Construction Administration Flashcards
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
