Contract Administration Flashcards
When does the construction contract commence under an ABIC contract? When does it end?
The contract commences when it has been signed by both parties – owner and contractor. It ends at the date of Practical Completion as noted in the contract (or as adjusted in the contract).
What other significant dates are listed in the ABIC contract and where are they be stated.
Item 22: Date for PC (practical completion)
Item 26: Date for submitting progress claims (typically 15th of every month)
How are these significant dates established? Can they be changed?
These dates are established through the contractor’s building program which outlines the critical path and all relevant stages of the construction process. The dates can be changed where the program schedule is not met, most often due to variations for latent conditions, change in scope, disruptive weather, delays in construction or getting materials on site…
What happens when a significant date occurs?
The Contractor will submit a progress claim, in which the architect then assesses and submits to contractor and client a progress certificate to approve amount to be paid.
What risks are there to the architect providing contract administration services to a client? How can these risks be minimised?
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What role should you take in any dispute between the contractor and the owner under an ABIC contract.
It is not the architect’s role to act as the mediator between the contractor and owner. The architect
can assess the situation in terms of the contract (i.e. assess if a claim is fair etc.), but should not act
outside the roles stated in the contract. Refer to the contract.
What is the architect’s role under the construction contract?
To act as the independent assessor and certifier, and to administrate the contract impartially and fairly without the influence of either party (owner and contractor).
Explain how you are would continue to receive instructions from your client yet remain independent during contract administration phase of an ABIC contract?
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Whose side is the architect on during contract administration and why?
The architect is on neither party’s side. The architect is there to administer the contract and ensure any claims are assessed fairly. Because the architect has no financial interest in the building, this role allows them to remain unbiased.
