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
