Specification
This type of closed specification defines the use of specific products or systems and does not allow the contractor to substitute alternates.
O.S.H.A.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Once a contractor considers a project to be substantially complete, he compiles a list of unfinished items that is provided to the architect. This is called what?
- Task list
- List of final completion
- Partial occupancy list
- Punch list
Punch list
List includes items to be completed, or corrected if not in accordance with the contract documents, prior to final payment to the contractor. Upon completion of these items, the architect will make a final punch list inspection. If the architect finds the project to be substantially complete, the contractor will submit a final application for payment. The architect in turn issues to the owner a final certificate for payment, which entitles the contractor to final payment.
A written order prepared by the architect, signed by the architect and owner, directing a change in the work. It is used in the modification of a project when the owner and contractor have yet to reach an agreement on a change in Contract Sum and Contract time and if the modification is not implemented expeditiously, a delay in the project may result. The contractor has the right not to sign the document but is obligated to perform the work and the architect must then determine the adjustment to the contract.
Construction Change Directive
What is the architect’s authority regarding a contractors use of non-union labor in the construction of a project?
Although non-union workers may charge a lower labor rate, an architect has no authority over the contractors selection of his work force.
An owner must decide whether to carpet or tile 15,000 square feet of circulation space in an office building he intends to occupy for 20 years. Carpet has an initial cost of $6.50/sq ft and an operational cost of $2,300/ yr. Tile has an initial cost of $8.75/ sq.ft. and an operational cost of $575/yr. Which material has the lowest life-cycle cost?
Tile
The process of establishing an accounting for the cost of construction items and systems for the estimated useful existence of a building is an analysis of the:
- replacement cost approach
- life-cycle cost
- maintenance management index
- initial cost
Life Cycle Cost
On a renovation project, the architect is responsible to verify the accuracy of any existing drawings. How can the architect determine if a room is “square”
Measure the length of each wall. Then take both diagonal measurements.
With regard to the architect’s compensation, which of the following is not considered a reimbursable expense?
- Overtime
- Travel and transportation
- Models
- Reproductions
Models
Site Visit Documentation
Architect may fill out a field report including:
- Date and time
- Current work activity
- Project progress compared to the project schedule
- Names of people present
- Weather conditions
Mediation
A mediator has no authority to force a resolution but is instrumental in empowering the participants to resolve the issue themselves. This alternative, can be cheaper and less adversarial than arbitration or litigation.
The graphic and pictorial portion of the contract documents intended to convey the design intent of the architect to the contractor. These documents represent the design, dimensions, quantity and location of the work and generally include plans, elevations, sections, details, and schedules.
Working Drawings
What are the characteristics of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings?
Prepared by these consultants contain information regarding the systems themselves, such as equipment dimensions and the sizes of ducts or pipes. They are diagrammatic as a rule and do not contain complete dimensional information relating the systems to the physical conditions.
What type of specifications are often required for public projects?
Open proprietary specifications
This type of specification stipulates several specific products, materials, assemblies, or systems that are acceptable for use in the project. It is up to the contractor to choose between the approved alternates.
Record Drawings
Construction drawings; change orders, specifications, and shop drawings revised to show significant changes made during construction. They are typically based in marked-up prints maintained by the contractor throughout the course of construction. These drawings are to be furnished to the architect. They are not to be confused with as-built drawings, which document only the finished condition of a project.
Define the general purpose of the following AIA Documents:
A-Series
Various forms of agreement between an owner and a contractor.
Define the general purpose of the following AIA Documents:
B-Series
Various forms of agreement between an owner and an architect for professional services.
Define the general purpose of the following AIA Documents:
C-Series
Various forms of agreement between an architect and other professionals such as engineers and consultants.
Define the general purpose of the following AIA Documents:
D-Series
Architect-Industry documents, including calculation standards for area and volume for budgeting and cost estimating. Also included is a checklist for office-project planning and management for a broad range of projects.
Define the general purpose of the following AIA Documents:
G-Series
Office administration documents for securing goods and services and administering and closing out project agreements.
Gratings are permitted in pedestrian circulation areas. However, the maximum size of an opening shall be no greater than ___ in one direction, and elongated openings must be oriented so that the long dimension is ___ to the dominant path of travel.
1/2” : perpendicular
Operational Costs
The mechanical and maintenance costs associated with the performance of a building component or system.
The efficiency of a new building is 80%. The gross square footage of the building is 120,000 sq.ft. What is the net square footage?
96,000 sq.ft
Define the commonly used AIA Document - A101
Standard Form of Agreement bt owner and contractor where the basis of payment is stipulated sum (fixed price). To be used in conjunction with AIA doc A201
Define the commonly used AIA Document - A201
General conditions of the contract for construction. It defines the relationships, responsibilities and rights of the owner, contractor, and architect. Used as a reference for other documents such as the owner-contractor or owner-architect agreement.
Define the commonly used AIA Document - B727
Standard form of agreement bt owner and architect for special services, such as planning or feasibility studies, that do not follow the standard phasing sequence of services found in Document B141.
Define the commonly used AIA Document - G702
Application and certificate for payment. With this document the contractor can apply for payment and the architect can certify that payment is due. This combined form is meant to expedite the payment process.
Define the commonly used AIA Document - G711
Architects field report.
A contractual obligation by which one person or entity agrees to reimburse another for loss or damage arising from specified liabilities. it is an example of a contractual liability such as “hold harmless” (AIA doc A201)
Indemnification
A type of surety obtained by the contractor. It is for the protection of the owner and is used to help ensure that the work will be completed in accordance with the contract documents (AIA doc A312)
Performance bond
A written promise or bond by a person or entity who guarantees the performance of an obligation of another party. It can protect an owner’s interests by ensuring that the contractor fulfills the requirements of the contract documents.
Surety
Protects two contracted parties from claims made by a third party. The architect for example, is protected from claims by the contractor because the architect is only contractually bound to the owner. This protection has deteriorated since the mid-1950’s and architects are now increasingly subject to litigation.
Privity
What is the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and describe The MasterFormat.
CSI is an association that provides technical information, products and organizational systems for the construction industry.
MasterFormat is the CSI standard for organizing information regarding construction requirements, products and activities. This standard information facilitates communication between the participants in a construction project.
What are the contents of a typical project manual?
Contains all of the bidding documents and contract documents that can be easily bound into book format.
- Title Sheet
- Table of Contents
- Bid Form
- Instructions to Bidders
- Proposed Owner-Contractor Agreement
- General conditions and supplementary conditions
- Sample AIA documents
- List of Drawings
- Signature Sheet
- Index to specifications
- Specifications, standard divisions
A contractor is preparing a bid proposal for a project and would like to substitute an alternative material known to be comparable in quality to the material specified by the architect. What must the contractor do?
Notify the owner (in writing before the bids are due) with a request for approval of the proposed substitution. If the owner approves of the alternate material, the architect will issue an addendum to the specifications to the contractor as well as any other bidders, who may use the approved substitution in their bid proposals.
Under certain circumstances, an owner may occupy a project prior to substantial completion. To do so, the owner needs the consent of each of the following except:
- Architect
- Owner’s insurance company
- Local building authorities
- Contractor
Architect
A warranty is a contractor’s or manufacturer’s guarantee of quality, reliability, and workmanship of either construction or a piece of equipment. In general, according to the AIA General Conditions, when do warranty periods begin and how long do they last?
Within one year after the date of substantial completion.
Of all the common participants in a typical construction project, to whom is an owner not legally bound?
Subcontractors or consultants
According to the Contract Documents, contract time ends at the date of:
- Substantial completion
- Final completion
- Final inspection
- Owner occupancy
Substantial completion
A revised contour line is represented on a topographic map by what type of line?
Solid Line
dashed line represents an existing contour line
Aside from the direct cost of construction, what factors are included in the project budget?
Included in this budget is the cost for land, demo work, landscaping, furniture, equipment, financing, taxes, insurance, professional services, and contingency allowances.
A soil test is requested by the architect. In most cases, who will pay for the test?
Owner
A written amendment to the construction contract, prepared by the architect, and signed by the architect, owner and contractor. Used to accommodate some unforeseen conditions during construction.
Change Order
Define the following commonly used AIA Document: A111
Standard form agreement between owner and contractor where the basis for payment is the cost of work plus a fee, with a negotiated guaranteed maximum price (GMP). It is used in conjunction with A201. Fee may be established as a stipulated amount or a percentage of construction cost.
Define the following commonly used AIA Document: A310
Bid Bond.
Define the following commonly used AIA Document: B141
Standard form of agreement between owner and architect with standard form of architectural services. It defines the five traditional phases of an architect’s professional services.
Define the following commonly used AIA Document: C141
Agreement between architect and consultant. Defines the rights and responsibilities of each party.
Define the following commonly used AIA Document: G701
Change order
Define the following commonly used AIA Document: G704
Certificate of substantial completion
A contractor submits a bid price for the cost of construction that shows a numerical figure of $56,000 and a written figure of sixty-five thousand. What are the ramifications of this inconsistency?
written word takes precedent
Which of the following are considered Additional Services provided by the architect?
- Programming
- Economic feasibility studies
- Preliminary estimate of construction cost
- Normal structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering
- Geotechnical services
- Construction management
- Preparation of change orders
- Preparation of record drawings
- Preparation of bid forms
- Land surveying
- Programming
- Economic feasibility studies
- Geotechnical services
- Construction management
- Preparation of record drawings
- Land surveying
What are the main elements that comprise construction cost?
-Labor
-Materials
-Equipment
-Contingencies
-Contractor overhead and profit
It does not include the architect’s compensation, the cost of land or the cost of financing.
A request by the contractor, after the contract for construction has been executed, to use a material, product or system, other than the one specified. This does not necessarily require a change order.
Substitution
Drawings, diagrams, schedules, and other date required by the contract documents, prepared and supplied by a contractor, subcontractor, manufacture, supplier, etc., and meant to illustrate a specific method of installation or fabrication for some portion of the project.
Shop Drawings
Typically dependent upon the level of detailing or specifications in the construction documents.
For example; 1/4” out of plumb may be acceptable for a wall panel. Mil work is generally about 1/64” while poured concrete may be 2” or more
Dimensional Tolerances
How can discrepancies between the specifications and the working drawings be minimized?
Technical specifications and the drawings are interdependent documents and are meant to be complementary.
- Dimensions should be notes once on only one of the two documents.
- Terminology should be consistent (ex. use safety glass or laminated glass; gypsum wall board or drywall)
- Describe installation methods and material quality in specifications only and quantitative descriptions in the drawings.
What are the owner’s obligations to the contractor?
- Furnish evidence of the necessary funds to complete the project.
- Pay for necessary approvals, assessments etc. (except for permits and fees)
- Provide legal descriptions and site surveys including utility locations and easements.
- Provide copies of the necessary drawings for the execution of the construction.
During a site visit an architect observes an unsafe condition in the execution of construction. What course of action should the architect take?
The architect should notify the contractor of the condition immediately and if necessary follow up by including the observation in a field report.
An architect suspects that a portion of some construction has not been done in compliance with the contract documents and requests that the owner have some testing done. The test results show that the work is in compliance with the requirements of the contract documents. Who is responsible to pay for the testing?
The owner
Procedure paid for by the contractor as required by the contract documents. They are arranged by the contractor but architect should be present for the procedure.
Field Tests and Inspections
A term used to describe a slope
Gradient Ratio
This is an approach where an owner contracts separately with more than one contractor for the major portions of a job, such as the mechanical or plumbing work. This can be difficult to coordinate and may require the services of a construction manager.
Multiple Prime Contract
What is the gross area necessary for a new YMCA project where the assignable area (net area) is determined to be 40,000 sq.ft. and the efficiency ratio is estimated to be .65?
61,500 sq.ft.
efficiency = net area / gross area
What is the role of each contracted party regarding acceptance, rejection or correction of nonconforming work?
An owner may prefer to accept work that is not in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents instead of requiring its removal and correction. Adjustments shall then be made to the contract sum.
The architect may reject work for failing to conform to the requirements of the contract documents. The cost of correcting such work, including additional testing and inspections, will be at the contractor’s expense.
The architect may request that the covered work be uncovered for the purpose of inspection. If the architect had a prior inspection request, the contractor will bear the cost. If not, and the work is found to be in accordance with the contract documents, then the owner is responsible for the cost of uncovering and replacing the work. If not in accordance with contract documents, all costs will be at the contractor’s expense.
As stated in the Owner-Contractor Agreement, this is the total amount payable by the owner to the contractor. It is the payment for the performance of the work done under the requirements of the contract documents.
Contract Sum
An architect may affect the contractor’s construction schedule by establishing certain criteria within the specifications. What are some of these criteria?
- Establish deadlines for the ordering and delivery of materials, submittals and testing.
- Specify all work to be accomplished according to the critical path method (CPM)
- Allot a specific amount of time to perform all work.
- Allow subcontractors to provide input.
- Update the construction schedule on a monthly basis.
A request in the bidding documents that asks the contractor to provide the owner with options in the selection of materials, products, or systems for the work described in the contract documents. It may also indicate the addition or deletion of some portion of the project and is reflected in the variation in price from the base bid. For example, the contractor may be asked to provide a price for the option of using a slate tile roof compared to an asphalt shingle or a full basement compared to a crawl space. This offers the owner the flexibility to tailor the cost of the project by varying the quality or quantity of the work.
Alternates
According to the AIA General Conditions, what are the contractor’s responsibilities regarding shop drawings?
They are responsible for providing or obtaining shop drawings from subcontractors and manufactures. Their approval and submittal of shop drawings to the architect represents that they have reviewed and verified the use of appropriate materials, proper field measurements, field construction requirements, and have coordinated the information contained in the submittal. Architectural approval of the shop drawings does not relieve the contractor of the responsibility of errors or omissions.
How many times must the architect inspect a project?
Two
1st to determine the date of substantial completion, 2nd to determine final completion.
According to the AIA General Conditions, what are the architect’s responsibilities regarding shop drawings?
They are responsible for the timely review and approval of shop drawings. Their approval verifies the shop drawing’s conformance with the design intent of the contract documents. Their review is not intended to determine the accuracy of dimensions, quantities or completeness of the information and does not constitute approval of any safety precautions or construction methods.
Working Drawings vs. Specifications
WD-Graphic, pictorial documents of design contained in the contract documents. They define; quantity, location, specific dimensions, size, shape, and the general configuration of a project.
S-Written descriptions in the project manual that define quality and performance requirements for the construction and workmanship of a project.
A floor plan drawing is analogous to a(n):
Horizontal section
When is the use of mock-ups appropriate?
It is useful when an innovative detail is specified and the additional time and cost of preparing the model outweighs the potential cost of unforeseen problems.
Name and describe the three approaches to cost estimating, according to the AIA.
Area, Volume, and other Single-Unit Rate Methods; used primarily in the programming and pre-design phases.
Elemental Methods (assemblies and subsystems); commonly used in the schematic design phase. Divides the building into functional categories and assigns a target cost to each.
Quantity survey Method; used during the design development and construction documents phases, involves calculations for each component of a building.
What is the architects’s role in dispute resolution?
According to the AIA General Conditions, the owner and contractor must initially refer claims and disputes to the architect for a decision. The architect must interpret these matters impartially and consistent with the intent of the contract documents. Since the architect is familiar with the contract documents, and has no economic interest in the construction contract, they have limited authority to make binding decisions. Except for decisions regarding aesthetic effect, their decision may be appealed, and the architect may be called as a witness in future proceedings.
When is an owner within their rights to order a contractor to stop construction?
The owner, not the architect, may exercise this right if the contractor fails to correct work, or persistently fails to carry out work that is in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents.
How do local laws impact AIA Document 201?
They supersede the General Conditions for the Contract for Construction and when necessary, should be identified in the special conditions of the contract.
With regard to the owner, what is the architect’s role in the bidding process?
During the construction documents phase, the architect is required to assist the owner in the preparation of the bidding documents and requirements. Other obligations of the architect include assisting the owner in:
- Compiling a list of prospective bidders or contractors.
- Obtaining competitive bids or negotiated proposals.
- Preparing and awarding contracts for construction.
- Evaluation of the successful bid proposal.
With regard to Project Delivery, define Construction Management (CM).
An owner hires a construction manager in addition to an architect and a contractor, usually on complex or fast-track projects. They provide a budget, scheduling, construction and technical expertise and work with the architect.
Three types of CM project delivery:
CM-Advisor-Advises the owner regarding budget and constructibility issues during design and construction.
CM-Agent-Hired by the owner first, the CM manages the entire project on behalf of the owner.
CM-Constructor-Hired by the owner at 30% of design completion. Advises the owner prior to construction and then builds the project, usually for a guaranteed maximum price.
When is the architect the final arbitrator?
The architect is the final arbitrator with regard to only artistic effect.
Under what conditions might the feasibility of installing underground electrical power lines be in question?
Areas where bedrock or a high water table exist near the surface may cause excavation to be prohibitively expensive. It may be necessary to request that an owner furnish geotechnical information in order to determine the feasibility.
A payment made by the owner to the contractor upon issuance of the Final Certificate for Payment is called what?
Final payment.
For which part of the project manual is the architect most directly responsible?
The specifications.
The final certificate for payment may be issued after the contractor accomplishes what task?
Upon the contractor’s completion of the work outlined in the punch list, the architect may issue the final certificate of payment to the contractor.
Sometimes called substantial performance, this is the date in the progress of the project when it is sufficiently complete, according to the contract documents, and the owner may occupy all or a portion of the project for its intended use. Warranties generally become active on this date, the final application for payment is processed, and the contractor is due the contract sum, less the value of the unfinished work.
Substantial Completion
An area restricted from construction. It is defined as a minimum distance between a building and a reference line such as a property line or water course and governed by local zoning ordinances or codes.
Setback
General Conditions vs. General Requirements
GC-One of the AIA contract documents that comprise the construction contract between the owner and the contractor, AIA document A201. This legal document defines the rights and obligations of the parties involved. However, it also contains pertinent information from AIA Doc B141 to better inform the contractor of the agreement between the owner and the architect.
GR-This is the title for Division 01 of the CSI Masterformat. This division is used to explain the administrative and procedural requirements of the trades involved in the construction industry.
Name a significant concern when specifying thermal glass for a southern exposure?
Protection against thermal stresses resulting from the temperature differential between areas of direct sun exposure and shaded areas.
Many renovation projects are an inconvenience to the occupants. How can the disruption be minimized?
Areas should be protected.
Construction should be scheduled in phases where tasks are isolated. Contaminants should be contained. Return air ducts should be isolated and construction areas temporarily vented directly to the outside.
What is the typical sequence of construction drawings?
- Title Sheet
- Site and landscape information
- Architectural
- Structural
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Electrical
Define Model Building Codes and name those commonly used in the U.S.
A non-regional reference guide for construction requirements, compiled by experts often adopted as local building codes.
- IBC (International Building Code)
- UBC (Uniform Building Code)
- BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators International)
- SBCCI (Southern Building Code Congress International) Standard Building Code
- CABO National Building Code
A sum withheld from the progress payments to the contractor (usually 10%). These funds are placed into an interest eating escrow account by the owner.
Retainage
While observing the construction of a project, an architect notices some workers struggling to lift a heavy wall into place. The architect may:
- Inform the contractor
- Suggest alternate techniques
- Make a safety recommendation
- Lend a hand
Inform the contractor
The statement issued by the contractor, that describes the portions of the Contract Sum that are allocated to the various part of the project, is called a:
Schedule of Values
This schedule, furnished to the architect prior to the first application for payment, is used as the basis by which the architect reviews the contractor’s application, approves progress payments, and issues certificates for payment to the owner.
Name three options available to the architect when an owner requests a substantial reduction in the time allotted for the design phases of a project.
- Work the design team overtime: This is costly and inefficient.
- Hire more design team members: this is also costly and require time for the new team members to catch up.
- Reduce the number of hours spent on the project: this may jeopardize the quality of the project, and add to construction time and cost.
Name the most common method of determining land value.
The “market” approach. The surrounding neighborhood is assessed to determine the safe price, per square foot or per acre, for lots of approximately the same size.
A graphical scheduling method where all of the tasks necessary to complete a project are charted in the sequence in which they must occur. The sequence is delineated by arrows that connect tasks and identify the interrelationships and time needed for the different project phases.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
CMP shows all dependent relationships among tasks, making it far more informative. CPM saves time and money by allowing for the efficient sequencing of tasks.
A type of professional liability insurance. It is intended for the protection of the architect or other professional from liability arising from negligence or failure to meet the standards of care expected from a professional.
Errors and Omissions
Define Unit Price
A contract or bid amount based on a definable measure such as the price per square foot of sheet rock or cubic yard of concrete. It is used on projects when it is difficult to determine the exact quality of materials or equipment at the time of bidding and negotiation of the construction contract.
Unit cost, is a method of construction-cost estimating done by the architect during programming and pre-design.
Upon completion and distribution, the copyright of an architect’s drawings belongs to:
Architect
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) contamination can be a problem during construction as well as post occupancy. Name several specifications an architect can require to minimize this occurrence.
- Materials with low emissions of VOCs
- Detailing to isolate potential sources of contamination from the air.
- Sequence construction so that wet and off-gassing materials are applied or installed prior to dry materials that may absorb contaminants.
- Air-quality-management plan
- Temp. ventilation using 100% outside air after the building envelop is substantially enclosed.
- HVAC filters
- Air-quality tests prior to occupancy
- Ventilate with 100% outside air for up to 30 days prior to occupancy to flush out contaminants.
- Isolate construction areas and protect occupied areas from contaminants.
Define Project Delivery
Most common approaches are:
Design-Bid-Build
Design-Build
Construction Management
At what point during the standard phases of an architect’s schedule is a structural system proposed to the owner?
Design development phase
Define Closed Specifications
Also called prescriptive, base bid, or proprietary specifications, where specific products or processes are stipulated with provision for substitution.
Define Open Specifications
Often used for public projects to ensure competitive bidding, it allows the contractor to substitute products of equal quality and performance if approved by the architect.
Define Performance Specifications
A type of open specification that sets criteria and defines the results required of the assembly, component, or device being specified.
Define Cash Allowance Specifications
Establishes a dollar amount allocated for each item in the specification.
Define Reference Standard Specifications
A type of performance specification where items specified must meet certain requirements set by an accepted authority or test method such as (UL) Underwriter’s laboratories, (ASTM) American Society for Testing and Materials or ANSI American National Standards Institute.
When is the architect responsible for estimating the cost of construction?
At the end of schematic design phase, the architect must submit a preliminary estimate of construction cost.
Itemized requests for payment made by the contractor and submitted to the architect at specific intervals during a project.
Application for Payment
According to AIA Document A201, an architect’s periodic site visits during construction are considered:
Observations
An architect is looking for the best assembly to solve an unconventional requirement presented by the owner, which specification type will benefit the architect most?
Performance specifications
This type of open specification describes an end result desired by the architect and does not stipulate specific trade names of components or processes. This specification type allows the contractor the flexibility to find a system that best meets the needs of the owner.
When does the architect have the authority to order an aesthetic design change that will add two weeks to the construction time?
Upon completion of a change order.
How much time does an architect have to process shop drawings submitted by the contractor?
The architect is expected to take action with “reasonable promptness” - 10 working days is common.
If a contractor refuses to keep the job site neat and orderly, what recourse does the owner have?
The owner has the right to have the site cleaned under the AIA General Conditions. The architect determines who is responsible and will allocate the cost of clean-up accordingly.
How can AIA Document A201 be adapted to the specific requirements of a construction project?
Through the use of special or supplementary conditions. The general conditions of the contract for construction is commonly used and understood contract between an owner and a contractor for a conventional design-bid-build project delivery.
When is the architect authorized to act as the owner’s agent?
During construction until final payment is due, on occasion for the one year period for correction of work by the contractor.
Cost Plus Fee vs. Percentage of Construction Cost
CPF- An owner/contractor or owner/architect agreement in which the contractor or architect is reimbursed for the actual expenses to perform the work, including salaries, employee benefits, office overhead, etc. plus a negotiated fee for profit. Usually includes a guaranteed maximum price.
PCC-A method of compensation for construction or professional services based on a percentage of the total cost of construction.
Project Closeout
Defined according to the requirements of the contract documents; final inspection, final payment, submittal of documentation, and acceptance of the construction project. It is necessary for the architect to finalize outstanding billing, collections, project files, and create the project archive.
What is the role of the architect regarding the owner and the use of the standard AIA contracts?
Although the standard AIA contracts are widely used in the construction industry and understood by contractors and clients alike, the architect should not advice a client on legal matters.
Which part of the construction documents allows the owner to tailor the cost of a project?
Alternates
Alternates require the contractor to provide options in the selection of materials, the level of quality, or the addition or deletion of work.
Methods of settling conflicts between the contracted parties in a construction project other than litigation are commonly referred to as:
ADR
Alternative Dispute Resolution-allow for the resolution of disputes without legal intervention.
A written agreement signed by the owner and the architect that defines the maximum allowable construction cost.
Fixed Limit
Name three methods of cost estimating.
Unit Cost Method
Systems Method
Parameter Method
Define MasterFormat
The standard outline of construction materials and components developed by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
A new building is to include a large central space. Two options are being considered. The first is to construct a circular rotunda, and the second is to construct a hexagonal court. With a limited budget, which option will most likely be used?
A hexagonal court will most likely be the best option. It will utilize regular, rectilinear building components whereas a circular rotunda requires mostly custom curved elements, complex joint details, and custom finish work.
The process of farming out various construction jobs to multiple contractors when construction is on a fast track and begins before all design work is completed.
Staged Bidding
If a project is bid at a higher figure than the fixed limit of construction cost, what options does an owner have?
- Ignore the fixed limit and agree to the higher bid.
- Re-bid the project.
- Forfeit the project and end the architect’s contract.
- Work with the architect to reduce the scope of work.
Which of the following is included in the Construction Documents?
- Bidding requirements
- Contract forms, conditions, and modifications
- Drawings and specifications
- Addendum
All of these
Define Design-Bid-Build
Architect is hired by an owner. Design documents are bid upon by various contractors and the acceptable proposal with the lowest bid is usually selected to build the project. The owner has a separate contract with both the architect and the contractor.
Define Design-Build
Used when the owner request that a single entity be responsible for both design and construction services.
Define Construction Management
Often used in large or complex building projects when budget and scheduling issues are critical. This method was developed as a result of owner demand for technical advice early in the process. A consultant may be contracted by the owner to act as advisor, agent or constructor, during design and construction.
Describe the role of a construction manager.
A key figure in the construction management project delivery method. A CM is added to the traditional architect, owner, contractor team. The CM is hired by the owner, usually for complex or fast-track projects where there are critical budget or scheduling issues or when an owner requires detailed construction and technical advice.
AIA Document A201 is a contract between which two parties?
The owner-contractor
CABO/ANSI refer to:
American National Standard for Buildings and Facilities Providing Accessibility and Usability for Physically Handicapped People.
After the construction documents phase for a project has been completed, the owner decides to use geothermal energy as an alternative energy source. Which of the following parties would be entitled to additional compensation as a result of this decision?
- Architect
- Structural Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Landscape Architect
Mechanical Engineer & Architect
The addition of geothermal energy system would result in significant re-configuration of the building’s mechanical systems. Additionally, the architect would be entitled to additional compensation due to the architect’s role in coordinating the work of the other consultants.
All tests and inspections required for these specifications will be performed by a person or testing laboratory employed by the contractor with the prior approval of the architect. The statement above should be in which of the following documents.
Special Conditions
Only those requirements which change from project to project, such as soil borings, traffic control, reference documents including codes, temporary utilities, test and inspections, shop drawings, cleaning, safety, signs, etc. are contained in the special conditions.
___ is a speech isolation rating given to building materials and assemblies.
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
The jurisdiction where a project is proposed to be built requires that all parking lot light poles be limited to 25 feet in height. In order to best ensure that this regulation is met, the architect should:
- Inform the electrical engineer and verify that appropriate poles are specified in the contract documents.
- Notify the owner
- Notify the contractor as the light poles are being installed.
- Notify the contractor before construction has begun.
According to the AIA Owner-Architect Agreement (B141) it is the architect’s responsibility to research applicable design criteria and also to communicate with members of the project team. Accordingly the architect must inform the electrical engineer of the regulation and verify that appropriate poles are specified in the contract documents.
The CSI MasterFormat is divided into all of the following EXCEPT
- Chapters
- Sections
- Parts
- Divisions
The CSI MasterFormat is divided into divisions, sections, and parts.
The term “approved equal” is commonly found in which of the following types of specifications?
Open proprietary specifications name several acceptable materials, products, or systems. Alternatively, other approved products that match the capabilities and quality of the named items may be used if the open proprietary specification contains an approved equal clause.
Which of the following are part of the contract documents?
- Drawings
- Specifications
- Addenda
- Shop drawings
Drawings, Specifications, Addenda
Which of the following construction items is MOST likely to be shop fabricated?
- Light Fixtures
- HVAC duct work
- Plumbing fixtures
- Concrete
HVAC duct work is typically fabricated in the HVAC contractor’s shop and delivered to the job site ready for installation.
Plumbing floor plan drawings show all of the following EXCEPT
- supply piping
- public water lines
- fixtures
- sanitary piping
Plumbing floor plan drawings show all of the items listed except public water lines. Public water lines are located on the exterior of a building and therefore would be found on civil engineering drawings.
All of the following statements concerning the scheduling of construction work are correct EXCEPT
- the contractor is responsible for scheduling the construction trades and sequence of work
- CPM schedules are superior to bar charts because they show relationships between activities, not just durations and sequences.
- the architect generally establishes the requirements for the construction schedule.
- in a CPM diagram, the path with the shortest required time is the critical path.
In the CPM diagram, the total project time is determined by the path with the longest required time.
When should money retained by the owner be paid to the contractor?
- final completion
- substantial completion
- when the architect determines that retainage is no longer needed for the owner’s protection
- as called for in the owner-contractor agreement and if the contractor’s surety consents.
The owner generally retains money from the contractor as protection against the contractor’s potential failure to complete the work in accordance with the contract documents. The provisions related to retain age are usually set forth in the owner-contract agreement. In the even of the contractor’s default, the retainage can be used by the surety to help pay for completing the work. Therefore, retain ages should not be reduced without the surety’s written permission.
Halfway through construction of a shopping mall, the contractor removes his workers from the project and refuses to continue work because of financial problems. Which of the following guarantees that the work will be completed?
- Labor and material payment bond
- Bid bond
- Liquidated damages clause
- Performance bond
The performance bond guarantees performance of the work. In the event of the contractor’s default, it protects the owner against loss up to the penal amount of the bond.
A hotel is substantially completed except for the installation of the plumbing fixtures. The contractor estimates that it will be two months but has installed temporary plumbing fixtures and has informed the owner in writing that the specified fixtures will be installed as soon as they arrive. The contractor asks the owner to accept the building as if it were complete and make final payment. What should the architect advise the owner to do?
- Withhold final payment until the plumbing fixtures are properly installed.
- Place the final payment in an escrow account, to be released to the contractor after installation of the plumbing fixtures.
AIA Document 201-General Conditions, describes the process leading to final completion and final payment. In the situation in this question, it is clear that a portion of the work remains uncompleted and therefore, the contractor is not entitled to final payment. Consequently, the architect should advise the owner to withhold final payment until all the work in the contract is completed and accepted.
The bid results show that the low bidder is approximately 20% lower than the next lowest bid. The bidder reviews his bid and determines that a large item of work has been inadvertently omitted, requiring him to withdraw his bid. Which of the following are appropriate actions for the architect to take?
- Reject all bids and rebid the project
- Recommend that the low bidder’s bid bond be forfeited
- Award the contract to the next lowest bidder
- Insist that the low bidder enter into a contract for the amount stated in the bid
The law recognizes that binding a contractor to a bid that contains an honest mistake, such as the omission of a major item of work, is unfair and is, therefore, usually adequate justification to withdraw a bid. In that event, the bid bond would probably be forfeited to the owner as compensation for any costs incurred in good faith by the owner in order to enter into a contract with another contractor. It would then be appropriate to award the contract to the next lowest bidder if there are sufficient funds available. Rejecting all bids and rebidding the project would be appropriate only if all the bids were in excess of the budget.
When should money retained by the owner be paid to the contractor?
- final completion
- substantial completion
- when the architect determines that retainage is no longer needed for the owner’s protection
- as called for in the owner-contractor agreement and if the contractor’s surety consents.
The owner generally retains money from the contractor as protection against the contractor’s potential failure to complete the work in accordance with the contract documents. The provisions related to retain age are usually set forth in the owner-contract agreement. In the even of the contractor’s default, the retainage can be used by the surety to help pay for completing the work. Therefore, retain ages should not be reduced without the surety’s written permission.
Halfway through construction of a shopping mall, the contractor removes his workers from the project and refuses to continue work because of financial problems. Which of the following guarantees that the work will be completed?
- Labor and material payment bond
- Bid bond
- Liquidated damages clause
- Performance bond
The performance bond guarantees performance of the work. In the event of the contractor’s default, it protects the owner against loss up to the penal amount of the bond.
A hotel is substantially completed except for the installation of the plumbing fixtures. The contractor estimates that it will be two months but has installed temporary plumbing fixtures and has informed the owner in writing that the specified fixtures will be installed as soon as they arrive. The contractor asks the owner to accept the building as if it were complete and make final payment. What should the architect advise the owner to do?
- Withhold final payment until the plumbing fixtures are properly installed.
- Place the final payment in an escrow account, to be released to the contractor after installation of the plumbing fixtures.
AIA Document 201-General Conditions, describes the process leading to final completion and final payment. In the situation in this question, it is clear that a portion of the work remains uncompleted and therefore, the contractor is not entitled to final payment. Consequently, the architect should advise the owner to withhold final payment until all the work in the contract is completed and accepted.
The bid results show that the low bidder is approximately 20% lower than the next lowest bid. The bidder reviews his bid and determines that a large item of work has been inadvertently omitted, requiring him to withdraw his bid. Which of the following are appropriate actions for the architect to take?
- Reject all bids and rebid the project
- Recommend that the low bidder’s bid bond be forfeited
- Award the contract to the next lowest bidder
- Insist that the low bidder enter into a contract for the amount stated in the bid
The law recognizes that binding a contractor to a bid that contains an honest mistake, such as the omission of a major item of work, is unfair and is, therefore, usually adequate justification to withdraw a bid. In that event, the bid bond would probably be forfeited to the owner as compensation for any costs incurred in good faith by the owner in order to enter into a contract with another contractor. It would then be appropriate to award the contract to the next lowest bidder if there are sufficient funds available. Rejecting all bids and rebidding the project would be appropriate only if all the bids were in excess of the budget.
You are the architect for an auditorium facility, which contains an underground concrete utility trench. The contractor asks you to provide him with shoring details for the earth excavation required to construct the trench. What should be your response?
- Comply with the contractor’s request
- Advise the contractor that your mechanical engineering consultant is responsible for the shoring
- Refer the contractor to the local public works department, which is responsible for all underground construction
- Inform the contractor the he is solely responsible for construction methods.
AIA document A201, General Conditions, clearly state that the contractor, not the architect, is solely responsible for all construction means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures.
To expedite construction, the ceiling sub-contractor installs a portion of the suspended ceiling prior to the building department’s above-ceiling HVAC inspection. The building inspector subsequently request that the ceiling be removed in order to facilitate his inspection. Who must pay the cost of removing and reinstalling the ceiling?
- Building inspector
- Ceiling subcontractor
- Contractor
- Owner
AIA A201 requires that the contractor obtain all required inspections prior to the work being covered. Any work covered up prior to being inspected must be uncovered at the contractor’s expense.
Under the terms of AIA Document A232, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, CM as Advisor, in what order are shop drawings reviewed?
- CM, contractor, architect
- CM, architect, contractor
- Contractor, CM, architect
- Contractor, architect, CM
The contractor reviews, approved and submits shop drawings to the construction manager, who in turn does likewise and submits the drawings to the architect for review and approval.
The principle reason that standard AIA documents should be used by architect in all contractual relationships is that
- the construction industry is accustomed to their use and acquainted with their provisions.
- they have been developed over the years to protect the interests of architects.
- their language is more precise than customized documents
- their use benefits the entire architectural profession.
The AIA standard documents have evolved on a continual basis over years of usage, and they are periodically modified to reflect developing trends in technology, techniques, and administration. In addition, they reflect important legal, insurance, and liability concerns and consequences. Because AIA standard documents are so comprehensive, their provisions and principles on which they were founded have become well known in the construction industry. This familiarity avoids the unnecessary legal risks and liability that may accompany unfamiliar provisions expressed in uncommon language.
You are the architect for an auditorium facility, which contains an underground concrete utility trench. The contractor asks you to provide him with shoring details for the earth excavation required to construct the trench. What should be your response?
- Comply with the contractor’s request
- Advise the contractor that your mechanical engineering consultant is responsible for the shoring
- Refer the contractor to the local public works department, which is responsible for all underground construction
- Inform the contractor the he is solely responsible for construction methods.
AIA document A201, General Conditions, clearly state that the contractor, not the architect, is solely responsible for all construction means, methods, techniques, sequences and procedures.
Supplementary Conditions vs Special Conditions
Special conditions differ from supplementary conditions in that they would be written only once for unique conditions. Supplementary conditions, on the other hand, accommodate different clients, gov. regulations, and local laws, and could be used several times for the same client on different projects.
A workman is injured on the job and files suit against the architect claiming the architect was negligent in supervising the work. Which is most correct?
- The suit will be dismissed, because no contractual arrangement exist between the architect and the workman.
- The claim will be paid by the contractor’s workers’ compensation insurance, rather than the architect’s professional liability insurance.
- Although the General Conditions place responsibility for construction methods on the contractor and not the architect, the architect is not automatically absolved of negligence and he must still defend himself against the suit.
The architect must defend himself against the suit, with the court making the final determination concerning his negligence.
Which of the following architectural services is considered additional services?
- Services in connection with change orders and construction change directives, if required by circumstances beyond the architect’s control
- Submitting a preliminary estimate of construction cost to the owner
- Providing administration of the construction contract
“Preparing drawings and providing other services in connection with change orders and construction change directives is a contingency additional service, to be paid for by the owner in addition to the compensation for basic services.” - AIA Owner-Architect Agreement B141
A contractor determines that his estimator made a substantial error of judgement, and his bid it too low by $250,000. His bid is the lowest by $300,000. The contractor requests that he be allowed to increase his bid by $250,000 and that the contract be awarded to him, because he would still be the lowest bidder. What should the owner and architect do?
- Allow the contractor to increase his bit by $250,00 and award the contract to him
- Allow the contractor to withdraw his bid without penalty
- Offer to enter into a contract with the contractor for the amount of the original bid.
The contractor is responsible for his own error of judgement and may not withdraw his bid.
Which of the following statements about substantial completion is INCORRECT?
- It is the contractor’s responsibility to consider when a project is substantially complete.
- The contractor is entitled to final payment when the project is substantially complete.
- When a project is considered substantially complete, the contractor prepares the punchlist of items to be completed or corrected.
At substantial completion, the contractor is entitled to the contract sum less the value of incomplete work and retain age. Upon final completion, the contractor is entitled to final payment.
The principle by which an architect is legally responsible for the acts of their own employees is called
- Standard of Care
- Subrogation
- Contingent Liability
- Direct Liability
An architect’s liability for his or her own acts and those of their employees is known as direct liability.
Contingent liability
The architect’s liability for the acts of independent consultants who are retained to perform professional services such as consulting engineers.
Soil characteristics and bearing capacities are usually determined by which of the following?
- Architect
- Structural engineer
- Geotechnical engineer
Geotechnical engineer
An elevation symbol indicated on a grading plan and identifying the proposed elevation at a single location is called a ____
spot elevation
In standard reinforced concrete buildings up to approximately 100ft tall, what is the typical formwork dimensional tolerance for: exposed corder columns, 10’ high slab ceilings, exposed lintels, the variation within a 20’ bay and a stair tread?
1/4”
Which of the following are TRUE statements regarding liens? Pick 3
- Mechanic’s liens exist by statute in each state to provide security for payment for labor and materials supplied to construct buildings.
- Liens apply to buildings, land and other assets of the owner.
- Liens give the worker, contractor or material supplier the right to force the sale of an owner’s property in order to satisfy a claim for payment.
- Lien rights give contractors leverage over an owner.
- Subcontractors who have not been paid may not file liens against the owner if the owner has paid the general contractor for their work.
Liens apply to land and buildings-but not to other assets of the owner. Even if the owner has paid the general contractor for his work, the subcontractors and material suppliers can file liens against the owner if they have not been paid. Liens are not permitted on publicly owned projects.
The size, shape and complexity of a building affects its cost. Compact buildings tend to be less expensive to construct than those with a large or irregular footprint. By what percentage would the cost of a 900 sf building drop if the footprint changed from 10’ x 90’ to 30’x30’?
12%
Unit costs may drop approximately 3% for each 10% reduction in the building’s perimeter.
One of the most significant effects of an extended design schedule is the increased cost due to inflation. If inflation is running at .5% per month, then what would be the cost increase for a $15,000,000 project that is delayed four months?
300,000
How many days before bids must be submitted may a contractor ask for a substitution?
10 days
Within how many days must the owner submit final payment to the contractor?
30 days
Define Target Value Design
Involves designing to minimize waste and enhance value to the owner.
There are five major multi-faceted modules of the Lean Project Delivery System (LPDS) methodology. Which of the following is NOT one of the modules?
- Lean assembly
- Project definition
- Use
- Labor allocation
- Lean design
- Lean supply
- Lean estimating
LPDS utilizes multi-faceted modules to describe the relationships within the overall process for conceptualizing, designing, and creating a specific product. The 5 multi-faceted modules are:
-project definition
-lean design
-lean supply
-lean assembly
-use
Phases are not individual, distinct phases, but part of an overall interconnected process that seeks to continually refine and improve the creation of the building from concept to occupancy.
How does incorporating BIM affect a traditional architectural design office?
- CAD operators require advanced construction knowledge
- Fee schedules need to be adjusted
- The contract document phase is longer
- Easier integration with consultants
Incorporating BIM into a traditional architectural design office requires CAD operators to possess advanced construction knowledge and the fee schedules need to be adjusted.
Which AIA document is specifically designed for the owner/architect relationship for a residential or small commercial project of low cost and brief duration?
- B101
- B103
- B105
- B141
- B151
AIA Document B105 is designed specifically for the owner/architect relationship for a residential or small commercial project of low cost and brief duration.
The AIA publishes a series of documents with the letters SP following the document number. What does the SP designate?
- Spanish language version
- Stormwater prevention
- Special projects
- Supplemental performance
- Sustainable projects
The SP after the AIA documents designates language adapted for sustainable projects.
AIA Document E203 BIM and Digital Data Exhibit, specifically discusses warranties and copyright issues regarding electronic files of digital models. Which of the following are TRUE statements?
- The party transmitting the electronic files has permission to do so.
- E203 specifically addresses ownership of digital models
- E203 provisions usually take precedence if conflicts with other contracts arise.
- E302 specifies ownership of non-digital data
- The receiving party of transmitted digital data agrees to specific limits of use.
E203 states that the party transmitting the electronic files has permission to do so, and that the receiving party of the transmitted digital data agrees to specific limits.
Which parties are the primary entities of an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) multi-party agreement (when utilizing AIA document C191, Multi-Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery)?
- Subcontractors
- Owner
- Consultants
- Contractor
- Architect
The primary entities of an IPD multi-party agreement are the owner, the architect, and the contractor.
Which of the following are a project’s hard costs?
- Testing fees
- Contingency factors
- Cost of work
- Site acquisition costs
- Professional fees
A project’s hard costs are the cost of work and the site acquisition costs. Hard costs are costs directly related to construction, such as labor, materials, equipment, basic building services, HVAC and built-in equipment.
What are examples of a project’s soft costs?
testing fees, site taxes, financing fees, development fees, agency fees, occupancy costs
What assumptions are made with the AIA document B103 Owner/Architect agreement for Large or Complex Projects?
- The owner will retain third parties to provide cost estimates.
- The owner may implement fast-track, phased, or accelerated scheduling.
- The services are not divided along the traditional lines of basic and additional services.
- The contract may be used with a variety of compensation methods.
- The owner will retain third parties to provide project schedules.
B103, assumes that: the owner will retain third parties to provide cost estimates and project schedules, the owner may implement fast-track, phased or accelerated scheduling; and the contract may be used with a variety of compensation methods
Which of the following are published procedures by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) for resolving disputes?
- Multi-track
- Special track
- Fast-track
- Standard track
- Large case track
Fast-track ($75K or less, require a resolution within a short time frame, and utilize only one arbiter)
Standard track ($75K-1M, months-1yr, 1-3 arbiters)
Large case track ($1M+, longer time frame)
Of the following architectural information classification systems, which one is MOST applicable for BIM projects?
-MasterFormat
-UniFormat
-U.S. National CAD Standard
-OmniClass Construction Classification System
CSI Format for Construction Specifications
BIM projects
OMNI classification system for the construction industry the incorporates the existing MasterFormat and UniFormat standards but provides additional capabilities to accommodate information specific to BIM considerations. Takes into consideration life-cycle issues when describing the built environment.
AIA document A201, General conditions of the Contract for construction, defines the contractual relationships of which parties?
- Owner and architect
- Owner and contractor
- Owner and sub-contractor
- Contractor and architect
- Contractor and sub-contractor
A201 specifically states that the contract documents only create a contractual relationship between the owner and contractor
What process is the Percentage of Promises Completed on time (PPC) metric associated with?
- Team matrix
- Control analysis
- Reward matrix
- Alignment implementation
- Last planner
PPC is associated with the Last Planner system.
The Last Planner system is part of a lean construction task completion cycle. Studies show that as the % of tasks completed on time increase, productivity and profitability also increase. The process attempts to reduce inefficiencies in labor utilization, machinery usage, and material storage. There is a sequential four-step relationship in each individual lean construction task completion cycle, referred to as the promise cycle. These steps are identified as request, promise, declare delivery, and declare complete.
When preparing specifications relating to moisture control, and architect should rely on:
- manufactures’ literature
- the local building code
- personal judgement and experience
- all of the above
All of the above
Construction work is divided among the construction trades in accordance with:
- the specifications
- the drawings
- trade union rules
- general contractor’s judgement
Although the drawings and specifications organize information, the general contractor divides the construction trades in accordance with trade union rules and business judgement.
Shop drawings provide the architect with information on which of the following?
- Installation details
- Equipment operating data
- Color and texture
- Standard of workmanship
Shop drawings show installation details for the actual product to be used in the project.
Equipment operating data-indicated in product data submittals
Color and texture-schedules and specifications
Standard of workmanship-specifications
All of the following statements about descriptive specifications are true EXCEPT
- they describe desired end results
- they make the architect responsible for proper performance of the specified items
- they explain all components of the specified items in detail
- they describe the arrangement and assembly of the components of the specified items.
Specifications that describe the desired end result are performance specifications.
Reference specifications are:
- comprehensive specification checklists to which an architect refers at the start of each new job
- used by architects to refer contractors to federal or other standard specifications that are to apply to work on the project
- proprietary systems like MASTERSPEC to which architects may subscribe
- useful because they do not have to be updated once the initial research is done
Reference specifications refer to standard specifications that are incorporated into the project specifications by reference not by actual txt.
All of the following statements about performance specifications are true EXCEPT
- they include test parameters for the items specified
- they make the contractor responsible for proper performance of the specified items
- they explain all components of the specified items in detail
- they are best used for new or unusual situations
Descriptive specifications explain all components of the specified items in detail.
When evaluating substitutions proposed by the contractors, an architect should consider all of the following factors EXCEPT
- the terms of the warranty
- code compliance
- projected maintenance costs
- equipment required for installation
Installation equipment is not considered by the architect.
Proprietary specifications
- are usually open, but may be closed on private projects
- contain full technical data on the products specified
- contain no trade names
Proprietary specifications list one or more acceptable products by name. An open proprietary specification allows equivalent products not listed to be provided, while a closed proprietary specification allows only those products listed to be provided.
Plumbing drawings have all of the following characteristics EXCEPT
- they are diagrammatic
- they are frequently superimposed on blank architectural floor plans
- they graphically show the physical dimensions of pipes
- they indicate connections between pipes
Plumbing drawings indicated the size of the pipes by notation, not graphically.
Select the correct statement
- Caulking, when property applied, may be relied upon to prevent water penetration.
- Durability is generally the primary consideration when selecting finish materials.
- As a last resort, an architect has the right to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents.
The architect has the authority to reject work under AIA document B201.
-Caulking is only one part of a waterproofing system
Match each item with its most common method of fabrication:
- Concrete-job fabrication
Elevators-shop
Light fixtures-manufactured - Plumbing fixtures-manufactured
Cabinets-job
Structural steel-shop
Concrete may be shop fabricated (precast) but more commonly it is cast-in-place (job fabricated).
Cabinets are usually shop fabricated.
Stairways are usually shop fabricated.
AC equipment is usually manufactured.
List the following in order of required accuracy (from most to least)
- property lines
- column center lines
- concealed concrete
- exposed concrete
- cabinet work
Locating property lines requires the greatest degree of accuracy because of legal concerns. These and column center lines are always established on site before any construction occurs, and are used as references for layout of all subsequent work.
Life safety codes
- are primary intended to protect property from fire damage
- are used in some jurisdictions instead of building codes
- specify the location and number of exits in a building
- consider all factors necessary to produce safe buildings
Life safety codes primarily address egress.
Building and fire codes are intended to protect buildings from fire damage.
Life safety codes are used in conjunction with, not instead of, building codes.
Select the most correct statement. Building codes
- suggest ideal solutions to technical construction problems
- are intended to insure that buildings will be structurally safe until the arrival of the fire department
- are concerned only with assemblies of construction materials and systems, whereas zoning codes deal with the uses of a building.
- are concerned with containing fires so that a fire in one building will not damage other buildings.
Containing fires
Building codes are minimum, not ideal standards.
The fire resistive requirements of building codes are intended to allow the evacuation of occupants within a specified period of time.
Zoning ordinances regulate land use, while the type of construction required by building codes is a function of use as well as area, height, and fire resistive properties of materials and assemblies.
The principal consideration in acoustic control is the sound absorptive quality of the
- floor
- walls
- ceiling
- roof
ceiling
The higher the STC rating the ____ efficient the construction.
more
Sustainability affects which of the following traditional components to every design decision?
- cost
- function
- aesthetics
- time
all of the above
During the course of construction, liability insurance should be maintained by which of the following?
- the surety company
- owner
- contractor
Both the owner and contractor are required to purchase liability insurance.
Architects are responsible for preparing which parts of a Project Manual?
- Specifications
- General Conditions
- Supplementary Conditions
- Owner-Contractor Agreement
The General Conditions are either a standard form (A201) or written by the owner’s attorney. An architect should never prepare a contract to which the architect is not a party. The specifications are prepared by the architect, but not necessarily the supplementary conditions.
Which of the following are responsibilities of the owner under the provisions of the AIA General Conditions?
- Provide access to the site
- Make payments to the contractor
- Make payments to the subcontractors
- Obtain necessary easements
- Provide necessary copies of construction documents.
The General Conditions requires the owner to obtain easements, provide copies of construction documents, and pay the contractor.
-it is implied that the owner grant access to the site, but it is not explicitly stated.
Which of the following statements is True? Contract time
- is measured in working days
- ends at substantial completion
- ends at final completion
- always starts when the Owner-Contractor Agreement is signed
Under the definitions of time, time is the period allotted for substantial completion of the work. Day is defined as a calendar day.
Under the provisions of the AIA General Conditions, which of the following statements is TRUE?
- Warranty periods begin at substantial completion
- Warranty periods begin at final completion
- The general warranty period is one year
- Warranties are worthless without bonds to back them up
The General Conditions states that warranties commence on the date of substantial completion.
Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for final payment to the contractor?
- final inspection by the architect
- owner’s receipt of the certificate of final completion from the architect.
- owner’s receipt of the contractor’s affidavit of payment of debts
- owner’s receipt of consent of the contractor’s surety company
There is no certificate of final completion, only a final certificate for payment.
Which of the following parties must approve shop drawings according to the AIA General Conditions?
- Architect
- Contractor
- Owner
- Subcontractors
The General Conditions requires the contractor and architect to approve shop drawings.
An architect’s preliminary estimate of construction cost would consider all of the following EXCEPT
- labor and materials supplied by the owner
- cooling towers
- land acquisition costs
- the architect’s fee
- metal curtain wall systems
Land acquisition costs and the architects fee are specifically excluded from construction cost.
An architect estimates that design and production for a project will take one year. The client, however, requests that the total time be reduced to nine months. By using the shorter time schedule, what would be the likely outcome?
- The general quality of design and production will be unaffected
- The quality of the construction documents will be lower
- The construction budget will be higher
- The construction time will be greater
Certain phases of design and production, such as client approval and project bidding, have fixed times. Therefore, the 25% reduction in time would probably come from the construction drawing phase. This would likely lower the overall quality of the construction documents. The construction budget and time would be unaffected.
Method of cost estimating dealing with a project’s functional units or assemblies. Enable comparison between different conceptual solutions during the design phase.
Subsystems Estimates
Detailed estimates of construction cost
- are usually a change in services
- are usually basic services
- are calculated solely by determining the sum of the required quantity of materials, multiplied by their unit costs
- must include indirect costs such as contractors overhead and administrative costs, profit, and the cost of General Conditions items.
- are usually a change in services
- must include indirect costs such as contractors overhead and administrative costs, profit, and the cost of General Conditions items.
The Labor and Materials Method for detailed cost estimates include indirect costs such as:
- contractor’s overhead
- general conditions costs
- contingency amount
- contractor’s profit
A project delivery method that involves an owner hiring someone with constructibility and cost expertise to work with the architect during the design phase is called:
Construction Management
An architect acts as an owner’s agent in which of the following situations?
- As a member of a joint venture with a construction company
- The design-award-build delivery method
- The construction management delivery method
- The design/build delivery method
design/award/build & construction management
Under normal competitive bidding using AIA documents, an owner may waive which of the following irregularities or informalities?
- Late bids
- Bids submitted on non-standard bid forms
- Incomplete bids
- Omission of a required performance bond
Late bids and non-standard bid forms generally do not materials affect the outcome of competitive bidding and may be overlooked by a private owner.
Incomplete bids make it impossible to determine the low bidder. Omission of a performance bond is an indication that the contractor is not capable of performing the work.
If a bid security is required as part of a contractor’s proposal, which of the following is the most appropriate form?
- Performance bond
- Binding covenant
- Certified check
- Indemnity agreement
A certified check is an acceptable form of bid security.
A performance bond is an indication of the bidder’s ability to perform the work. Covenants and indemnities afford some protection, but are not as liquid as a cashier’s check or a bid bond.
Construction contracts normally require which of the following parties to carry liability insurance?
- Contractor
- Owner
- Architect
- Mortagagee
- Bonding Company
The owner-architect agreement may require the architect to carry professional liability insurance, but this is not a requirement of the construction contract.
Shop drawings are prepared by, or on behalf of the:
AIA A201-contractor’s responsibility to prepare shop drawings.
A subcontractor, manufacturer, supplier, or distributor under contract to the prime contractor may also prepare shop drawings. The architect reviews shop drawings.
If an architect determines that work requires special testing or inspection, the architect must first:
- Secure written permission from the contractor
- Secure written permission from the owner
- Ask ASTM for test guidelines
- Write a change order covering the special testing or inspection
The architect must request the owner’s permission to order special testing. If the test results indicate that the work tested complies with the contract documents, the owner must pay for the test. If the work does not comply, then the contractor pays the testing expense.
During renovation of an old structure, bracing members not noted in the contract documents are discovered, which will necessitate a major change in the plans. According to the General Conditions, the contractor must request a change in the contract sum to cover the necessary additional work within ___
- 10 days
- 2 wks
- 21 days
- a reasonable period
General Conditions: “Claims by either party must be initiated within 21 days after occurrence of the event giving rise to such claim…”
The General Conditions requires which of the following parties to sign a construction change directive?
- Owner/Contractor
- Contractor/Architect
- Architect/Owner
G714: The architect and owner are required to sign a construction change directive. The contractor can choose not to sign it if he disagrees with the terms of the construction change directive.
Who issues a construction change directive if the work affects either the cost or time of construction?
- Owner
- Architect
- Contractor
- Architect’s field representative
The owner issues a construction change directive in accordance with the owner’s right under the General Conditions to order changes in the work. The architect may prepare the actual document and also must sign the document, but the architect does not have the right to order changes in the work that affect cost or time.
An architect wants to save time by outlining an an anticipated change in construction detail to all the parties involved. What document should the architect use?
- Architect’s supplemental instructions
- Construction change authorization
- Change order
- Proposal request
A proposal request notifies the contractor of an anticipated change and requests a proposal from the contractor stating the cost and/or time impact of the change.
The architect’s supplemental instructions would be the appropriate document only if there is no change in the cost or time.
A change order is the last document in the process, not the first.
Which of the following statements are correct?
- The performance bond and payment bond normally do not require that the surety be notified when change orders are issued.
- Contract modifications, such as change orders, do not invalidate bonds.
- Increases in the contract sum may result in increased bond premium costs.
- On non-standard bond forms, the owner is normally responsible for notifying the surety when change orders are issued.
The performance bond and payment bond does not require that the surety be notified when change orders are issued. Non-AIA bond forms, however, may require such notification. If so, this is usually the contractor’s responsibility. Change orders usually do not invalidate bonds, although increases in the contract cum may result in increased bond premium costs.
Under the General Conditions, what are the architect’s responsibilities with regard to the punch list?
- The architect has no stated responsibilities
- The architect must prepare the punch list
- If an item is missing from the punch list, the architect is responsible for that omission
- The architect must inspect the work from a punch list prepared by the contractor.
General Conditions: The contractor shall prepare and submit to the architect a comprehensive list of items to be completed or corrected, which is called a punch list. The architect’s responsibility is to make an inspection, not prepare the list.
When final payment is made pursuant to the General Conditions, it constitutes a waiver of all claims by the owner except those arising from which events?
- Unsettled liens
- Faulty or defective work appearing after substantial completion
- Undocumented claims made after substantial completion
- Failure of the work to comply with the requirements of the contract documents
General Conditions: stipulates the 10-day period. During this period, the architect may visit the site to verify that the progress of the work is consistent with the contractor’s application, and negotiate any adjustments.
The General Conditions requires that the contractor submit to the architect an itemized application for payment how long before each progress payment?
- 10 days
- 2 wks
- at the contractor’s discretion
- when required by the architect
10 days
The architect can decline to certify payment in whole or in part for all of the following reasons, EXCEPT
- failure of the contractor to properly pay subcontractors, suppliers, or workmen
- reasonable evidence that the work cannot be completed for the unpaid balance of the contract sum.
- reasonable evidence that the work will not be completed on time.
- part of the payment is for materials stored, but not yet incorporated into the work.
General Conditions: requires payment to be made for materials suitable stored.
Which AIA document requires that the architect maintain project files?
- Owner/Architect agreement
- General Conditions
- Project Data
- None of the above
None of the AIA documents listed requires the architect to maintain project files. However, it is good business practice to do so.
A project representative is selected, employed, and directed by the
- architect
- owner
- contractor
- clerk of the works
A project representative is employed by the architect.
A clerk of the works is generally employed by the
- architect
- owner
- contractor
- project representative
A clerk of the works is employed by the owner.
A contractor is obligated to leave a project “broom clean” but fails to do so. What should the architect do?
- Hire a professional cleaning firm and charge its fee to the contractor
- Have the owner issue a change order to have the work performed by others
- Stop work, thus stopping final payment
General Conditions: The owner may clean up and be entitled to reimbursement from the contractor who has failed to clean up as required.
If special testing is required, which is not called for in the construction documents, who establishes the standards applicable to the test?
- Architect
- Owner
- Independent testing agency
- Engineer responsible for the work in question
General Conditions: If standards are not otherwise established by the building code, the architect usually includes in the specifications the standards by which testing will be conducted and evaluated.
Whose responsibility is it to see that maintenance is carried out on a proper schedule after substantial completion?
- Owner
- Architect
- Subcontractor
- Manufacturer
Once the owner accepts the work as substantially complete, he becomes responsible for maintenance. If the work is properly maintained, and a defect becomes apparent within the warranty period, then the contractor is responsible for correcting the defect. In some cases, the owner may obtain a maintenance contract from the subcontractor who installed the work, which is separate from the construction contract.
The owner has failed to make payment in seven days of the amount certified by the architect in a certificate for payment. The contractor has the right to
- immediately stop work
- stop work in 7 days
- ask for arbitration
- request an equal amount from retainage
Stop work in 7 days
The occupant load factors are calculated based on
- the number of fixed seating
- the net floor area
- the gross floor area
- building official’s final decision
- the number of fixed seating or the gross floor area, but subject to the official’s final decision
- the number of fixed seating, the net floor area, or the gross floor area, but subject to the official’s final decision
The number of fixed seating, the net floor area, or the gross floor area, but subject to the official’s final decision
An architect is specifying the stainless steel urinals for the restrooms in a public park. She has a hard time finding the stainless steel urinals that meet both the ADA and the local building codes. What should she do?
- Continue to look for the stainless steel urinals that meet the requirements
- Use a stainless steel handicap toilet instead of the stainless steel urinals to meet the requirements and provide equal access
- Install the stainless steel urinals installed in other public restrooms in the same geographic area
-Continue to look for the stainless steel urinals that meet the requirements
An architect has designed the interior space for an office per codes. After the project is completed, the client thinks the counters are too low, and has his employees raise the height of the counters. The architect notices the revised counter heights do NOT comply with the building codes. She advises the client the revision does not comply with codes and should be corrected. The client refuses to accept the architect’s advice and says his decision is final sine he is paying the bills. What should she do?
- Document the incident in a written report and update her project files
- Report the incident to the building officials
- Do nothing
-Report the incident to the building officials
The right to use property of another without possessing it is called _____
Easement
A public school district is trying to build a new elementary school in a neighborhood, but several residents are unwilling to sell their properties. The school district can use ____ to purchase the properties at fair market value without the residents’ consent.
Eminent Domain
Which of the following are contract documents according to A201-2007, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction?
- Invitation to bid
- Instruction to bidders
- Supplementary condition
- Contractor’s proposal
- Drawings and Specifications
- Construction Change Directive
- Supplementary condition
- Drawings and Specifications
- Construction Change Directive
In contract law, the doctrine that a contract can only impose obligations or confer rights to parties to the contract is called____
Privity
Which of the followings can help assure quality control of the construction documents?
- Allowing adequate time for preparing the construction documents before bidding
- Having the owner review the plans
- Having the contractor review the plans
- Having a review meeting the the building officials
- Using checklists
- Using critical path method
- Allowing adequate time for preparing the construction documents before bidding
- Having the contractor review the plans
- Using checklists
Which of the following are more likely to be an architect’s instrument of service?
- Civil plans
- Geotechnical studies
- Project research and studies
- Drawings and specifications by architect
- Sketches
- Electrical single line diagram
- Project research and studies
- Drawings and specifications by architect
- Sketches
- Electrical single line diagram
After a project is about 50% completed, the contractor hires a new superintendent. The superintendent cannot find evidence of the owner’s financial arrangement for payment for the project in the contractor’s project files, and she requested the owner to provide a copy of the evidence. Which of the following is correct?
- The owner can refuse to provide the information
- The owner had to provide the information
- The superintendent should ask the owner’s accountant for the information
-The owner can refuse to provide the information
Matters regarding the rights and responsibilities or the owner, contractor, and the architect to the contract regarding a specific project are best handled in
- Specifications
- General conditions
- Supplemental conditions
-Supplemental conditions
During the demolishing process of a remodel project, the contractor discovers mold after removing the gypsum board. What is the proper action for the contractor?
- Stop the work at the affected area, and notify the building official and the owner in writing immediately
- Stop the work at the affected area, and notify the building official and the architect in writing immediately
- Stop the work at the affected area, and notify the owner and the architect in writing immediately.
Stop the work at the affected area, and notify the owner and the architect in writing immediately.
During plan check, the building official instructs the architect to add an equipment screen wall for the rooftop units (RTU) for HVAC equipment only if they are visible from tow adjacent major streets by the building inspector after the RTU is installed. What is the best way for the architect to handle this in the bidding process?
Ask the contractors to include the equipment screen wall as
- an allowance in the bid
- an alternate bid
- change order
Ask the contractors to include the equipment screen wall as an allowance in the bid
Which of the contractor compensation methods is best for the owner if the project scope or timing is unknown, and high quality is paramount?
- Stipulated-sum contracts
- Time and materials contracts
- Unit-price contracts
- Cost-plus-fee contracts
Cost-plus-fee contracts
During construction, the owner and the contractor have a different opinion of the paint quality, what is the first step to resolve this dispute?
- Seeking the IDM’s interpretation
- Mediation
- Litigation
- Arbitration
Seeking the IDM’s interpretation
For a project with $10,000 allowance for a transformer, if the owner chooses to install the transformer and the actual cost of the transformer is $9,500, the contractor shall bill the owner:
- $9,500
- $10,000
- $9,500 + contractor’s overhead and profit
- $9,500 + installation cost, contractor’s overhead and profit
- $10,000 + installation cost and the contractor’s overhead and profit
$9,500
The contract documents call for 32 sets of door hardware. The contractor’s submittal shows 30 sets of door hardware and is accidentally approved by the architect. The contractor later submits a claim for the extra cost for 2 sets of door hardware citing the submittal approved by the architect. What should the architect do?
- Reject the contractor’s claim for the extra cost for 2 sets of door hardware
- Issue a change order to increase the contract sum to cover the 2 sets of door hardware
-Reject the contractor’s claim for the extra cost for 2 sets of door hardware
Which of the following is true about the list of items to be corrected by the contractor?
It should be prepared by:
-the contractor
-architect
-architect, issued to the contractor, and cc the owner
-architect after a joint punch walk with the contractor and the owner
contractor
Which of the following regarding change orders and construction change directives is true? (3)
- Change orders are for major changes, and construction change directives are for minor changes
- Both have to be signed by the owner, contractor, and the architect.
- When the contractors signs a construction change directive, it should be effective immediately and should be recorded as a change order
- Change orders have to be signed by the owner, contractor, and the architect
- Construction change directives have to be signed by the owner, contractor, and the architect
- Construction change directives have to be signed by the owner and the architect
- When the contractors signs a construction change directive, it should be effective immediately and should be recorded as a change order
- Change orders have to be signed by the owner, contractor, and the architect
- Construction change directives have to be signed by the owner and the architect
When modifications to the scope of the contract occur, which of the following is true?
- The modifications have to be submitted to the surety for approval.
- The modifications do not need to be submitted to the surety for approval.
- The modifications have to be submitted to the owner’s insurance company for approval.
- The modifications do not need to be submitted to the owner’s insurance company for approval.
-The modifications have to be submitted to the surety for approval.
If a contractor fails to pay one of his subcontractors, the owner can issue a ___ check to the contractor and to the subcontractor who has not been paid by the contractor.
Joint
If asbestos or PCB is discovered at the concealed space of a project, which of the following is true? Check the three that apply.
- The contractor should stop the Work immediately.
- The contractor should stop the work at the affected area immediately.
- The contractor is entitled to a change order.
- The contractor is not entitled to a change order.
- If the contractor and the owner cannot reach an agreement regarding the asbestos issue, the contractor should submit a claim to the architect for initial determination.
- If the contractor and the owner cannot reach an agreement regarding the asbestos issue, the contractor should proceed to mediation.
- The contractor should stop the work at the affected area immediately.
- The contractor is entitled to a change order.
- If the contractor and the owner cannot reach an agreement regarding the asbestos issue, the contractor should proceed to mediation.
When the slope of a sidewalk is more than ___ % in the direction of travel, the sidewalk becomes a ramp.
5%
When you are working on the construction drawings for a wood stud building, you should dimension to the ___ of the stud.
face
The five classical orders are
Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Tuscan, Composite
A developer is building a shipping center. All buildings in this shopping center are one-story. The occupancy group for these buildings is Group ___. The most cost-effective way to design and build these buildings is to qualify all of them as one “building,” Type ___ construction, fully sprinklered, with ___ feet wide public ways or yards around all sides of the shopping center so that the area of all these buildings shall not be limited.
M, V, 60
When the occupant load for a room is 780, the minimum number of exit(s) required for this room is ___
3
Which of the following are project delivery methods? (4)
- Design-Bid-Build
- Construction Administration
- Construction Management
- Design-Build
- Integrated Project Delivery
- Design-Bid-Build
- Construction Management
- Design-Build
- Integrated Project Delivery
Which of the following project delivery methods works best for a complicated airport project that needs to continue operating during construction?
- Design-Bid-Build
- Construction Administration
- Construction Management
- Design-Build
Design-Build
If quality is the most important variable for a project, which of the following is the preferred project delivery method?
- Cost + fixed fee
- Bridging
- Negotiated select team
- Design-Build
Negotiated select team
In a concrete slump test, if a shear type of slump is achieved, which of the following is true?
- A fresh sample should be taken and the test repeated
- The test is acceptable
- The test is acceptable if the shear type of slump is between 2” and 5”
- The concrete is too dry
-A fresh sample should be taken and the test repeated
If the owners hires a design architect and a production architect, which of the following is she likely to use?
- Design-bid-build
- cost+fixed fee
- bridging
- negotiated select team
- Design-build
Bridging
Which of the following is proper language for an agreement between owner and architect? Check the two that apply.
- The architect shall perform its service with professional skill and best care available in the same locality.
- The architect shall perform its service with professional skill and ordinary care available in the same locality.
- The architect shall perform its service expeditiously.
- The architect shall perform its service per the term of “time is of essence.”
- The architect shall perform its service with professional skill and ordinary care available in the same locality.
- The architect shall perform its service expeditiously.
A statement of the company’s financial activities while excluding “unusual and nonrecurring transactions” when stating how much money the company actually made is called:
- financial planning
- proforma accounting
- revenue accounting
- profit/loss accounting
-proforma accounting
MASTER SPEC is a product of:
- AIA
- CSI
- ANSI
- ASTM
AIA
The U.S. National CAD Standard (NCS) promotes “Uniform Drawing Standard” (UDS). UDS uses a coordinate-based location system (grid) to organize information on each drawing sheet. Which of the following is trne? Check the two that apply.
- The drawing grids are numbered from left to right in the order of 1, 2, 3 .. .
- The drawing grids are numbered from right to left in the order of 1, 2, 3 .. .
- The drawing grids are labeled from top to bottom in the order of A, B, C .. .
- The drawing grids are labeled from bottom to top in the order of A, B, C .. .
- The drawing grids are numbered from left to right in the order of 1, 2, 3 .. .
- The drawing grids are labeled from bottom to top in the order of A, B, C .. .
Per ADAAG Manual: A Guide to the American with Disabilities Accessibility Guidelines by Access Board, the minimum clear passage width for a single wheelchair at a doorway is__
32”
What is the preferred project delivery method if quality is the most important variable for a project?
Negotiated Select Team
What is the preferred project delivery method is the project scope is not defined clearly?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee
What is the preferred project delivery method if the project risk is the most important variable for a project?
Design-Build
_____ involves early selected contractor and or subcontractors , contract terms such as overhead and profit multipliers determined prior to completion of the construction documents.
Negotiated select team
Any disputes related to ___ materials should proceed directly to mediation.
hazardous materials
Which series of AIA contract documents would include a joint venture agreement between two architecture firms?
- A-series
- B-series
- C-series
- D-series
C-series
D-series AIA Contract Documents involve which two parties?
Architect-Industry
Which of the following types of business organization limit an individual’s liability to the amount he or she has invested in the company? (3)
- partnership
- corporation
- sole proprietorship
- limited-liability company
- limited-liability partnership
- disadvantaged business enterprise
Corporation, limited-liability company, limited-liability partnership
Contract documents form the basis of the legal relationship between the:
- owner/architect
- contractor/subcontractor
- architect/contractor
- owner/contractor
Owner/Contractor
Contract documents are comprised of the agreement, conditions of the contract, drawings, specifications, addenda
Which of the following need NOT be present to prove negligence?
- breach
- damage
- duty
- commission
Commission
To prove negligence, four elements must be present
duty: one entity is legally obligated to another to provide something
breach: one entity did not provide what they were legally obligated to provide
cause: because one entity did not provide what they were obligated to provide, the other entity has suffered harm
damage: there must be actual harm caused as a result of the breach
A cabinetry subcontractor drops off a box of countertop material and hardware samples at an architect’s office with a transmittal requesting selections by the end of the week. What should the architect do with the materials?
- Review the options and call the subcontractor with the selections
- Review the options, make selections, and inform the contractor in writing of the choices
- Send the samples back to the subcontractor
- Send the samples to the contractor
-Send the samples back to the subcontractor
Which of the following items should NOT be addressed in the supplementary conditions?
- liquidated damages
- insurance requirements and limits
- administrative procedures
- legal requirements of the jurisdiction in which the project is located
Administrative Procedures
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be included in a submittal?
- shop drawings of a storefront window assembly
- MSDS for trowel-on block filler
- vinyl wall base samples
- cut sheets for paper towels
MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheets) for trowel-on block filler
Shop drawings, samples and cut sheets are commonly included in contractors’ submittals.
According to AIA A201
- The architect must approve the contractor’s construction schedule before work can begin
- the architect must approve the contractor’s schedule of submittals
- the contractor is responsible for preparing record drawings
- the architect is responsible for reviewing all submittals provided by the contractor
The architect must approve the contractor’s schedule of submittals
Submittals should be required for which of the following?
- granite countertops and transaction counters of a concierge desk
- cherry stile and rail paneling
- steel framing system for a high-rise office building
- unfaced batt insulation, used in acoustical blankets above the ceiling and in the walls
- granite countertops and transaction counters of a concierge desk
- cherry stile and rail paneling
- steel framing system for a high-rise office building
Submittals are generally required by the architect for natural materials, where there can be a great deal of variation within a species or type. Design-build items and steel framing shop drawings also commonly require submittals.
A design for a rest station at an amusement park includes a group of six family restrooms, each containing a toilet, lavatory, and changing table. At least ___ of these restrooms must be accessible.
3
IBC: When there are more than 6 separate-sex WC, half must be accessible.
Where does a measurement of exit access travel distance begin?
- A corridor wall
- A building exit
- The end of the common path of egress travel
- The most remote point within a space
The most remote point within a space
According to AIA A201, which of the following statements is FALSE?
- The owner can require the contractor to name him or her as an additional insured on the contractor’s liability insurance policy
- If the owner chooses not to purchase property insurance and does not notify the contractor of this decision, the owner becomes responsible for all losses that the property insurance would have covered.
- If the owner requires the contractor to purchase project management protective liability insurance, it becomes the owner, contractor, and architect’s primary vicarious liability insurance for construction operations under that contract.
The owner can require the contractor to name him or her as an additional insured on the contractor’s liability insurance policy
Just inside the entrance at a major retail store is a small coffee shop. The total floor area of the coffee shop is 600sq.ft. which is much less than 10% of the floor area of the entire store. For the purposes of code evaluation, this space would be classifies as:
- Accessory
- Ancillary
- Assmebly
- An incidental use area
Accessory
IBC-An accessory occupancy is a small area subsidiary to the primary occupancy of the building in which it is located.
Define Incidental Use
Ancillary functions associated with a given occupancy that generally pose a greater level of risk to that occupancy.
What type of drawings would contain finish floor heights, information about materials and types of construction assemblies, and window head heights?
- Floor plans
- Building sections
- Interior elevations
- Wall sections
Wall sections
Where does a common path of egress travel end?
- In an area of refuge
- At the exterior exit from the building
- At the point where an individual has a choice about which direction to go to reach an exit
- At a public way
A common path of egress travel is the part of the path of egress travel that occupants are required to move through before they reach a point where they have a choice to follow one of tow distinct paths of travel to an exit.
“Vinyl composition tile shall be maintained at a minimum of 65º for 48hrs prior to installation” In what part of the specification would the contractor find these instructions?
- Part I, General
- Part II, Products
- Part III, Execution
- Division 01, General Requirements
Instructions for installation would be found in Part III, Execution. This section describes how materials are to be prepared prior to installation, how substrates are to be prepared to accept material, the methods for quality control, and requirements for cleaning and protecting the product after it is installed.
___ describes the submittals and warranties required for that product, project conditions, delivery, storage and handling requirements, and quality assurance requirements.
- Part I, General
- Division 01, General Requirements
Part I, General
___ includes requirements that apply to all specification sections. It explains the admin. procedures that will be used throughout the course of the project and gives the contractor instructions regarding issues such as temporary facilities and controls, submittals, items furnished by the owner, quality control, and final cleaning and protection of the work.
- Part I, General
- Division 01, General Requirements
Division 01, General Requirements
AWI stands for
Architectural Woodwork Institute
FSC stands for
Forest Stewardship Council
___ is an organization that tests products to determine whether they meet pre-established criteria.
- AWI
- WDMA
- UL
- TCNA
Underwriters’ Laboratories
WDMA stands for
Window and Door Manufacturer’s Association
___ establishes standards used when organizing and writing specifications.
- TCNA
- CSI
- AWI
- ISC
CSI - Construction Specifications Institute
Which of the following would NOT be considered a part of the net assignable area of a building?
- classroom
- lobby
- janitor’s closet
- storage room
Lobby
Area that can be assigned to an occupant, including service and custodial spaces
Net assignable area
Areas required for access to subdivisions of space such as stairwells, corridors, elevators, lobbies…
Circulation area
Area occupied by exterior walls, structural elements, and partitions
Construction area
Which of the following statements about life-cycle cost analysis is FALSE?
- Life-cycle cost analysis evaluates all costs based upon their present value
- Costs presented in the analysis are the only factors that should be considered when making a decision about a material or system
Costs presented in the analysis are the only factors that should be considered when making a decision about a material or system
Where were the General Conditions first published?
- 1888
- 1911
- 1915
- 1916
1911
The Uniform Contract, was the first agreement between owners and contractors to be used nationwide and was published in
- 1888
- 1911
- 1915
- 1916
1888
In what year did the AIA introduce the first Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect?
1916
“Claims-made” professional liability insurance policies
- base the cost of the insurance policy on the number of claims made against it
- require the policy to be in effect at the time a claim is made, not merely at the time services were rendered
- will cover a claim made against a retired partner if the policy was in effect at the time the incident that caused the claim occurred, but is no longer held by the firm
Require the policy to be in effect at the time a claim is made, not merely at the time services were rendered
Accident, or occurrence-type policies will cover claims that are made for incidents that occurred when the policy was in effect, regardless of whether the policy is in effect at the time that the claim is made.
An analysis of the financial feasibility of a potential project is called a
- project budget
- feasibility study
- program
- pro forma
A Pro Forma is an analysis of the costs and revenues projected for a potential project and should be part of the owner’s initial planning. Generally this is required to secure adequate funding for the project from lenders or investors.
Which type of construction fee structure would encourage a contractor to be most efficient?
- cost-plus with a fixed, lump sum fee for overhead and profit
- cost-plus with the fee for overhead and profit based upon a % of construction cost
- stipulated sum
Cost-plus with a fixed, lump sum fee for overhead and profit
When is the ideal time to “value engineer” a project?
- in the initial planning stages
- at the end of the DD phase
- after bids are received and they all exceed the owner’s budget
Ideally, value engineering should be undertaken as early in the project as possible.
According to the US National CAD Standard system of organizing construction documents, what type of drawings would one expect to find on sheet A-302?
- wall sections
- exterior elevations
- reflected ceiling plans
Wall sections
When an architect makes an impartial interpretation of the contract documents during construction administration, in accordance with the general conditions, in what capacity is he considered to be acting?
- arbitratory
- quasi-judicial
- mediative
- professional
Quasi-judicial
“when making such interpretations and initial decisions, the architect will endeavor to secure faithful performance by both owner and contractor, will not show partiality to either, and will not be liable for results of interpretations or decisions so rendered in good faith.”
Which of the following is a common exclusion of an all-risk insurance policy?
- fire damage
- vandalism
- acts of war
- boiler explosion
Some common exclusions are:
war, terrorism, nuclear hazards, fraud by the insured, employee theft, inventory shortage, mold, asbestos
The contractor must submit the application for payment to the architect __ days in advance of the payment date. The architect then has __ days to review the application and either certify or reject it.
10, 7
In general, supplementary, and special conditions do NOT
- est. duties of the owner and contractor
- define legal rights of the parties
- est. duties of the architect
- est. admin. procedures for the project
Establish administrative procedures for the project
The admin. procedures for a project are est. in Division 01 of the specifications, General Requirements.
In general, supplementary and special conditions, in addition to the Owner/Contractor agreement, est. the legal relationship between the two parties and define their rights.
Which of the following materials would have the smallest dimensional tolerances?
- precast concrete
- 2x4 wood framing at a window opening
- steel beams
- wood paneling
wood paneling
During a hotel construction project, a hurricane slams into the coast, leveling a building that was framed one week prior. Which type of clause permits the contractor to request a change to the contract time or contract sum due to the damage?
- indemnification
- joinder
- force majeure
- named peril
Force majeur - “great force” is used to describe situations where damages or delays are caused by forces beyond the control of either party to a contract.
Other examples include: natural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attacks, and labor disputes
The indemnification provision in AIA Document A201 indemnifies
- contractor
- owner
- architect
- subcontractor
owner, architect
AIA B141 Article I.I Initial Information, defines the project parameters. Which of the following pieces of information is NOT requested of the owner at the beginning of a project?
- certification from the owner’s lender or financiers that adequate funds are available to pay for design and construction of the proposed project
- a proposed schedule, including any special requirements such as “fast-tracking”
- a proposed procurement and delivery method, such as a negotiated contract, competitive bidding, or employment of a construction manager
certification from the owner’s lender or financiers that adequate funds are available to pay for design and construction of the proposed project
Which of the following would NOT be an appropriate reason to issue architect’s supplemental instructions?
- The owner and architect decide to delete under-cabinet lighting from all of the kitchens in an apartment project
- The architect changes the location of a few lighting fixtures in a suspended grid ceiling
- The architect notices a discrepancy bt the plan and section and prepares a sketch to clarify the drawings
- The architect revises the color schedule
The owner and architect decide to delete under-cabinet lighting from all of the kitchens
Supplemental instructions allow the architect to clarify information in the construction documents or make minor changes to the work, provided that those changes do not affect the contract sum or time.
Under AIA A201, who is required to file a certificate of insurance prior to commencement of work?
- owner
- contractor
- architect
contractor
The joinder provisions in AIA A201 and B141
- permit issues involving the owner, contractor, and architect to be resolved in one arbitration
- prohibit parties other than those joined by the contract from being included in arbitration under the agreement
- allow two parties to “team up” against the other to share legal expenses
Prohibit parties other than those joined by the contract from being included in arbitration under the agreement.
Which of the following terms should NOT be used by an architect to describe services offered?
- supervision of construction
- as-built drawings
- certification of applications for payment
- periodic site visits
Supervision of construction and As-built drawings
As-built drawings can be misinterpreted and should be called “record drawings”
In life-cycle cost analysis, costs incurred prior to the baseline date are referred to as
- uniform costs
- break-even costs
- sunk costs
- sensitive costs
Sunk costs are expenses that have ben incurred on a project prior to the baseline date and cannot be recovered.
AIA C141, Standard form of agreement bt architect/consultant, does NOT require the consultant to
- provide construction administration services
- assist with evaluating bids
- prepare cost estimates
- carry liability insurance
Carry liability insurance
An architectural firm should retain project records until the statute of
- repose period
- limitations period
Repose
A continuous vertical section of a brick wall is called a
- course
- face
- wythe
wythe
According to AIA B141, the architect must revise the construction cost estimate if bidding does not commence within
-90 days after the start of the project
90 days after completion of the preliminary cost estimate
-90 days after the architect submits the construction documents to the owner
-none of the above, bidding dates have no effect on the construction cost estimate
90 days after the architect submits the construction documents to the owner
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the design-build approach to project delivery, as compared to the design-award-build model?
- The owner has more control over the quality of the materials and the types of construction methods used to build the project
- The owner must approach the project with a clearly defined program or set of performance requirements
The owner has more control over the quality of the materials and the types of construction methods used to build the project
Eliminating the bidding opportunity, the owner must have great confidence that the design/builder will give a fair deal.
What is the minimum clear floor space for one stationary wheelchair?
- 24”x36”
- 30”x48”
- 32”x48”
- 60”x60”
30”x48”
An assembly occupancy with an occupant load of fewer than 50 persons would be classified as occupancy group:
M, E, A or B
B or Business, occupancy
According to ADAAG, what is the max distance an object may protrude into the path of travel when it is mounted to a wall between 27” and 80” aff?
2”, 4”, 6”, 8”
4”
An office in an unsprinklered building has an occupant load of 290. Which of the following exit door combinations would minimally satisfy the exit width required?
- a pair of 30” entry doors and a 36” door remotely located
- 2 36” doors on opposite sides of the building
- 3 32” doors remotely located
- 3 36” doors remotely located from each other
2-36” doors
Multiply the occupant load by the standard .2”/person
290x.2=58”
Any exit door must provide a clear width of at least 32”
Measured vertically from the nosing of the stair, how high must a handrail be for barrier-free design?
- 28”-32”
- 30”-34”
- 32”-36”
- 34”-38”
34”-38”
Which of the following ramp configurations meets barrier-free design requirements?
- 1:14 slope with maximum rise of 24”
- 1:12 slope with maximum rise of 34”
- 1:10 slope with max rise of 8”
- 1:8 slope with max rise of 4”
1:14 slope with 24” max rise
Other allowable combinations:
1: 12 w/ 30” max rise
1: 10 w/ 6” max rise
1: 8 w/ 3” max rise
In a full set of construction drawings, the mechanical engineering drawings are typically placed
- after the civil engineering drawings and before the architectural drawings
- immediately after the architectural drawings
- after the structural engineering drawings and before the electrical drawings
- after the electrical drawings
After the structural engineering drawings and before the electrical drawings
Sequence of drawings: site drawings civil engineering drawings architectural structural mechanical plumbing electrical
Who is responsible for verifying that recessed down-lights do not interfere with the ductwork shown on the plans?
- architect
- electrical engineer
- lighting designer
- mechanical engineer
The architect is responsible for the overall coordination of all the contract documents prepared by his or her consultants
A specification section written following the recommendations of the Construction Specifications Institute would include all of the following sections EXCEPT
- administration
- execution
- general
- products
Administration
The General sections includes: administrative and procedural requirements
A reference to 3000psi concrete alludes to the concrete’s
- ultimate strength in psi
- strength in tension
- flexural strength without reinforcing
- design strength in psi after curing for 28 days
Design strength
Which of the following statements about specifications are true? (2)
- both narrowscope and broadscope sections can be used in the same project manual
- drawings are more binding than specifications if there is a conflict
- specifications show quality; drawings show quantity
- proprietary specifications encourage competitive bids
- specifications should not be open to interpretation if they are the “base bid with alternates” type
- proprietary specifications are the most difficult for an architect to write
- both narrowscope and broadscope sections can be used in the same project manual
- specifications show quality; drawings show quantity
