CONTRACTS Flashcards
Guarantee vs Warrantee
1). Guarantees are covered by a guarantor (bank or insurer)
- Common method of security
2). Warrantees are covered by the party in which the claim is made to
- Exists in contracts & legislation (domestic builders leg. & consumer guarantees)
Collateral Warranty
Guarantees by third party’s or subconsultants
Role of Specifications
- Precise quantitative descriptions of how the work is to be conducted trade by trade
- Insures compliance
Correct Procedure for Reviewing Shop Drawings
- Mark up what is wrong only
- Descriptive not Prescriptive
Key difference between ABIC SW and MASTER BUILDER Contract
- No provision for administrator in the MB (therefore no ability for architect to assess claims and make instructions)
Role of Administrator/Superintendent vs Role of Contractor
- Administrator/Superintendent ensures proper contract execution
- Contractor constructs & supervises.
Never use the word supervise in relation to the Architect’s role.
Hold Point vs Verification Point
Hold Point - approval & inspection required before advancement
Verification Point - Evidence to be supplied by contractor (useful for remote sites)
Opening Up Works & Instructions to Rectify
- Architect has authority to request rectification & opening up of works
- Architect must act independently
- Client to cover associated cost if no defect found (opening up of works)
Latent Conditions
Undocumented physical conditions unforeseeable during tender period entitling contractor to claim time extension w/ cost
Implication of Valuable Item Discovered On Site
Contractor entitled to extention of time w/ costs and item belongs to owner
Key Consideration when selecting substitutions
1). Law (compliance & permits)
2). Design Implications
3). Required Approvals (RBS, Client, Consultants)
Clauses to include when CA is excluded from scope of services
1). Limit scope of inspections and liability
2). Architect to have no obligation to ensure proper contract execution
Responsible party for Statutory Approvals required for commencement of construction
The party who engages the Architect.
ie. in TFPLS - Owner, in D&C - Contractor
Responsible Party for Occupancy Certificates
Always the Contractor
Principle
Owner/Client
Contract Price
Cost of works inc. GST
Security in ABIC
Bank Guarantee or Cash Retention valued at nominated percentage of Initial Contract Price
Insurances to be held by contractor and for how long
Public Liability
Workers Compensation
Contract Works Insurance (can be held by owner instead)
Until Final Certificate
Insurances typically held by Owner (pending building class and requirements) and when are they required
Public Liability
Workers Compensation
Building & Contents
From Practical Completion Onwards
Whose insurance covers damages incurred between PC & FC
Depends on the nature of the scenario. The insurances held by the contractor only cover damages directly linked to their work, workers or subcontractors.
Bank Guarantee vs Cash Retention (Security Available to Principle)
- Cash Retention is accumulated as a percentage of each progress claim, security increases over time
- Bank Guarantees are available in full from commencement, security is maximized throughout
Contract Works Insurance
- Covers loss/damage resulting from unrectified/incomplete work, not the work itself.
- Also includes damage from extreme weather events or circumstances out of the contractors control
Who covers the cost of Discrepancies (Errors, Omissions, Ambiguity)
- If it should have been avoided by a “Reasonable” architect:
At Architect’s Cost
- If it is the result of ordinary construction processes:
At Client’s Cost (Ideally captured in a contingency)
Types of Contingencies and their functions
Design Contingency:
Budgeted contingency during design phase
Construction Contingency:
Allowance for discrepancies, latent conditions and unresolved scope. Either separate to contract or listed as a provisional sum.
Two Main Types of Variations
1). Unforeseen
- Statutory
- Latent Conditions
- Discrepancies
2). Client Issued
- Design Change
Process for Releasing Security
- 50% at PC
- 50% at FC