Multiple Choice

Question 1

With which kind of project delivery method are the architect’s duties and responsibilities during preconstruction most limited?

A. Construction Manager as Adviser
B. Design - Bid - Build
C. Design - Build
D. Integrated Project Delivery

Answer 1

D. Integrated Project Delivery. When IPD is used , the architect’s responsibilities are more limited than in the other three methods because the bidding or negotiation for large portions of the work has already been done. The architect is still responsible for working with permitting agencies to ensure code compliance, answering questions from subcontractors and vendors bidding for relatively small portions of the work, and reviewing prefabrication studies.

Question 2

In addition to making a base bid for a project as specified, each contractor is asked to state how much less his or her bid will be if eight large twin windows shown in the plans and elevations are replaced with smaller casement windows. This is an example of the use of:

A. add alternatives
B. allowances
C. deduct alternatives
D. reduction

Answer 2

C. Deduct alternatives. A request that the contractor supply, in addition to a base bid on the project as specified, a price for some variation, such as a change in materials or in some component of construction, is called an alternate. When the alternate will lead to a reduction in the bid, it is a deduct alternate.

Question 3

During construction, the architect is obligated to visit the site to keep the client informed about the progress and quality of the work. According to the basic provisions of AIA Document B101, these visits mus occur:

A. every week
B. every two weeks
C. as appropriate to the stage of the contractor’s operations
D. only if they have been written into the agreement as additional services

Answer 3

C. Site visits are part of the basic services of contract administration, but no specific time interval for them is given in the contract. AIA Document B101 states that the architect shall visit the site at intervals appropriate to the stage of the contractor’s operations or as agreed by the owner and the architect.

Question 4

An architect suspects that blocking has been installed in the wrong location and asks that a portion of the work be uncovered. When the drywall is removed, the blocking is found to be in the correct location. Who is responsible for the removal and replacement of the portion of the wall?

A. architect
B. owner
C. contractor
D. architect and owner should split the cost

Answer 4

B. The owner is responsible for paying for uncovering and rebuilding the wall. Presumably, the architect requested that the drywall be removed because there was a reason to suspect that the construction was in error and the architect was protecting the owner’s interests.

If the blocking had been in the wrong location, the contractor is responsible for the cost of uncovering and repairing the work.

Question 5

Which of the following is the contractor solely responsible for?

A. field reports to the owner
B. selection of subcontractors
C. scaffolding
D. reviewing claims of subcontractors

Answer 5

C. Scaffolding is part of the means of construction, which is the contractor’s responsibility.

Field reports are the responsibility of the architect. Selection of subcontractors is subject to the approval of both the architect and the owner. If a subcontractor makes a claim to the contractor, the contractor in turn makes a claim to the owner that is reviewed by the architect.

Question 6

A pressure test on plumbing supply piping require by the specifications reveals a leak in the system. According to AIA Document A201, the responsibility for fixing the leak and paying for a follow- up test rests with the:

A. owner
B. contractor
C. plumbing subcontractor
D. owner and contractor jointly.

Answer 6

B. AIA Document A201, section 13.5.3 requires the contractor to be responsible for all costs made necessary by failures, including costs of repeated tests.

Question 7

The punch list is created and maintained by the

A. architect
B. authority having jurisdiction
C. contractor
D. owner

Answer 7

A - The architect. - The punch list is a list of items still needing completion. It is created and maintained by the architect.

Question 8

In most cases, the person responsible for coordinating the process of commissioning a large building should be

A. the architect
B. the constructor
C. the owner
D. a third-party agent

Answer 8

D - commissioning a large building can be a complicated process, and in most cases it should be done by an independent, third-party agent.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about post-occupancy evaluations (POEs) is true?

A. typically made three to six months after occupancy
B. a standard part of an architect’s services
C. typically paid for by the client
D. performed for the benefit of the client, not the architect

Answer 9

A - A post-occupancy evaluation is a review of a completed project, typically made three to six months after occupancy. However, it is not a standard part of an architect’s services. Is is most often performed at the architect’s expense for the benefit of the architectural firm.

Question 10

Under the bid process, when are addenda issued?

A. Prior to receipt of bids
B. after receipt of bids but before work commences
C. after the award of the contract
D. during construction.

Answer 10

A - An addendum is a written or graphic document issued by the architect prior to submission of contractors’ bids that modifies or interprets the bidding documents. Addenda may be issued in response to errors discovered in the bidding documents, changes the client wants to make, questions from bidders, or additions or deletions needed. Addenda must be sent to all bidders at least four days prior to the bid date. Most bid forms as bidders to acknowledge receipt of any addenda to help ensure that all bids are based on the same information.

For a negotiated project, addenda are issued after final pricing/contract documents have been issued but before the final contract to ensure questions, additions, deletions, or changes are captured in the contract cost.

Question 11

Which of the following statements about bidding is correct?

A. Bidding procedures vary widely from project to project.
B. Bidding is not required for federally funded projects.
C. Open bidding may allow an inexperienced contractor to be awarded a job if the firm submits the lowest price.
D. Competitive bidding takes less time than negotiation and can result in a lower construction cost.

Answer 11

A - Bidding procedures are fairly well established in the construction industry, but each project has unique legal, insurance, and administrative requirements that should be shared with all bidders.

Government-funded projects at the federal, state, or local level are generally required to bid.

The bid process can lengthen total project time due to the time allotted for review of the construction documents and contract negotiation, but the competitive nature of bidding allows the owner to compare prices before hiring a contractor. Open bidding means that nearly anyone can bid, regardless of experience. This encourages a variety of contractors to participate, but when bidding is open, it an be difficult to evaluate qualified bidders. In addition, the cost and complexity of advertising and administering the bidding process may increase.

Question 12

The architect is reviewing a critical path method (CMP) schedule from the contractor. The critical path is 200 calendar days, the total float is 30 days, and the contractor is planning for a 5-day work week. Based on this information, the architect could conclude that the construction time

A. will be about 40 weeks
B. may be as long as 46 weeks
C. could be shortened to 32 weeks
D. cannot be delayed more than 6 weeks

Answer 12

A - The critical path is the sequence of events that must happen as scheduled in order for a project to be completed on time. Dividing 5 work days per calendar week into 200 total days gives a 40-week construction time.

Float represents the range of time during which noncritical activities may start or end without affecting the overall schedule. Total float is the individual float times added together, and does not influence the critical path time interval.

Question 13

Contractor’s overhead and profit typically account for what percentage of the construction cost?

A. 5-15%
B. 10-20%
C. 15-30%
D. 15-40%

Answer 13

D - the contractor’s overhead and profit typically constitute 15-40% of the construction cost.

Question 14

At the beginning of the construction phase, the owner requests a change to the building layout that will require relocating a structural column and modifying the framing in the surrounding areas. The column footing has not been constructed. The structural steel shop drawings have been submitted to the architect by the general contractor, but they have not yet been reviewed or approved by the architect or structural engineer. How should the architect initiate this change?

A. Revise the shop drawings to indicate the new column location and associated framing changes and return the submittal to the general contractor marked “Approved as Noted”.
B. Issue a proposal to the owner for additional design services, and notify the contractor of the pending change.
C. Consult with the general contractor to establish the cost increase.
D. Consult with the steel fabricator and supplier to determine the schedule delay.

Answer 14

B - The architect’s first step should be to prepare an amendment to the owner-architect agreement. This design change has been initiated by the owner, and the architect is entitled to additional compensation for the revisions that will be required to move the column. When the amendment is approved by the owner, the architect may proceed with the design work.

The architect should notify the contractor that this change will be made so that construction work that may be affected by the change can be postponed.

Upon receipt of the revised scope of work and request for proposal from the architect, the contractor can prepare a proposal summarizing the cost of the work and the schedule modifications that will be necessary to make the change. The contractor must coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers to determine how the change will affect their schedules.

When the contractor’s proposal is approved by the owner, the architect may prepare a change order to modify the construction contract.

Question 15

The contractors solely responsible for which of the following? (Choose the two that apply)

A. field reports to the owner
B. field tests
C. scaffolding
D. reviewing claims of subcontractors
E. reviewing shop drawings
F. code review of contract documents

Answer 15

B, C - AIA A201 - General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Article 3.2, discusses the contractor’s responsibilities relative to review of the contract documents, which include bringing any noted discrepancies to the architect’s attention. The contractor is not responsible for verifying that the design documents comply with code requirements. AIA A201, Sec. 3.12.10, states that the contractor is not responsible for providing professional services.

Preparation of field reports to the owner is the responsibility of the architect. If a subcontractor makes a claim to the contractor and the contractor determines it to be valid, the contractor may, in turn, make a claim to the owner. This claim would then be reviewed by the architect. Both the contractor and the architect are responsible for reviewing shop drawings, although only the contractor is responsible for the accuracy of the shop drawings. The architect reviews them for general compliance with the requirements of the contract documents. Scaffolding is part of the means of construction, which is the contractor’s responsibility. AIA A201 makes the contractor responsible for arranging and coordinating field tests.

Question 16

When a contractor proposes a substitution of a material or method of construction that is specified in the contract documents, the architect’s responsibility in reviewing the substitution is

A. proving that the proposed substitution is equivalent to the original.
B. finding documentation that relates to the substitution.
C. forwarding the request to the owner.
D. Approving or disapproving the request.

Answer 16

D - any request for substitution by the contractor must be made in writing and must be accompanied by a complete description of the proposed substitution, including drawings, test data, and other information necessary for an evaluation. The burden of proof of the merit of the substitution falls upon the contractor. The architect is required to review the submission and either approve or disapprove it.

Question 17

The specifications for a project require moisture tests to be performed on all concrete slabs on which resilient flooring will be installed. According to the requirements of AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, which party is responsible for the cost of performing these tests?

A. architect
B. owner
C. contractor
D. flooring subcontractor

Answer 17

C - AIA A201, Sec. 13.5, states that tests, inspections, and approvals of portions of the work required by the contract documents or by laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, or orders of public authorities shall be paid for by the contractor. The contractor must also make arrangements for the tests and notify the architect of when they will be conducted.

If testing becomes required after receipt of bids or after contract negotiations and is not part of the original contract documents, then the owner becomes responsible for paying for the testing. This provision applies to testing required by the architect, owner, or public authorities having jurisdiction. This situation might happen if the building field inspector requires a test that was not anticipated. In some situations, the owner may not be legally permitted to pass responsibility for the cost of tests to the contractor; in which case, the owner is responsible for the fees.

Question 18

Which of the following parties are required to agree to a construction change directive?

A. architect and owner
B. architect and contractor
C. owner and contractor
D. architect, owner, and contractor

Answer 18

A - AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Section 7.1.2, states that a construction change directive requires agreement by the owner and architect and may or may not be agreed to by the contractor. The construction change directive requires the contractor to proceed with the work. The contract is later modified by change order to reflect the compensation due to the contractor.

Question 19

When the project is 90% complete, the code inspector requires installation of six exit signs in addition to those shown on the approved plans. Which of the following instruments should the architect use to make this change?

A. order for minor change
B. addendum
C. change order
D. construction change directive

Answer 19

C - Because the additional exit signs would necessitate an increase in construction cost and possibly an adjustment to the contract time, an order for minor change would not be appropriate. An addendum can only be used before the contract is signed. It is possible that the contractor and owner might disagree with the cost of the additional exit signs and a construction change directive would be used initially, but it is more likely that everyone would realize the need for the extra signs and agree on a price. Ultimately, a change order would be issued to adjust the contract sum.

Question 20

Which of the following statements about submittals are correct? ( Choose the three that apply)

A. The architect must review submittals before the contractor approves them.
B. The contractor is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the dimensions and quantities.
C. Submittals are not considered part of the contract documents.
D. The contractor can reject submittals and request resubmittals by his or her subcontractors.
E. The architect can make a change to the scope of work through the review notes on the submittal.
F. Substitutions may be presented to the architect for consideration at any time during the construction phase.

Answer 20

B, C, D - The submittals process allows the architect to verify that the materials the contractor will provide comply with the requirements outlines in the contract documents. The contractor must review submittals prior to giving them to the architect. If the contractor wishes to make a substitution, the contractor must follow the guidelines given in Division 1 of the specifications. Substitutions are often not accepted after the bid period, or the specifications may require substitutions to be submitted and approved before a specified date. When a substitution is requested, the architect should first verify that the specifications allow this at the current stage of the project. The architect may not add to the scope of work by noting the additional tasks on the submittal. If additional work is necessary, this change should be made through a change order or a construction change directive.

The contractor is responsible for dimensions and quantities of materials. The contractor may require subcontractors to prepare submittal information relative to their work; in this case, if the contractor determines that the submittal data is insufficient or incorrect, the contractor may reject it and require the subcontractor to correct it before it is passed to the architect. The submittals received from the contractor are not considered a part of the contract documents.

Question 21

A contractor makes a claim for additional money for extra work caused by unforeseen circumstances. According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, the initial decision maker (IDM) must respond to this claim within ____ days. (Fill in the blank)

Answer 21

10 days - The IDM is a person designated to be the first interpreter of the contract documents when disputes arise during construction. The purpose of allowing a third party to make initial judgements on claims is to facilitate conflict resolution and minimize the number of claims that proceed to arbitration or mediation. Traditionally, the architect served in this capacity, and if an alternate IDM is not identified, these responsibilities become the architects.

The responsibilities of the IDM and an explanation of he claims process are given in AIA A201, Section 15.2.

This section specifically states that the IDM must respond within 10- days of notification of the claim by the contractor. The IDM may request supporting data to further document the claim.

Question 22

During the punch list inspection, the architect notices several items that are note completed and that will make it impossible for the client to occupy the space. According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, which of the following actions must the architect take?

A. Notify the owner of the incomplete items.
B. Notify the contractor that there are unfinished items that must be finished before the project can be determined substantially complete.
C. Prepare a certificate of substantial completion with a list of incomplete items attached.
D. Revise the punch list and resubmit it to the contractor.

Answer 22

B - AIA A20, Section 9.8.3, requires the architect to complete an inspection of the project upon receipt of the contractor’s punch list. The architect must notify the contractor of unfinished items and work that is not in accordance with the contract documents. The contractor must then correct the items on the list so that the owner can occupy the work or the designated portion thereof for its intended use. This must happen before the architect can issue a certificate of substantial completion.

Question 23

Which of the following may be used to encourage the contractor to finish the job or to satisfy mechanic’s lien claims by subcontractors?

A. Surety bond
B. Liquidated damages
C. Retainage
D. Arbitration

Answer 23

C - A surety bond involves a third party (the surety) who ensures completion of the project if the contractor fails to meet his or her obligations. Liquidated damages are an amount specified in advance that the contractor must pay to the owner if the project is not completed on time, Arbitration is a method of resolving disputes between parties to a contract.

Retainage, or an amount of money withheld from each pay application, gives the owner leverage to require the contractor to finish the job and provides a reserve in case liens must be satisfied.

Question 24

Upon completion of the work, which of the following items must the contractor submit? (Choose the three that apply)

A. Extra stock of materials as listed in the specifications.
B. Certificate of occupancy issued by the building official.
C. Copies of all change orders completed during the course of the work
D. Warranties and operating instructions as required in notes on the mechanical and electrical drawings or in the specifications.
E. Certificates of inspection
F. Certificates of testing

Answer 24

A, B, D - Copies of change orders are not required at this time, as this paperwork would be issued throughout the course of the project. Certificates of testing are required to be submitted to the architect promptly after each test, not as the completion of the work. Items required by the contract documents must be submitted to the owner before the work is considered complete. This includes extra stock of building materials and warranties and instruction manuals required by the specifications. The contractor must also submit to the architect all documents required with the application for final payment, maintenance contracts, and a set of record drawings if required by the contract documents. Although a certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official, it is normally submitted by the contractor to the owner.

Question 25

According to AIA B101, Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect, which of the following services is included in the architect’s basic services for project closeout? (Choose the four that apply)

A. forwarding written warranties to the owner
B. sending a consent of surety to the owner
C. Commissioning
D. Meeting with the owner to determine the need for facility operation services.
E. Post-occupancy walk through within one year
F. Transfer project insurance from the contractor to the owner

Answer 25

A, B, D, E - AIA B101, Article 4, addresses additional services that the architect will provide only if specifically designated or approved in advance by the owner. Commissioning is one of these services, among others, such as programming, geotechnical services, existing facilities surveys, site analysis, landscape design, interior design, detailed cost estimating, on-site project representation, record drawings, and post- contract evaluation beyond one meeting with the owner to review the facility’s performance, within one year of substantial completion.

Question 26

Which of the following is used to determine the workability of concrete?

A. Steiner tunnel test
B. Cylinder test
C. Electrical impedance test
D. Kelly ball test

Answer 26

D - The Steiner tunnel test is not a concrete test. It is used to determine the surface burning characteristics of interior finish materials.

The cylinder, electrical impedance, and Kelly ball tests all quantify different characteristics of concrete. The cylinder test involves breaking a cylinder formed of concrete from a specific pour in order to test the concrete’s compressive strength at prescribed intervals (usually 7, 14, 21, or 28 days) during the curing process.

The electrical impedance test is used to access the moisture level of a slab by measuring the amount of electricity conducted through the material. Slabs with a greater moisture content conduct more electricity.

The Kelly ball test measures the workability of the uncured concrete. Workability is influenced by the proportions of cement, aggregate, water, and admixtures included in the mix and the shape and size of the aggregates. A metal ball is dropped into freshly poured concrete, and the depression formed by the ball is measured and compared to the slump test results.

Question 27

During which period in the curing process does concrete gain the most compressive strength?

A. 0-3 days
B. 3-7 days
C. 7-14 days
D. 14-28 cays

Answer 27

A - Concrete gains the most compressive strength during the first few days of curing. This is the most critical time in the curing process, and it is important that the concrete be protected from freezing or evaporation during this time. If the concrete is unprotected and environmental conditions are unfavorable, the ultimate compressive strength of the concrete could be greatly reduced.

Theoretically, concrete continues to gain strength well after the 28th day. But for the purposes of design strengths and testing, the compressive strength of concrete is always referred to as its strength 28 days after it is placed.

Question 28

The limits of excavation and the building footprint are located by a surveyor and marked on the site using

A. grade stakes
B. batter boards
C. corner pins
D. a transit

Answer 28

B - Grade stakes are used to indicate how much cut or fill is required at a specific location to reach finish grade. They are set by a survey crew and reset periodically during excavation to monitor progress.

A transit is a surveying tool used to determine the elevation points on a site. It is typically mounted on a tripod for stability. Transits can be as sophisticated as a laser level with a sight that “shoots” elevations using a prism, or as simple as a handled scope.

Batter boards are temporary supports erected to hold wires or strings that indicate the excavation line for a building site. The corners of the building or limits of excavation are marked at the intersection of the lines using a plumb bob. Batters boards are set back from the excavation line and are preferred to corner stakes or pins placed at the corners of the structure because they will not be disturbed during construction operations.

Question 29

Which of the following are expected results of a properly designed and implemented building commissioning plan? (Choose the four that apply).

A. increased energy efficiency
B. comprehensive training program for maintenance staff
C. verification of 100% of the buildings systems by the commissioning agent (CxA)
D. Operation and maintenance manuals delivered to the owner in a useful and organized format
E. record drawings for all heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical components.
F. improved indoor air quality.

Answer 29

A, B, D, F - Building commissioning can be expected to provide increased energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality, a comprehensive training program for maintenance staff (conducted either by the commissioning agent or the contractor), and organized operations and maintenance manuals (assembled by the contractor, design professional, or commissioning agent). Building commissioning does not ensure verification of 100% of building systems (that responsibility lies with the contractor) and does not include record drawings.

Building commissioning is a process that helps to assure that a building owner “gets what he paid for.” Commissioning takes place in parallel to the traditional design process. The commissioning agent (sometimes abbreviated as CxA or CXA) is hired and reports directly to the owner. The commissioning agent’s job is to verify that the owner’s goals are being accomplished and to advocate for the owner. Sometimes the CxA is a member of the owner’s staff, but often a third-party consultant is hired to fill this role.

The first step in commissioning is to document the owner’s goals, which must be quantifiable. For example, perhaps the owner wishes to improve energy efficiency by 10%, as compared to a “study” building. The CxA can evaluate the performance of the designed systems in comparison to the baseline building to determine whether the design will meet the owner’s objectives.

The CxA should be a part of the project team from the beginning and should have input into the programming phase, review the construction documents and specifications for compliance with the owner’s goals, and conduct site checks during construction. The CxA is responsible for testing a representative sample of the systems. The presence of a CxA on a project team does not relieve the design professionals of any of their responsibilities; the architect and engineer retain responsibility for the design of the building and its systems, and the contractor holds the responsibility for the installation and full testing of the systems. The commissioning process is a quality control check to ensure that the finished building operates in the way that the owner intended.

At the end of the project, the CxA should prepare a report summarizing the owner’s goals, the results of eth CxA’s evaluations and any outstanding issues or further testing needed (such as seasonal testing of an HVAC system). Building commissioning is a prerequisite for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. More information on building commissioning can be found at the Building Commissioning Association’s website, bcxa.org.

Question 30

Which of the following statements is correct regarding sick building syndrome? (Choose the three that apply.)

A. Increasing the quantity of outdoor air in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help prevent or remedy sick building syndrome.
B. Insufficient ventilation in areas with high concentrations of odor or chemicals can cause nausea and headaches.
C. Radon and asbestos cause sick building syndrome.
D. Sick building syndrome causes long term symptoms that continue after the occupants leave the building.
E. Legionnaires’ disease is an example of a building-related illness.
F. All sick building syndrome symptoms are the result of poor performance of the HVAC system.

Answer 30

A, B, E - Sick building syndrome is a term used to describe conditions where a significant number of building occupants report some type of physical malaise within a specified period of time, usually about two weeks. Physical symptoms can include dizziness, skin irritation, headaches, nausea, sore throats, and other respiratory problems. Generally, these symptoms disappear or are significantly reduced when the occupants leave the building. Occupant complaints are usually the fist indicator that there is a problem in the building, and further testing and inspection is warranted to determine the source of their discomfort.

Sick building syndrome can usually be traced to a few common causes. Insufficient or contaminated outdoor air entering the HVAC system is the most common reason for occupant complaints. This can be caused by improper balancing of the system, or by locating the air intakes too close to a source of contamination such as and exhaust, parking, or trash collection area. Insufficient ventilation of spaces where there is a high concentration of chemicals or contaminants - such as a janitor’s closet, smoking area, or copy room - could be another reason. Occasionally, occupant complaints are linked to mold growth in hidden areas of the building or within the HVAC system. Designing the HVAC system to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water and cleaning the ductwork frequently helps prevent mold growth. Complaints can also arise when materials with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are introduced, such as new carpeting or paint. Low-VOC materials should be specified when possible.

Question 31

According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, the

A. architect must approve the contractor’s proposed construction schedule before work can begin.
B. architect must approve the contractor’s proposed schedule of submittals.
C. contractor is responsible for preparing record drawings.
D. architect is responsible for reviewing all submittals provided by the contractor.

Answer 31

B - Although the contractor must submit a construction schedule for the architect’s review, the architect need not approve it. The contractor bears responsibility for coordinating and scheduling the work. AIA A201, Section 3.10.1, states that the schedule must show that the work will be completed within the time frame allotted and requires the contractor to revise the schedule as necessary to keep the architect and owner apprised of expected changes.

AIA A201, Section 3.11, requires the contractor to maintain on site a copy of drawings, specifications, addenda, and other official project-related correspondence, including shop drawings and change orders. The contractor is responsible for annotating these documents, specifications, addenda, and other official project-related correspondence, including shop drawings and change orders. The contractor is responsible for annotating these documents as the project progresses to maintain a record of the work as constructed. These are submitted to the architect for delivery to the owner at the end of the project.

Record drawings may be required of the contractor by the specifications, but AIA A201 does not include this requirement. (Record drawings are also often prepared by the architect as an additional service to the owner.)

The architect is responsible for reviewing only the submittals that are required by the contract documents according to AIA A201, Sec. 3.12.4. If additional submittals are forwarded to the architect, the architect may return them to the contractor without action.

According to AIA A201, Sec. 3.10.2, the architect must approve the contractor’s proposed schedule of submittals at the start of the project. This is to ensure that there will be a reasonable amount of time allowed for the architect to review the submittal, for the contractor to make corrections or revisions as necessary based upon the architect’s review, and for the architect to approve the submittal without delaying the progress of the work.

Question 32

For which of the following reasons should an architect withhold all or part of a certificate for payment? (Choose the four that apply.)

A. There are mathematical errors on the contractor’s application for payment.
B. The architect has been notified by the owner that the plumbing subcontractor’s attorney has informed him of the subcontractor’s intent to place a lien on the project.
C. The contractor has failed to correct a portion of the work that the architect has rejected.
D. One month remains in the construction period on a project with $5000 liquidated damages per day, and the architect suspects that work will not be completed by the deadline; not enough unpaid funds remain to cover the liquidated damages for the expected delay.
E. The contractor withheld the required retainage.
F. The window supplier has notified the architect that it has not been paid for materials delivered to the contractor’s storage facility.

Answer 32

B, C, D, F - AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Section 9.5, addresses reasons that an architect may withhold a certificate for payment. The reasons include defective work not remedied, claims or probable claims against the project, failure of the contractor to pay subcontractors, damage to the owner or or another contractor, evidence that the work will not be completed within the contract time, and repeated failure to carry out the work in accordance with the contract documents. The purpose of the architect’s certification is to endeavor to protect the owner’s interests in the project by not releasing payments until the contractor has properly completed the work.

Architects should always check over the math before certifying pay applications as this is a common source of error. Contractors often submit a rough draft, of pencil copy, for the architect’s review before submitting the final pay application. This gives the architect a chance to point out errors or to raise questions with the contractor about work completed before the pay application is processed, which helps minimize delays.

Question 33

During the construction of a church, the building committee decides to replace the porcelain tile floor specified for the chapel with a poured terrazzo flooring material. The architect requests a proposal from the contractor for the change. The contractor states that the contractor may add 20% for overhead and profit and an additional 5% for coordination on the change orders. The contractor’s base price for labor and materials for the change is $22,250. What is the approximate total value of the change order?

A. $26,700
B. $27,800
C. $28,000
D. $28,400

Answer 33

C - The cost of the labor and materials is $22,250. The addition for overhead and profit is 20%, for a total of 1.20 x $22,250 = $26,700.

The addition for coordination is 5%, and is applied after the addition for overhead and profit, for a total of 1.05 x $26,700 = $28,035.

The owner should also receive proper credit for the deleted porcelain tile, including labor, materials, and over-head and profit. This is not part of the calculation in this problem, however.

Question 34

Which of these should be included in an advertisement to bid? (Choose the four that apply)

A. the name and address of the architect
B. the date, time, and location of the pre-bid conference
C. the amount of the deposit required to obtain copies of the bidding documents.
D. the names of applicable subcontractors
E. Bid forms
F. The date, time and location at which bids are due

Answer 34

A, B, C, F - An advertisement to bid is a notice published in a local newspaper or posted with a plan room to notify contractors of a project and give them the basic information necessary for them to obtain a set of bid documents for review. Publicly funded work is usually required to be advertised a specified number of times in approved publications.

A plan room is a place (physical or online) where contractors can obtain information about projects currently out for bid.

An advertisement to bid includes the following information.

• a name, location, and description of the project.
• the name and address of the owner and architect.
• instructions for obtaining a set of bidding documents and/or locations where bid documents may be viewed (such as plan rooms, the architect’s office, etc.)
• the date, time, and location the bids are due.
• the type and amount of bid bond required.
• the date and time of the bid opening and whether or not the bids will be read publicly.
• any other information that the owner or the owner’s attorney feels should be included.

Bid forms are generally included in the bid package provided to interested contractors. Selection of subcontractors is the general contractor’s responsibility and is not a part of an advertisement to bid.

Question 35

A contractor submits a bid with the following amount listed.

Seven hundred fifty-six thousand, four hundred fifty-two and 0/100 dollars
$765,452.00

How should the architect interpret this bid?

A. The bid is $765,452.
B. The bid is $756,452.
C. The bid is invalid and must be discarded.
D. The architect should call the bidder and ask what amount was intended.

Answer 35

B - Bid amounts must be expressed on the bid form both in words and in numerical form. If there is a discrepancy between the two, the words prevail. The bid is valid and should be interpreted as $756,452.

Question 36

Which of the following decisions may minimize the effect of inclement weather on construction time?

A. The use of prefabricated elements
B. The use of designs that contribute to improved sequencing.
C. The use of union labor.
D. Beginning construction in the spring.

Answer 36

A - Inclement weather can have a significant impact on the amount of time it takes to erect a building. One way to minimize this effect is to construct portions of the building off-site and bring them to the site for installation. This allows work to continue indoors even when weather conditions on site prohibit progress.

Designs that facilitate sequencing can also help to reduce the amount of time necessary for construction. While the contractor is responsible for coordinating the project schedule, architects can help make the project more efficient by developing details that allow certain trades to come on to the job site, complete their work, and leave before the next trade arrives. This simplifies scheduling for the general contractor and can result in cost savings for the owner and better construction details.

Use of union labor tends to lengthen the construction period. It is impossible to choose a “best” time to begin construction, such as the spring, because inclement weather is unpredictable.

Question 37

The contractor must submit the application for payment to the architect ______ days in advance of the scheduled payment date.

Answer 37

10 days - Applications for payment must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled payment date according to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Section 9.3.1. The date of the payment is established in AIA A101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor.

AIA A201, Section 9.4.1, states that the architect then has seven days to review the application and either certify it and send it to the owner for payment, or reject it and provide the reasons for the rejection to the contractor in writing.

Question 38

Which of the following materials has the smallest dimensional tolerances?

A. Precast concrete tees
B. 2x4 wood framing at a window opening
C. Steel beams
D. wood paneling

Answer 38

D - Tolerance is the amount that an element of a building is permitted to be “off” from the specified dimension. Acceptable tolerances for building materials are dependent on their level of quality, their physical properties, the stage in the construction process during which they are to be installed, and the way the materials will be used. Two adjacent, different materials can both be within their acceptable tolerances and not align exactly. For these reasons, it is important the architect’s drawings allow for some “play,” or dimensional adjustment, and that tolerances specified by the architect agree with cited industry standards for that specified material. Architects should be aware that requiring exceptionally high levels of precision and low tolerances can cause construction costs to escalate; however, if such accuracy is critical to the project, these requirements must be specified.

Wood paneling has the most restrictive tolerances, as even small deviations from the prescribed dimensions are noticeable.

Question 39

Which of the following statements is true?

A. “Clerk of the works’ is another term for the architect’s project representative.
B. IF a contractor discovers an error in the contract documents, the architect is required to absorb the cost of correcting the drawings and pay for the cost of construction related to the error.
C. A construction change directive must be signed by the contractor to be valid.
D. The contractor is responsible for notifying the surety of any change orders issued during a project.

Answer 39

D - It is the contractor’s responsibility to notify the surety of any change orders issued during a project so that the amount of insurance coverage may be increased or decreased as necessary.

A clerk of the works is a representative hired by the owner to monitor progress on site and keep project records. The architect’s project representative is an employee of the architect who is on site whenever construction is under way. This full-time representation is an additional service and is contracted separately using AIA Document B352, Duties, Responsibilities and Limitations of Authority of the Architect’s Project Representative.

If a contractor discovers an error on the drawings or in the specifications, it is the architect’s responsibility to correct the error in the documents at no cost; however, the architect is not responsible for the cost of construction to correct the error unless it can be proven that the architect was negligent.

According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Section 7.3, Construction Change Directives, only the owner and Architect’s signatures are required on a Construction Change Directive for it to be valid.

Question 40

A renovation project at a large classroom building on a college campus is scheduled to take place in two phases during the next summer and the winter break when classes are not in session. All windows in the building are to be replaced, and the window manufacturer’s representative advises the college to purchase all the windows at one time to take advantage of considerable savings. The college facilities staff thinks this is a good ideas but does not have room to store the windows on campus, so the college requests that the contractor purchase and store the windows until they are needed. The contractor submits the first pay application, which includes a request for payment for 60% of the windows line item on the schedule of values. What should the architect do prior to certifying the pay application? ( Choose the four that apply.)

A. Request copies of bills of sale and insurance for the windows.
B. Visit the location where the windows are stored.
C. Submit documentation to the owner’s attorney for evaluation prior to certifying the pay application.
D. Request written approval from the owner.
E. Verify that the contractor has secured insurance coverage for the materials.
F. Verify that the storage conditions comply with the specification requirements.

Answer 40

A, B, E, F - In certifying applications for payment, it is the architect’s responsibility to protect the interests of the owner. The architect should do whatever is necessary to determine that the materials are in the possession of the contractor and are being stored properly before consenting to payment for the windows. In most cases, requesting a copy of the bill of sale and verifying that the items are indeed in the contractor’s possession are are being stored appropriately will be adequate documentation to certify the pay application.

When an owner is willing to pay for materials stored off site, the situation should be addressed in the supplementary conditions, which should define where the materials are to be stored, what type of insurance is required, and how the materials will be transported to the site. Each time the contractor submits a pay application that includes a request for payment for stored materials, he or she should also submit supporting documentation, such as a bill of sale and evidence of insurance coverage. If the supporting documents are not submitted with the application for payment, the architect may request them from the contractor. The architect should also visit the site where the materials are being stored to verify that they are at the specified location; that the contractor is adhering to the security precautions defined in the supplementary conditions; and that the materials are being stored in an environment that complies with the specifications requirements for weather protection, temperature, the surface on which they are stored, and other factors that preserve the integrity of the product until it is delivered to the job site.

If there is any question or concern about the appropriateness of the documents or the provisions for protecting the owner’s interests in the materials, those concerns should be referred to the owners attorney for evaluation. In a situation such as this, the architect may also wish to obtain written approval from the owner prior to certifying the application for payment.

Question 41

For a project using AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, claims concerning which of the following would be referred to the initial decision maker? (Choose 3)

A. The discovery of hazardous materials on the project site
B. A request for additional compensation due to a discrepancy in the contract documents.
C. A request for additional time due to poor weather conditions
D. An emergency that endangers workers on the job site
E. A loss covered by insurance
F. The termination of the contract for cause

Answer 41

B, C, F - the 2007 revisions of AIA A201, introduced the role of the initial decision maker (IDM). The IDM is a third party, named in the agreement, who will serve as the first reviewer in the event of a project dispute. The agreement requires that the opinion of the IDM be solicited before proceeding with mediation or arbitration. IF a third-party IDM is not named in the agreement, then by default the architect will fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

There are a few exceptional circumstances which do not require a decision by the IDM.

• Hazardous materials. If hazardous materials (other than those addressed in the contract documents) are discovered on the job site, the contractor has the authority to stop work without consulting the IDM. The owner must pay for testing to verify the presence of these materials, and the contract time or amount must be adjusted to account for the project shutdown as outlined in AIA A201, Section 10.3.
• Emergencies. If a situation arises that puts personnel or property in danger, the contractor may take whatever action is necessary to prevent damage, without prior authorization. This situation is discussed in section 10.4.
• Losses covered by insurance. Section 11.3.9 and Section 11.3.10 explain the procedures to be followed in the case of insured losses. Claims relate ti insured losses do not require preliminary review by the IDM.

Claims for additional compensation due to a conflict in the construction documents, requests for additional time due to adverse weather conditions, and termination of the contract for cause are all issues that would be referred to the IDM.

Question 42

An architect’s signature on a certificate for payment indicates that the architect has

A. inspected and accepted the work performed.
B. reviewed the invoices submitted to the contractor by subcontractors.
C. verified that the contractor is entitled to payment for work performed to date
D. received payment for work performed to date.

Answer 42

C - The architect is responsible for reviewing and certifying certificates for payment as defined in Section 9.4 of A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. On receiving an application for payment from the contractor, the architect has seven days to review the work performed and determine whether progress is as stated by the contractor and whether the level of quality of the work matches that defined by the contract documents. If both attributes are present, the architect will issue a certificate for payment to the owner. for the amount requested by the contractor. If either is not present, the architect has the option of rejecting the application or certifying a lesser amount.

Question 43

At the scheduled time for a public bid opening, a contractor comes rushing into the room three minutes late, clutching his bid, and asks the architect to accept it because he was stuck in traffic. None of the bids have been opened yet. According to AIA A701, Instructions to Bidders, what should the architect do?

A. Refuse to accept the bid, stating that the deadline has passed.
B. Since none of the bids have been opened yet, ask the other bidders if they will object to accepting the late bid. If none object, accept the bid.
C. Accept the bid with prejudice.
D. Stop the bidding process and require that all bids be resubmitted at a later time.

Answer 43

A - AIA A701 requires that bids be deposited at the designated locations prior to the time and date indicated for receipt. Bids submitted after the deadline are ineligible for consideration and should be returned to the bidder unopened.

Question 44

During a site visit, the architect notices that a worker has installed studs at 24” on center, not 16” on center as shown on the drawings. Under the provisions of A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, the authority to reject this work rests with the

A. Architect
B. Owner
C. Owner and Architect
D. General Contractor

Answer 44

A - According A201, Section 4.2.6, the architect has the authority to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents.

Question 45

When reviewing applications for payment, which of the following must the architect do? (Choose 4)

A. Verify that adequate safety precautions are being observed by the contractor.
B. Determine if the completed work will be in accordance with the contract documents.
C. Become generally familiar with the progress and quality of the work.
D. Keep the owner informed about the progress of the work.
E. Check if the quantities of the installed work are as required by the contract documents.
F. Endeavor to guard the owner against defects in the work.

Answer 45

B, C, D, F - The architect is not responsible for safety at the site; for the means, methods, or techniques of construction; or for verifying quantities of materials. B101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, and A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, state the reasons the reasons the architect visits the site and his/her responsibilities regarding applications for payment. When reviewing the pay applications, the architect is responsible for determining whether work completed complies with the requirements of the contract documents. He/she should be generally familiar with the progress of the work and communicate this to the owner. The goal of the architect’s involvement and review should be to endeavor to guard the owner against defects in the work.

Question 46

After visiting the project site to review an application for payment, the architect decides to withhold the certificate for payment under the provisions of A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Which of the following statements about this situation is true?

A. The architect is required to withhold the entire amount.
B. The architect must notify the owner, who then notifies the contractor.
C. The architect and contractor must agree on a revised amount before the revised application can be approved for payment.
D. The architect can nullify a previous certificate to protect the owner.

Answer 46

D - The architect can nullify a previous certificate to protect the owner.

A201, section 9.5.1, allows the architect to withhold the whole amount or a partial amount. if payment is to be withheld, the architect must notify the owner and contractor. The architect and contractor do not necessarily have to agree on the amount, although they should attempt to arrive at a mutually agreeable sum that accurately represents the amount of the work completed.

Question 47

In what order should project closeout activities take place?

A. Contractor compiles punch list, architect issues certificate of substantial completion, consent of surety is received and final payment to contractor is released ,architect receives notice from contractor that the project is ready for final inspection, architect prepares the final certificate for payment.
B. Contractor compiles punch list, architect issues certificate of substantial completion, architect receives notice from contractor that the project is ready for final inspection, architect prepares the final certificate for payment, consent of surety is received and final payment to the contractor is issued.
C. Architect receives notice from the contractor that the project is ready for final inspection, contractor compiles punch list, consent of surety is received and final payment to the contractor is released, architect prepares final certificate for payment, architect issues certificate of substantial completion.
D. Architect receives notice from contractor that the project is ready for final inspection, consent of surety is received and final payment to the contractor is released, contractor compiles punch list, architect issues certificate of substantial completion, architect prepares the final certificate of payment.

Answer 47

B - When the contractor considers work to be substantially complete, he or she is responsible for compiling the “punch list,” the list of work to be completed or corrected. The contractor must notify the architect when the project is ready for the punch list inspection. During this inspection, the architect verifies that the project has been completed according to the contract documents and makes note of any items that still remain to be corrected. The architect then prepares the certificate of substantial completion, which sets the deadline for correction of the punch list items and governs the transfer of responsibility from the contractor to the owner for items such as utilities, maintenance, and security, among others.

The contractor notifies the architect when the project is ready for a second, final inspection. If this inspection is acceptable, the architect prepares and issues the final certificate for payment.

The final payment and retainage is not due to the contractor until he/she fulfills the obligations of A201, Section 9.10.2, which includes receipt of the consent of surety. When this and the other necessary documents have been received, the contractor can receive the final payment due.

Question 48

According to B101, Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect, which of the following services is included in the architect’s basic services for project close-out? (Choose Four)

A. forwarding written warranties to the owner.
B. sending a consent of surety to the owner.
C. Commissioning
D. meeting with the owner to determine the need for facility operation services.
E. Post-occupancy walk through within one year.
F. Transfer project insurance from the contractor to the owner.

Answer 48

A, B, D, E - AIA B101, Article 4, addresses additional services that the architect will provide only if specifically designated or approved in advance by the owner. Commissioning is one of these services, among others, such as programming, geotechnical services, existing facilities surveys, site analysis, landscape design, interior design, detailed cost estimating, on-site project representation, record drawings, and post contract evaluation beyond one meeting with the owner to review the facility’s performance, within one year of substantial completion.

Question 49

Which of the following is the most appropriate way to announce bid results?

A. The architect should make a statement at the conclusion of the bid opening identifying the apparent low bidder.
B. After evaluating all of the bids, the owner should make a decision of award, and the architect should notify the bidders.
C. The owner should call all of the bidders and give them the results.
D. The owner should publish the bid results in the local newspaper.

Answer 49

B - During the bid opening, the architect or a designated representative will open the bids, read them aloud, and record in a bid log the base bid amounts, bids for proposed alternatives, confirmation of receipt of addenda, and whether required supporting documentation (such as a bid bond) is included with the bid. The architect should not announce the apparent low bidder at the bid opening.

The owner should evaluate the bids and make a decision about the award within a reasonable amount of time. The architect may then notify all of the bidders of the owner’s decision. The delay allows time for the owner to complete evaluation of the bids and also provides an opportunity for a contractor to retract a bid in the event that a mathematical error is discovered after submission.

Question 50

When an architect makes an impartial interpretation of the contract documents during construction administration, in accordance with the general conditions, in what capacity is he considered to be acting?

A. arbitratory
B. quasi-judicial
C. mediative
D. professional

Answer 50

B - An architect’s interpretations of the contract documents are performed in a quasi-judicial capacity. A201, Section 4.2.12 states,

“Interpretations and decisions of the Architect will be consistent with the intent of, and reasonably inferable from, the Contract Documents … When making such interpretations and decisions, the Architect will endeavor to secure faithful performance by both Owner and Contractor, will not show partiality to either, and will not be liable for results of interpretations or decisions rendered in good faith.”

Question 51

An architect is visiting a project site on a rainy afternoon to observe the progress of work and certify a pay application. While photographing the site, she witnesses a construction worker slip on a wet board and fall from the scaffolding. The worker is obviously injured and appears to be unconscious. After calling 911, what should the architect do?

A. Notify the superintendent immediately and then fully document the accident with a written report and photographs.
B. Report the incident to the superintendent immediately and then notify the owner before taking other action.
C. Conduct an investigation.
D. Do nothing more; construction safety is the responsibility of the contractor.

Answer 51

A - A201 , General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, Section 10.2, charges the contractor with responsibility for safety precautions and programs. Though the architect should bring obviously unsafe conditions to the contractor’s attention, it is the contractor’s responsibility to resolve those conditions.

Despite the best preventative measures, however, accidents can occur on construction sites, and it is important to obtain assistance for injured persons as quickly as possible. The architect should first activate the emergency medical services system by calling 911 and reporting the accident, or by asking another witness to do so. In the event of an emergency, the architect should do whatever is possible to safeguard human life.

The superintendent should be notified as soon as possible of the accident. A201, Section 10.4, gives the contractor the authority to act to prevent threatened damage, injury, or loss of life.

When the emergency situation has been resolved, the architect should fully document the incident, noting the name of the worker and any available information about his or her condition, the names of any other witnesses, the time and location of the incident, conditions observed a the site, and any other pertinent information. If a camera is available, the architect should also take pictures. This is not an investigation; it is simply documenting what the architect witnessed.

Question 52

In what order should the steps in the process of concrete construction occur?

A. Construct the formwork, place and tie the reinforcing steel, apply a release agent to the forms, perform slump testing, pour and vibrate the concrete.
B. Construct the formwork, apply a release agent to the forms, place and tie the reinforcing steel, pour and vibrate the concrete, perform slump testing.
C. Construct the formwork, apply a release agent to the forms, place and tie the reinforcing steel, perform slump testing, pour and vibrate the concrete.
D. Perform slump testing, construct the formwork, apply a release agent to the forms, place and tie the reinforcing steel, pour and vibrate the concrete.

Answer 52

C - Formwork should be constructed first, and then a release agent such as oil is applied to make it easier to remove the forms from the cured concrete. it is important to apply the release agent before placing the reinforcing steel, because if oil is on the surface of the rebar it could prevent the concrete from adhering properly to the steel. Next, the reinforcing bars are placed and tied. When the concrete arrives on site, slump testing is performed to ensure that the mix complies with specified limits for the workability and water content. If the results of the slump test are within acceptable limits, the concrete may be poured and vibrated to fill the forms.

Question 53

In order to defer specific design decisions until pricing information is available and to provide flexibility to adjust project scope and cost after bids are received, the architect may include

A. allowances.
B. alternates.
C. unit prices.
D. value engineering.

Answer 53

B - Alternates are request in the bidding documents for the contractor to supply a price for some variation to the element in the base bid. Alternates usually modify the quality of a material or the amount of work to be provided. For example, the base bid may include a type of specialty brick, whereas the bid alternate may include a standard brick that is less expensive but still acceptable. Alternates can also be used to delete or add elements. When the bids are evaluated, the owner can review the costs of the alternates and adjust the scope of the work as necessary to fit the budget by accepting or declining the proposed changes. Alternates are classified as additive (or “add”) or deductive (or “deduct”), depending on the anticipated impact on the item’s price.

Question 54

Which of the following statements about building commissioning services are correct? (choose three)

A. Commissioning services can be provided by the same firm that designed the systems being evaluated.
B. Commissioning services typically cost between 0.5% and 6% of the total construction cost.
C. Commissioning services are required by B101, Standard Form of Agreement between Owner and Architect.
D. Commissioning services should be contracted during the pre-design phase of project planning.
E. The commissioning agent offers a warranty to the owner that the systems will perform as specified after commissioning is complete.
F. The IBC requires all buildings to be commissioned.

Answer 54

A, B, D - Building commissioning is the process of verifying that building systems and equipment are designed, installed, tested, and capable of being operated and maintained according to the owner’s operational needs. Commissioning services can be provided by the same firm that originally design the building systems being evaluated, provided that this fact is disclosed to the owner. (If commissioning services are being contracted in order to meet requirements of LEED certification, the size of the project determines whether the commissioning agent may be a member of the design team.) The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice estimates that professional fees for these services can vary from 0.5 - 6% of total construction costs, with fees increasing proportionately to the complexity of the systems within the building and the extent of the commissioning activities. B101, Article 4, categorizes and addresses commissioning as an additional service (ie, it is not required).

Building commissioning is a key part of designing and constructing high-performance buildings because it offers the owner reassurance that the additional time and money spent on controls, sensors, and equipment will be paid back over time through energy-efficient building operation.

Commissioning plans should be established during the pre-design phase, and commissioning activities will continue throughout the design, construction, and operations phases. Commissioning is required for buildings seeking LEED certifications, and this program sets its own requirements for these services.

Question 55

Which of these project management tools or approaches requires developing a project schedule that associates time and budget allowances with each activity?

A. use of a project monitoring chart.
B. critical path method
C. integrated project management
D. use of a schedule of values.

Answer 55

A - A project monitoring chart is an architectural project management tool that is used to predict both the time and the amount of money (or percentage of the overall project budget) needed to complete certain tasks. The actual time and money expended during the project can be compared periodically to the budgeted numbers in order to determine whether or not the project is on track.

A similar approach is earned value management, which may be used by a contractor to determine the percentage of a project completion of each line item on the schedule of values. This information is then transferred to the contractor’s periodic applications for payment.

Question 56

Which of these statements about the architect’s review of an application for payment is true?

A. The architect’s signature on the application for payment indicates that the architect has inspected and approved the work for which the contractor is requesting payment.
B. The architect’s certification of an application for payment is the same as providing a warranty to the owner that the work has been completed in accordance with the requirements of the construction documents.
C. The architect is required to review the progress of the work summarized on the application for payment within two weeks of receipt from the contractor.
D. If the architect refuses to certify the amounts listed on an application for payment and does not provide an explanation of the refusal or evidence that the quantities are inaccurate, the contractor can stop work.

Answer 56

D - The architect’s signature on the certificate is not a warranty and does not represent that the architect has inspected the work. According A201, General Conditions, once an application for payment has been submitted for review, the architect must visit the site and review the progress of the work within seven days.

B101, Owner Architect agreement, defines a certificate for payment as the representation to the owner that “to the best of the architect’s knowledge, information, and belief” the work has progressed to the point indicated and is in accordance with the contract requirements. Therefore, the corresponding funds may be released to the contractor.

It is important that the amount that the architect certifies on the applications for payment accurately represents the progress of work completed to date. The difference between the percentages of completion indicated on the current applications for payment and the percentages shown for each item on the previous submission indicate the work that has been accomplished during the payment period.

If the architect certifies percentages of completion greater than what is evidenced on site, the owner may be at risk because construction funds may be released too soon, and the contractor will be receiving payment for work and materials that have not been provided. If the architect certifies percentages of completion that are less than that completed on site, the contractor will not receive adequate compensation in a timely manner and may not be able to pay bills for materials and labor.

If the contractor is not provided with appropriate and timely payment, the contractor may stop the work in accordance with the provisions in A201, Section 9.7

Question 57

When is the contractor usually entitled to submit an application for payment that request payment of the retainage?

A. Following the approval of the first application for payment.
B. After each subcontractor completes his or her portion of the work and the retainage associated with that line item can be released.
C. When the project has reached substantial completion.
D. After the final completion inspection.

Answer 57

D - Retainage is the percentage of the contract sum that is withheld from each payment throughout the course of the project to create a fund that protects the owner from a situation in which the contractor does not have sufficient funds to compensate creditors or subcontractors and cannot complete the work. The time at which it is released to the contractor depends on the arrangements agreed upon in the owner-contractor agreement, but is is usually held by the owner until the end of the project. The contractor may then request release of the retainage through the final application for payment.

The terms of retainage, however, are subject to negotiation as part of the contract discussions, and the contractor may negotiate an arrangement in which the percentage of retainage decreases as the project moves forward. Retainage affects the first subcontractors more than those who come to the site near the end of the project because they may not receive full compensation for their work until the project comes to an end, which could be months or even years after their responsibilities are complete.