General Mix Flashcards
IBC building codes are updated how often?
Building codes are updated every THREE YEARS (3). See the IBC 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015 for example.
The three critical areas of in-house project management
Time
Fees
Quality
Good project managers set goals with schedules, make sure there are adequate fees and staff to meet the goals, and ensure the work is of the expected quality.
True or False?
The architect shall not be responsible for the acts or omissions of the consultant.
True
According to the AIA C401 says that The consultant is an independent contractor and the architect is not responsible for acts or omissions of the consultant.
true or false?
if a contractor does not specifically submit a submittal schedule, he or she is not entitled to an increase in contract time or sum for any extra time taken by the architect to review submittals?
true-
contractor MUST submit a submittal schedule
Davis Bacon Act
A law that requires workers on federal or federally-assisted construction projects to be paid no less than the local prevailing wage and benefits.
Product and completed operations insurance
Liability insurance for damages caused by installed goods after the transfer of title following construction. Purchased by the contractor.
How should a mechanics lein issue be resolved?
Enter into mediation- this is the only way to enable the responsible party to clear the lien.
Why should the contractor not pay the subcontractor? -The contractor may have already paid the subcontractor; the lien may be invalid.
Why not the owner pay the subcontractor? - this puts the owner at risk; the lien may be unsubstantiated, or the default may be the contractor’s.
Can the contractor be forced to subcontract with a subcontractor?
No.
Refer to AIA A201-2017 Section 5.2.2, which states that the contractor shall not be required to contract with anyone to whom the contractor has made a reasonable objection.
G701
change order-
the change order is a written instrument prepared by the architect and signed by the owner and contractor
The four major categories for an operating budget are:
Soft Costs-permitting, legal fees, insurance, contingencies, testing, and inspections
Hard Costs-the construction and FF&E
Sources- include funding, tax credits, and grants.
Uses-include the cost of the real estate
Break-even rate
The overhead rate plus the unit cost of 1.00 for an hour of salary.
Example: Overhead Rate of 1.30 + 1.00 = 2.30 Break-Even Rate. This means that, for every dollar of salary, the firm must recapture $2.30.
True or False: Each consultant assumes primary responsibility and liability to the owner for the accuracy and completeness of his or her own work.
False.
Per A201, the architect is primarily responsible to the owner for his or her consultants’ work.
Construction Manager as Contractor
CMc
A construction manager constructor advises on constructability and cost estimates during the design of a project then shifts to the responsibilities of contractor builder.
Developer Clients
a type of private client-owner who builds for other people for a profit.
Construction Manager at Risk
CMAR
Architect-Contractor describes a single entity that provides design-build services
true or false?
according to the B101- the cost to design and document alternates are included in the architects basic services
TRUE
Architects Supplemental Instructions
An ASI is a more informal way of issuing changes to the contractor that do not involve a change in time or money.
Scope creep
Scope creep
When the contracted scope of work is stretched or expanded by ambiguities, events, or conduct.
what is one of the most effective and easy ways to improve client communication skills?
read what your clients read
True or False: The contractor pays for all necessary project permits before and after signing the contract.
False.
The contractor pays for all permits only AFTER the contract has been signed.
true or false?
substitutions during bidding should be reviewed by the architect at no additional cost to the owner?
False
“If the Bidding Documents permit substitutions, upon the Owner’s written authorization, the Architect shall, as an Additional Service, consider requests for substitutions and prepare and distribute addenda identifying approved substitutions to all prospective bidders.” -found in the B101.
Who approves the shop drawings?
Contractor then Architect
the contractor reviews all shop drawings for compliance with the contract documents, and submits to the architect for approval.
Two important factors for productivity
- Time management.
- Communication effectiveness.
Note: These factors are also important for job satisfaction.
Earnest money
Money paid by a buyer to a seller (of real estate) to show the buyer’s good faith in the transaction. Typically held in an escrow account.
What is the goal of Construction Documents?
To develop a refined set of drawings that can be permitted and modified later if necessary. To create a set of drawings that can be priced and built from.
architect
is the overall project design coordinator who is responsible for accessibility, life safety, building codes, and consultant coordination
Force majeure clause
A force majeure clause is a contract provision that states that time shall be extended for all parties due to causes beyond reasonable control such as fire, changes in legislation, extreme weather, terrorism, epidemics, and strikes. In French, force majeure means “act of God.”
contract documents
includes all items necessary for the proper execution and completion of the work done by the contractor
In the project delivery method of COST PLUS A FEE, what is the main driving factor for this selection of delivery method?
SCOPE-
is the primary selection factor for cost plus fixed fee.
Life Cycle Costs per year equation
Life Cycle Cost / time = Life Cycle Cost per year
do not include installation
All communications from sub-contractors to architect are through…..
…..the contractor.
AIA 201
square feet to cubic yards equation:
(sq ft x height in ft) / divided by 27
typical schematic design deliverables
structural grid locations
structural systems defined
building areas demarcated
project images and renderings
When reviewing submittals, the architect is responsible for review of what items?
VOC Content-meet codes
materials- meet intent
finishes- meet intent
(not installation, dimensions, or quantities)
BFE
Base
Flood
Elevation
FEMA defines the BFE as “the regulatory requirement for the elevation or flood-proofing of structures. The relationship between the BFE and a structure’s elevation determines the flood insurance premium.” (“base flood” is the same as the 100-year flood.)
IRMI
International
Risk
Management
Institute;
publishes information about insurance and risk management.
the AIA advocates and promotes the development and adoption of model building codes that do what?
Is the product of informed education and research.
Includes participation by the architect and the public in a consensus process.
Is cost effective in relation to the public benefit.
True or False: The architect has no responsibility for the quality of his or her consultants’ drawings.
False.
The architect is responsible for quality control of his or her consultants’ work when the consultant is contracted under the architect.
AIA A295
General Conditions of the Contract for Integrated Project Delivery.
Owner, Contractor, and Architect are required signatories.
ANSI
ANSI contains technical criteria.
Who handles Violations of accessibility requirements?
The Americans with Disabilities Act is federal law enacted in 1990 requiring public facilities to be accessible to persons with disabilities. The law is enforced by the court system.
the four phases of a project life cycle
initiation
planning
execution
closure
Who determines when a project has been substantially completed?
the contractor
according to the AIA A201 - submittals
true or false?
The architect is required to coordinate with all of the owners consultants?
True
According to AIA B101
What is the goal of Design Development?
To refine the schematic design such that every design decision necessary to build the project is considered. At the end of Design Development you should be able to go off and produce a set of Construction Documents and never have to consult the owner after DD.
Construction Manager as Agent
CMa
A construction manager agent is brought on board early in a project to advise the owner on constructability aspects and can stay further into the project coordinating construction for a fixed price.
Spearin doctrine
Named after a 1918 Supreme Court landmark construction decision. It means the contractor is not liable for errors resulting from following defective plans or specifications.
AIA G801
Notice of Additional Services-
is intended to be used by an architect when notifying an owner of additional services pursuant to the AIA’s owner/architect agreements.
The greatest factor of a project in determining staffing and scheduling needs is?
COMPLEXITY-
is a word that denotes many interrelated parts that follow different rules and some level of uncertainty, making a complex project the most demanding on resources.
To accurately and persuasively defend against a claim, it is suggested that architects keep the following documents:
change order logs
meeting minutes
photographs
daily log and site observation reports
PMI
Project
Management
Institute,
a nonprofit, private, professional organization that offers tools, resources, and certifications for project management.
What authority verifies compliance with ADA requirements?
The Building Department will review accessibility compliance based on the International Building Code and adopted local and state guidelines. Violations of the law are resolved in the court system.
he ADA’s mandates, including the accessibility standards, are enforced through investigations of complaints filed with federal agencies, or through litigation brought by private individuals or the federal government. There is no plan review or permitting process under the ADA. Nor are building departments required or authorized by the ADA to enforce the ADA Standards (some building departments even include a disclaimer on their plan checks indicating that ADA compliance is not part of their approval process). Entities covered by the law ultimately are responsible for ensuring compliance with the ADA Standards in new construction and alterations.
Per AIA C401, what are consultants required to provide?
A project representative.
Drawings in the format requested by the architect.
E&O insurance (professional liability).
A cost estimate for the work.
In preparing for any disputes that might arise during the project, the architect should maintain what form of communication between all parties as a top priority?
Email correspondence-
considered legal evidence of communications. Phone calls, text messages, video and tele-conferences should always be followed up by an email confirming communications or mailed correspondence.
Type of Loan with the highest interest rate?
CONSTRUCTION LOANS-
have higher interest rates because of the increased risk to the lender. Construction loans are later converted to permanent, or mortgage, loans.
Loss of use insurance
Insurance purchased by the owner that protects against financial loss that occurs due to delays in construction stemming from events such as accidents, fire, and hazards.
who issues a certificate of occupancy?
building official.
NOT building inspectors
NOT fire marshals
Triple Constraints
Cost
Quality
Time
Used for prioritization in decision-making. Pick two; you often can’t have all three.
Architectural Barriers Act
The Architectural Barriers Act applies to buildings funded with federal funds.
In the project delivery method of NEGOTIATED SELECTED TEAM, what is the main driving factor for this selection of delivery method?
QUALITY-
is the primary selection factor for a negotiated select team.
Typical architects consultants:
Civil Engineer Structural Engineer Mechanical Engineer Electrical Engineer Plumbing Engineer Equipment Specialists Interior Designer
Overhead rate
The ratio of total indirect expenses to total direct labor.
quality management actions during programming
Consensus reviews- a second series of interviews or work sessions is held to confirm that the knowledge was accurately communicated to the design team.
Phasing- includes setting priorities for detailed client information and assembly of information.
Teaming- two or more people should convene to gather information through client interviews, work sessions, and direct observation.
Benchmarking Tours- benchmarking includes the direct observation of state-of-the-art facilities similar to that being programmed.
Performance Bond
provides for the event a contractor cannot complete the work he or she is contracted for.
AIA G807
Project Team Directory-
lists basic information about project team members.
Components of a project management work plan
- Project description and client requirements
- Statement of deliverables
- Team organization
- Responsibility matrix
- Preliminary project schedule
- Preliminary staffing needs
- Project directory
- Internal project budget and profit plan
- Code information (optional)
The most important quality control procedure
A well-defined set of objectives.
JCAHO
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations,
also called The Joint Commission (TJC). It is a nonprofit organization that accredits health care facilities.
FEMA
Federal
Emergency
Management
Agency
publishes flood insurance maps.
according to AIA C401, what are consultants required to provide?
a project representative
a cost estimate for work
professional liability insurance
drawings in the format requested by the architect
benefits of CPM
allows graphical representation of task dependencies as they effect sheduling
identifies critical tasks that affect the project schedule
helps graphically determine float time for non-critical path construction activities
what must a contractor do before issuing a change order for a change in material?
the contractor must first receive consent from the owner and architect
According to the B101, which method of dispute resolution should the owner and architect take if they cannot agree?
Mediation-
AIA B101 8.2.1 calls for mediation as the first form of dispute resolution. Negotiation is the first level of “informal” dispute resolution.
NFIP
National
Flood
Insurance
Program.
metes and bounds survey
A metes and bounds survey is a type of boundary survey that measures land by detailing the boundaries of a site with directions and distances.
Project alliance
The legal structure used in integrated project delivery. All participants waive their liability to each other. This allows for the payment of direct costs to the team members, but profit, overhead, and bonuses depend on successful completion of the project.
order of steps architect should take a project through the building code:
determine occupancy and use
sprinkler requirements
construction type
allowable height and area
means of egress
true or false?
Any scope missed that was included in the contract documents is the sole responsibility of the contractor and would not warrant additional fees. The project specification book is part of the contract documents.
True
Typical Architects additional services:
Expedited submittal reviews
Project Administration
LEED Certification
Documentation of Bid alternatives
What is a commission agent?
a third party consultant that assists in preparing the basis of design who is not an active participant in the design or construction team.
required for LEED certification
important in ensuring high indoor air quality
What is the ADA?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public.
How many square feet in an acre?
66 x 660 = 43,560
1 acre + 43560 sq ft
In terms of career development, who stands to benefit from BIM modeling, as opposed to 2D CAD, the most?
Intern-
BIM gives the intern access to coordination far sooner than the traditional 2D CAD because you are working in plan, section, and elevation simultaneously so the intern is forced to consider how the building goes together.
What is the role of the initial decision maker?
Shall render initial decisions on claims and shall not show partiality to the owner or contractor. The role of the IDM is to review claims and judge on the best interest of the project. The IDM does not show bias to any party
When would LEED documentation be coordinated and uploaded?
when the project is completed.
four types of schedules commonly used by design teams for project staffing forecasts
wall schedules-
critical path method-
milestone- help recognize key events
Gantt Charts- same as bar charts
In the project delivery method of CONSTRUCTION MANAGER OR DESIGN BUILD, what is the main driving factor for this selection of delivery method?
RISK-
is the primary selection factor for a construction management or design-build method.
Work breakdown structure (WBS)
A project plan that breaks down tasks into detail.
Typical WBS levels are as follows: Level 1: Project name Level 2: Phase name Level 3: Task name Level 4: Subtask name Level 5: Sub-subtask name
words to avoid in professional and technical writing
etc really very wont't (any contractions) wanna,gonna,y'all (colloquialisms) drop me a line, we don't see eye to eye (idiom)
Threshold limits for fire suppression are based on what?
the fire area in which the occupancy is located.
where occupancy is located in the building
the number of occupants in the building
What milestone is to be completed at the end of the contract time?
Substantial Completion- AIA A201 Article 8.1.1 states that contract time is the period of time allotted in the contract documents for substantial completion.
what is a reasonable percentage of time for contingency?
10 %
bottom up budgeting
A bottom-up approach is characterized by totaling the needs of individual components and adding them up to get the overall budget number.
The owner has responsibilities to the contractor when entering into a construction contract.
Which responsibilities does the owner have?
Retain the services of a licensed architect.
Provide financial information upon request.
Section 2.2 of the A201 General Conditions states that.
Provide proof of site ownership.
After the schematic design has been completed how many sets do you have the owner sign off on?
2- one for you and one for the owner
LEED Levels
certified: 40-49
silver: 50-59
gold: 60-70
platinum: 80 +
AIA G810
Transmittal Letter-
serves as a written record of parties’ exchanged information.
In the project delivery method of DESIGN-BID BUILD, what is the main driving factor for this selection of delivery method?
COST-
is the primary selection factor for design-bid-build.
AIA B106
Standard Form of Agreement Between owner and architect for PRO BONO services is used with any sized project for PRO BONO services.
According to AIA A201, who pays for the taxes during the construction of the building?
The AIA A201 Section 3.6 says the contractor shall pay sales, consumer, use, and similar taxes for the work.
THE CONTRACTOR
Calendar Days
Calendar days include public holidays and weekends. Unless otherwise defined, the AIA suite of documents uses calendar days. Refer to A201-2017 section 8.1.4.
Indirect expense
General and administrative non-project-related operating expense
Construction Manager as Advisor
CMa
A construction management advisor provides constructability and cost estimate advice but does not construct buildings.
Conditional use
An exception to zoning by which a landowner is allowed to use the property in a way that is not otherwise permitted by zoning ordinances. Conditional uses are granted by a zoning board or similar authority.
equation for net service revenue
gross fee - consultant fee = net service revenue
contingency is included
AIA A133
Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Constructor where the basis of payment is the Cost of Work Plus A Fee with a Guaranteed Maximum Price. Construction manager is responsible for preliminary cost estimate.
true or false?
Bid instructions can be recycled from the previous job and applied to a new one?
true
Bid bond documents are not modified from project to project. The bid bond document is the AIA Document A310. It is a simple, one-page form that establishes the maximum penal amount that may be due to the owner, if the selected bidder fails to execute the contract or fails to provide any required performance and payment bonds.
project phase task checklist
coordinate LEED documentation when project is complete
earth retaining drawings (done by contractor during shop drawing phase)
draft punchlist for owner review (after substantial review)
True or False: Each consultant assumes primary responsibility and liability to the owner for the accuracy and completeness of his or her own work.
True or False: Each consultant assumes primary responsibility and liability to the owner for the accuracy and completeness of his or her own work.
False. Per A201, the architect is primarily responsible to the owner for his or her consultants’ work.
A change order log should include….
dates of all change orders
any proposals, reviews,
any approvals, and rejections
status of change orders
Soft costs
Items that are not architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural in nature but must be included in the total project cost (i.e., architectural fees, building permits, testing).
What should be included in the Contractors Construction and Submittal Schedules (AIA A201)
- the date of commencement of work, interim schedule milestone dates, and the date of Substantial completion.
- an apportionment of the work by construction activity.
- the time required for completion of each portion of the work
standard codes vs performance codes
performance codes are alternate solutions to standard codes.
The concept behind performance codes is to support the development of unique solutions with the acceptance of the entire team, including the owner and their requirements.
Identify an appropriate means of testing and justifying the solutions are parameters a design team must use to assure compliance with performance codes.
Evaluating risk and probable effect is the key to developing appropriate performance solutions and ways of testing these methods and their solutions to the authority having jurisdiction.
AIA G711
Architects Field Report
What are Fair Housing Accessibility regulations?
The Fair Housing Act provides accessibility information for multi-family housing.
three key principles of the IPD contractual agreement.
There are shared financial risks and rewards.
Decisions made by the team are based on the project’s outcome.
There is fiscal transparency among key participants.
the three stages of design build framework
proposal - qualification list
post-award- budget and schedule, discussed , reviewed and agreed to.
design phase-
Planned Multiplier equation:
compensation / planned cost= planned multiplier
During what stage are hvac systems first laid out?
Design Development
critical path method (CPM)
a scheduling method in which all events expected to occur and operations performed in completing a given process are rendered in a form permitting determination of the optimum sequence and duration of each operation ((longest path to completion)
Indirect labor
Time charged to non-project-related activities. Indirect labor costs are included in the calculation of total indirect expenses
TQM
Total
Quality
Management.
This approach incorporates both QA (quality assurance) and QC (quality control).
Statutory Law
state and local statutes largely control land use through planning and zoning regulations, often in the form of ordinances or bylaws
what is one of the requirements for an architect when reviewing applications for payment from the contractor?
the architect is required to review the itemized schedule of values and the percentage of completion and, to the best of his or her knowledge, assess whether the work has progressed to the point indicated.
float
Used in the critical path method schedule to describe the range of time that noncritical activities can start/end without affecting the overall schedule. Total float is the sum of individual float times that do not affect the critical path time.
How long after the substantial completion date does the contractor have to correct defective work or work that is not in compliance with the contract documents?
One year from the substantial completion date.
UniFormat system
establishes costs by breaking down projects by functional elements rather than material or method.
defined by systems or assembly
commonly used in classifying and
estimating construction during the schematic design phase
drawings
the graphic and pictorial portions of the contract documents showing the design, location, and dimensions.
What is the architect’s responsibility if a concealed or unknown condition is found on site?
Investigate and determine if the conditions alter the contractor’s cost and schedule. It is the architect’s responsibility to investigate and determine the next course of action.
Direct expense
Project-related expenses for a firm and its outside consultants that are not reimbursable, as well as project-related expenses included in all lump sum fee contracts.
dimensional coordination is most important between which two drawings?
foundation and first floor-
if foundation is built wrong, errors translate throughout the entire building.
the complete package of codes published by the International Code Council (ICC)
International Property Management Code (IPMC)
International Building Code (IBC)
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
PERT Chart
Program
Evaluation and
Review
Technique
A type of network diagram developed by the Navy in the 1950s that represents tasks and the time required to complete them. Similar to CPM (critical path method).
Who is responsible for the earth retaining drawings (ERS) and calculations?
the general contractor and come during the shop drawing phase.
What is the Public Works Department?
is responsible for operating and maintaining public facilities and infrastructure. The Department ensures that community residents have safe, well-maintained public areas for work and play, from maintaining water, wastewater, and storm drainage systems to cleaning up vacant lots and keeping the streets maintained and clean.
What should the architect do if there is a code conflict?
follow the most stringent or restrictive code requirement
Bid Bond
assures that a bidder will enter into a contract with the owner within a specified time or forfeit the bond. A bid bond is also called a bid security.
AIA C401
standard form of agreement between architect and consultant
true or false?
The contractor pays for move in fees and printing fees in a construction project guided by the AIA A201?
False
Contractor pays for: permit fees sales tax use tax licensing fees inspection fees
(to be reimbursed as per contract)
Public Clients
Public owner-clients are governments at any level. They build infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and sewer systems. They also build offices for their departments, schools, public housing, military buildings like barracks, and more.
Insurance architects shall maintain under agreement?
general commercial liability
automobile liability
Workers Compensation
(NOT GENERAL LIABILITY) SEE AIA B101
Name four items in the specifications found in the construction documents:
Scheduled liquidated damages
Soil borings
Seismic information
Window treatment schedule
SFHA
Special
Flood
Hazard
Area
is a designation that FEMA applies to land that is at high risk for flooding and for which flood insurance is mandatory.
specifications
the written requirements for the materials, equipment, systems, standards, and workmanship.
Institutional Clients
usually not-for-profit companies like health, religious, or research groups. They tend to own their buildings for a long time and often have caring and thoughtful leaders making decisions that aren’t necessarily profit-based.
Where are the supplementary conditions located?
the supplementary conditions are modifications or supplements to the general conditions and are found therein.
The four Cs of construction drawings and specifications
Clear,
Concise,
Complete,
Correct.
who is responsible for cleaning up the construction site?
Contractor- according to the A201
AIA G716
Request for Information (RFI)-
is used to formally request further information from a party during construction.
What are the four methods used for compensating an architect?
Hourly billing, stipulated sum, cost plus fee, and percentage of construction costs.
top down budgeting
A total budget is set up first, then the total cost is broken down into smaller more manageable parts.
“Time is of the essence” clause
A clause that a client might want to put in the agreement stating that, if the architect is unable to meet the deadlines in the design schedule, the architect is liable for any damages the owner incurs as a result.
BAD!
The AIA B101 states that the architect shall perform services “as expeditiously as is consistent with such professional skill and care and the orderly progress of the project .”
Abstract of title
summary of all the legal actions that affect a piece of property, including liens.
AIA A401
A401–2017 establishes the contractual relationship between the CONTRACTOR and SUB-CONTRACTOR. AIA document A201, General Conditions of the Contract is adopted by reference in the A401.
Direct labor
Represents the time charged to projects, whether invoiced or not.
who AUTHORS the owner-contract document (AIA A101)?
the owner’s attorney shall prepare the contract for construction. If it is prepared by the architect or a standard form is used, the owner’s attorney shall still take the lead.
ALTA Survey
ALTA stands for American Land Title Association and an ALTA survey is a comprehensive survey that reveals information specified by the American Land Title Association, such as property boundaries, easements and encumbrances, encroachments, land improvements, roads and property features, access and legal routes to the property, zoning classification, flood zone classification, and legal property description. Owner to provide as per AIA B101 section 5.4.
For which of the following reasons might a change order be issued?
Owner reconsiders a portion of the work and asks for modifications.
Owner reconsiders a portion of the work and asks for modifications.
Unforeseen site conditions that arise during construction.
Errors or omissions in the documents by the design team.
FIRM
Flood
Insurance
Rate
Map
published by FEMA.
Labor and Material Bond
also called a payment bond. Protects the owner from claims against subs and suppliers in the event the general contractor does not pay them.
Can the owner or architect reject a subcontractor proposed by the contractor?
Yes. Refer to AIA A201-2017 Section 5.2.3, which states that if either the owner or architect has a reasonable objection to a person or entity proposed by the contractor, the contractor shall propose another.
AHJ
Authority having jurisdiction.
What is included in the apprentice based model of staffing?
A system that continually incorporates reviews of documents during production, not waiting to inspect the results at the end of the documentation phase. Process-based systems should incorporate reviews in every step of the documentation phase. (only documents are reviewed)
True or False
According to the AIA C401, consultants are independent contractors and the architect shall not be responsible for acts or omissions of the consultant.
TRUE
AIA D200
Project checklist
Can also serve as permanent record of the owner’s, contractor’s, and architect’s actions and decisions.
What is the first step of project management?
To clearly define the task, including program, schedule, budget, and resources.
The stamp you use to indicate you have reviewed the shop drawing submittal should match the language of the architect’s limitations as stated in the contract.
What should your stamp say?
NO EXCEPTION TAKEN
never used “approved” - opens the architect to liabilities
