Construction Administration Flashcards
(46 cards)
The architect’s construction phase services are typically described in these documents.
Owner-Architect Agreement, General Conditions, Supplementary General Conditions, Specifications Division 1
Purpose of architect’s site visits
The purpose of site visits is to observe the progress and quality of the work, determine its conformance to the design, and report findings to the owner.
Reviewing consultant submittals
Architect can review for coordination but not stamp. Markups should be visually separate from consultant’s.
Informational submittals
Not reviewed by architect, only submitted to Architect to inform them that they have met the contractual submittal obligations. Includes: Coordination drawings and performance-based engineering calculations.
Contractor’s responsibility for jobsite safety
GC shall supervise and direct the work and is solely responsible for the construction means and methods unless the CDs say otherwise. If the contractor determines those instructions may not be safe, they should give timely written notice to the owner and architect and shall not proceed with that portion of the work. If directed to proceed anyway, the owner is responsible.
Who pays for sales, consumer and use tax for the Work?
The contractor
Who pays for the building permit, fees, licenses and inspections?
The contractor pays after contract is executed. The owner pays before.
What must contractor do upon discovery of conditions not specifically addressed in the CDs?
Promptly provide notice to owner and architect before conditions are disturbed but no later than 21 days after discovery. Architect will investigate and adjust the contract time or sum or both if necessary.
What does contractor do if he finds human remains, burial markers, archeological sites or wetlands?
Stop that portion of the work immediately and inform the owner and architect. Do not proceed until instructed by architect.
How long does the GC have to pay their subs?
7 days after receipt of payment from Owner. The owner can request written evidence that the subs have been paid properly. If the GC fails to furnish evidence within 7 days, owner can contact them directly.
What can the GC do if the Architect doesn’t approve the pay app or the Owner doesn’t make payment?
If neither happens within 7 days of when they should, the GC must give 7 days additional written notice and can then Stop the Work. The contract time and sum should be adjusted accordingly for costs of shut-down, delay and start-up.
Responsiblity for personal or property damage on site
Written noticed shall be given to the other party within a reasonable time not exceeding 21 days after discovery.
Course of action when hazardous materials are found
GC must stop work in the affected area immediately and report the condition to the Owner and Architect in writing.
Reasons an architect may withhold a certificate for payment
- Defective work not remedied2. Probable claims against the project3. Failure to pay subs4. Damage to owner or another GC5. Evidence that work won’t be completed on time6. Repeated failure to carry out work in accordance with CDs
Construction tolerances
The amount a dimension can be “off” from the specified dimension. Acceptable tolerances are dependent on their level of quality, physical properties, stage in the schedule, the way the material is used (aka 2 adjacent materials need to align). High expectations of tolerances can cause construction costs to escalate. Wood paneling has more restrictive tolerances than steel, wood framing or concrete because a small one will be noticeable.
Force majeure
“Greater force” describes situations where damages or delays are caused by forces beyond control of either party to a contract. Ex: natural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attack, labor disputes.
Who informs the surety of change orders so the insurance can be adjusted?
Contractor
Exceptions where IDM is not required
- Hazardous materials2. Emergencies3. Losses covered by insurance
What documents, not directly used by the Architect, are typically used during Contract Administration?
- Contractor’s Affidavit of Releases of Liens 2. Lien releases from subcontractors, material suppliers, and vendors. 3. Certificate of Occupancy (issued by Building Official) 4. Notice of Completion (filed by Owner)
How does filing the Notice of Completion affect the period for Contractors and Subcontractorsto file liens?
If the Owner files the Notice of Completion with the County Clerk Record’s Office, it has the following affect on lien periods: 1. Prime Contractors reduces the lien period from 90 days to 60 days. 2. Subcontractors reduces the lien period from 60 days to 30 days. If no Notice of Completion is filed, lien period is 90 days for both Prime and SubContractors.
Under what circumstances would the Owner contact a Subcontractor directly?
If the Contractor fails to furnish written evidence that the Subcontractors have been properly paid, after a request from the Owner to do so, then the Owner shall have the right to contact Subcontractors to ascertain whether they have been properlypaid.
What is the Contractor entitled to if the Work is stopped due to non-payment?
The Contract Time shall be extended appropriately and the Contract Sum shall be increased by the amount of the Contractor’s reasonable costs of shutdown, delay and start-up, plus interest asprovided for in the Contract Documents.
What should the Contractor do if he/she discovers inconsistencies within the Contract Documents?
The Contractor shall promptly report to the Architect any errors, omissions or inconsistencies discovered by or made known to the Contractor regarding theContract Documents.
What are special inspections?
Special Inspections are inspections as required of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection of placement of components and connections requiring special expertise to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and reference standards. They can be continuous (full time observation of the work) or periodic (part time of intermittent observation of the work).
