Project Closeout Flashcards
Inspections vs observations and certification of work
All site visits are just observations except for inspections for substantial completion and final completion. Substantial completion is certified by the architect, and final completion is documented only by the architect’s issuance of the final certificate for payment. The certification of the final contractor’s application for payment is not a certification of final completion because the architect is not responsible for the completion or conformance of the work.
1 Year Walk Through
Required by B101 if requested and without compensation. Review warranty issues and gather information on how building is performing.
Retaining project-related documents
Unless required for longer period in contract, documents are usually kept for period of statutes governing claims. 15 years is common. Keep longer for repeat clients/future work.
Commissioning: What, who and why?
QA process and oversight for a successful turnover of a new building. Hired by owner to verify the building is delivered and designed per the owner’s objectives. Benefits: energy savings, cost less to operate, reduced change orders, longer equipment life, improved indoor environment, staff trained in operations. Required for all LEED projects.
Commissioning Basis of Design document
Details and reasons for how the owner’s project requirements have been met.
Commissioning 4 Phases
4 phases: design, construction, acceptance and post-acceptance.
Sick Building Syndrome
Causes: inadequate ventilation, outdoor air pollution, bacteria, mold, pollen, virus, and VOC’s. Symptoms typically surface when people are occupying a building but go away soon after they have left the space. In contrast, the term “building related illness” (BRI) is used when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed directly to airborne building contaminants.
Conditions for final payment
GC submits to the architect:1. Affadavit that the project is free of liens2. Certificate showing that insurance required by CDs will remain in effect with at least 30 days written notice3. Statement that GC knows no reason why property will not continue to be insurable.4. Consent of surety to final payment5. Other data as required by owner
Items architect is required to provide to owner at project completion per B101?
- Final certificate for payment2. Consent of surety to release retainage and lien/bond waivers3. Final inspection
Architect’s project completion duties with DBB
- Conduct inspections to determine dates of substantial and final completion 2. Issue certificate of substantial completion. Inform owner of any retainage being held. 3. Receive from GC and forward to owner: warranties, consent of surety for release of retainage, and waivers of liens 4. Issue final certificate for payment 5. Upon request, conduct meeting with owner to review facility operations and performance within 1 year of substantial completion (no add service)
Who issues the Certificate of Occupancy?
The Building Official issues the Certificate of Occupancy after conducting final inspection and walk through with the Contractor. Once the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, the Owner can legally occupy the building.
On final inspection of the building, the Building Inspector discovers that the toilet fixtures do not comply with the plumbing code. After an investigation, it is determined that the installed toilet fixtures complied with the toilets specified in the Contract Documents. Who is responsible for replacing the fixtures?
The Architect. According to the B101 (Owner - Architect Agreement), it is the Architect’s responsibility to “incorporate design requirements to meet code.” Since the Architect selected and specified the toilet fixtures that do not comply, they were negligent and are responsible for the cost of removing, and replacing them. The Building Department assumes no responsibility, even though it issued the building permit.
How long after Substantial Completion is the Contractor required to correct any work not in compliance with ContractDocuments?
One year. The A201 General Conditions states the Contractor must correct any work not in accordance to the Contract Documents within one year after date of Substantial Completion (after receiving written notice from the Owner.)
What is the Certificate of Occupancy?
An official document from the local building code enforcement department stating that the project has met all applicable codes and is ready for it’s designated purpose (ready to move in).
