Quiz Questions Flashcards

1
Q
When preparing specs relating to moisture control, an architect should rely on
A - manufactures' literature
B - the local building code
C - personal judgement and experience
D - all the above
A

D - when preparing specs the arch. must review the manuf. literature to determine if the product specified is appropriate for the application.
Any specs must at least meet min standards by the local building code
The architect must rely on their own professional judgement and experience when preparing specs

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2
Q
Construction work is divided among the construction trades in accordance with
I - The specs
II - The drawings
III - Trade Union rules
IV - The general contractor's judgement

A. IV only
B. I, II, III, and IV
C. III and IV
D. I, II, and III

A

C - The general contractors divides the construction trades in accordance with trade union rules and business judgement.

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3
Q
Which type of information is NOT normally contained in construction drawings?
A - Dimensions
B - Level of Quality
C - Quantities
D - Configurations
A

B

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4
Q
Shop Drawings provide the architect with information on which of the following? Check all that apply.
A - Installation details
B - Equipment operating data
C - Color and texture
D - Standard of workmanship
A

A

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5
Q

A Project Manual Contains
I - The drawings
II - The general conditions of the contract for construction
III - the instructions to bidders
IV - Sample contract administration forms.
V - The bid form

A - II and IV
B - I, III and V
C - II, III, IV and V
D - I, II, III, IV and V

A

C - A project Manual contains the technical specs and other contractual and administrative documents. It does not contain drawings.

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6
Q

All the following statements about descriptive specs are true EXCEPT
A - they describe desired end results
B - they make the architect responsible for proper performance of the specified items.
C - they explain all components of the specified items in details.
D - they describe the arrangement and assembly of the components of the specified items.

A

A - Specs that describe the desired result are PERFORMANCE SPECS.

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7
Q

Cash allowance specifications
A - Require the contractor to set aside money in the bid to be applied to the cost of an item of work once the level of quality is known
B - Provide that the owner will obtain a discount for construction materials he or she purchases with cash.
C - Provide that the owner will be rebated a cash amount for each specified item that the contractor can buy at a discount.
D - Establish a fixed price for each unit of material so that a final bid amount can be calculated once quantities are known.

A

A

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8
Q

When selecting mechanical systems for a project, the architect and mechanical engineering consultant should consider which of the following factors?
I - Skill of the owner’s maintenance staff
II - Weight of Equipment
III - Noise characteristics of the equipment
IV - Operating clearances

A - II and IV
B - II, III, and IV
C - III only
D - I, II, III, and IV

A

D

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9
Q

Reference Specifications are
A - comprehensive specification checklists to which an architect refers at the start of each new job.
B - used by architects to refer contractors to federal or other standard specs that are to apply to work on the project.
C - proprietary systems like MASTERSPEC to which architects may subscribe.
D - useful because they do not have to be updated once the initial research is done.

A

D - Reference specs refer to standard specs that are incorporated into the project specs by reference not by actual text.

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10
Q

All of the following statements about performance specs are true EXCEPT
A - they include test parameters for the item specified.
B - they make the contractor responsible for proper performance of the specified items.
C - they explain all components of the specified details in detail.
D - they are best used for a new of unusual situations.

A

C - Descriptive specs explain all components of the specified items in detail.

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11
Q
Which type of information is NOT normally contained in construction specs?
A - Level of quality
B - Quantities
C - Desired Performance
D - Installation methods
A

B

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12
Q
When evaluation substitutions proposed by the contractors, an architect should consider all the following factors EXCEPT
A - Terms of the warranty
B - Code Compliance
C - Projected maintenance costs.
D - Equipment required for installation.
A

D - Installation equipment is not considered by the the architect, although if the in place cost of the product is reduced, the savings may accrue to the owner if the the substitution is approved.

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13
Q

Which of the following statements concerning master specs is FALSE?
A - They tend to reduce repetitive clerical work.
B - They are usually edited by adding appropriate sections.
C - They can be difficult to keep accurate up to date
D - They make initial draft specs available early in a project’s development.

A

B - Master Specs are generally edited by eliminating information that does not apply to the project, not by adding information.

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14
Q

Proprietary Specs
A - are supplied by product manuf. on loose sheets of paper for architects to bind into project manuals.
B - are usually open, but may be closed on private projects.
C - contain full technical data on the products specified.
D - contain no trade names.

A

B - Proprietary specs list on or more acceptable products by the name. An open proprietary specs allows equivalent products not listed to be provided, while a closed proprietary specs allows only those products listed to be provided.

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15
Q

Plumbing drawings have all the following characteristics EXCEPT
A - They are diagrammatic
B - They are frequently superimposed on blank architectual floor plans.
C - they graphically show the physical dimensions of pipes
D - they indicate connections between pipes

A

C - Plumbing drawings indicate the size of pipes by notation not graphically.

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16
Q

Select the correct statement.
A - Caulking, when properly applied, may be relied upon to prevent water penetration.
B - Durability is generally the primary consideration when selecting finish materials.
C - Samples are not usually required if the product is manufactured.
D - As a last resort, an architect has the right to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents.

A

D - The architect has the authority to reject work under sub-paragraph 2.6.2.5 of AIA (B141)

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17
Q
In general, construction items may be manufactured, shop fabricated, or job fabricated. Match each item with its most common method of fabrication.
A - Concrete - Job
Elevators - Shop Fabrication
Light Fixtures - Manufactured
B - Plumbing Fixtures - Manufactured
Cabinets - Job Manufactured
Structural Steel - Shop Fabricated
C - Plumbing Fixtures - Manufactured
Stairways - Manufactured
Electrical Equipment - Manufactured
D - Air Conditioning Equipment - Shop Fabricated
Air Conditioning duct work - Shop Fabricated
Railings - Shop Fabricated
A

A

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18
Q
All the following require details which allow for movement caused by thermal changes, EXCEPT
A. Concrete Paving
B. Wood Framing
C. Sheet Metal Rain Gutters
D. Metal Storefronts and Curtain Walls
A

B. Wood has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The connections in wood framing are generally flexible enough to accommodate any thermal movement that may occur.

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19
Q
The principal consideration in acoustic control is the sound absorptive quality of the 
A. floor
B. walls
C. ceiling
D. rood
A

C.

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20
Q

Select the correct statement concerning shop drawings.
A. They are prepared exclusively by the general contractor and submitted to the architect for review.
B. In case of discrepancy between the shop drawings and the contract documents, the shop drawings will prevail.
C. They are usually prepared by fabricators and submitted to the general contractor and architect for review.
D. An architect must carefully check dimensions and quantities shown on shop drawings, because approving the shop drawings implies that dimensions and quantities are accurate.

A

C.

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21
Q

Which of the following tend to reduce the transmission of vibration and/or sound?
I. Installing isolators under air conditioning equipment.
II. Increasing the mass of the base under air conditioning equipment.
III. Increasing the cross-sectional area of air conditioning ducts.
IV. Lining the inside of air conditioning ducts.
V. Using a resilient suspension system for ceilings.

A. I, II, IV and V
B. I, II, III, IV, and V
C. II, III, and V
D. I, III, and IV

A

B. All five methods reduce the transmission of vibration and/ or sound.

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22
Q
List the following in order of required accuracy, from most to least accurate.
I. Location of property lines
II. Location of column center lines
III. Dimensions of concealed concrete
IV. Dimensions of exposed concrete
V. Cabinet work

A. I, II, V, IV, III
B. II, I, V, IV, III
C. I, V, II, III, IV
D. V, I, II, IV, III

A

A. Locating property lines requires the greatest degree of accuracy b/c of legal concerns

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23
Q
Which of the following are created by winds acting on buildings? Check all that apply.
A. Moments
B. Lateral forces
C. Vertical forces
D. Torsion
A

A, B, C, and D
A moment when acting on a building tends to overturn the building. Wind typically acts horizontally and vertically. Wind can also create uplift, especially under overhangs and above roofs. The massing of a building may cause uneven distribution of lateral forces, thereby introducing torsion.

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24
Q
One of the acoustical ratings given to building materials and assemblies in Sound Transmission Class (STC). This rating is concerned with
A. impact noises
B. speech isolation
C. amplification
D. reverberation
A

B. Impact noises is rated by an Impact Isolation Class (IIC). Amplification and reverberation are functions of the absorptive characteristics of a material rated by a Noice Reduction Coefficient (NRC).

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25
Q

To prevent electrolysis, an architect should
A. specify only galvanized materials
B. specify ground fault interrupters (GFI) on all convenience outlets.
C. separate all reactive metals with building felt or other non-conductive materials.
D. avoid the use of aluminum that will be exposed to the weather.

A

C. See pages 37 and 38

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26
Q

Life safety codes
A. are primarily intended to protect property from fire damage.
B. are used in some jurisdictions instead of building codes.
C. specify the location and number of exits in a building.
D. consider all factors necessary to produce safe buildings.

A

C.

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27
Q

Mock-ups are most appropriately specified when which of the following conditions exists?
I. The project will incorporate the first installation of a new system or assembly.
II. The system, assembly, or method of installation is very innovative.
III. The time available for construction is short.
IV. The system or assembly is the be used repetitively.
V. The project has a relatively tight budget.

A. III only
B. IV only
C. I, II, and IV
D. I, II, III, and IV

A

C. Mock ups generally do not produce time or cost savings. For new or innovative systems, mock ups allow testing under actual job site conditions. For repetitive systems, mock ups allow design refinements.

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28
Q

Select the most correct statement. Building codes
A. suggest ideal solutions to technical construction problems.
B. are intended to insure the buildings will be structurally safe until the arrival of the fire department.
C. are concerned only with assemblies of construction material and systems, whereas zoning codes deal with the uses of a building.
D. are concerned with containing fires so that a fire in one building will not damage other buildings.

A

D. Zoning ordinances regulate land use, while the type of construction required by building codes is a function of use as well as area, height, and fire resistive properties of materials and assemblies.

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29
Q
Life Cycle costing includes which of the following? Check all that apply.
A. Construction cost
B. Maintenance cost
C. Operating cost
D. Replacement cost
A

A, B, C, and D Life cycle costing considers cost of the building throughout its life. Some aspects of a sustainable design may cost more initially but may result in lower life cycle costs due to lower operating and manufacturing costs.

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30
Q

Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of sustainable design?
A. Designs that have compounds that are easily recyclable
B. Designs that have lower initial costs
C. Designs that use less
D. Designs that have components that are easily biodegradable

A

B. Sustainable designs may or may not have lower initial costs.

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31
Q

Which of the following are recommended approaches to listing suppliers for sustainable products?
I. Describe product requirements but do not list any suppliers by name.
II. Limit the installer to 3-5 suppliers that meet specification requirements.
III. List sustainable reference standards and elements only.
IV. Identify a list of qualified suppliers, but allow the bidder/ contractor to purpose substitution that meet specifications.

A. I only
B. III only
C. II only
D. II and IV

A

D. see page 59

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32
Q

LEED stands for
A. Low Energy Environmental Developer
B. Leadership in Energy Efficient Design
C. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
D. Lighting, Electricity, and Environmental Dynamics

A

C.

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33
Q
LEED is sponsored by 
A. NIBS
B. USGBC
C. ASHRAE
D. CSI
A

B. US Green Building Council

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34
Q
Which of the following is NOT a category in the LEED rating system?
A. Innovation and design practice
B. Water efficiency
C. Recycling
D. Materials and resources
A

C. Refer to page 56

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35
Q
VOC stands for
A. volatile organic compounds
B. volatile odoriferous chemicals
C. ventilation ordered chemistry
D. violent organic compound
A

A

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36
Q
Sustainability affects which of the following traditional components to every design decision?
I. Cost
II. Function
III. Aesthetics
IV. Time

A. I and III
B. I and II
C. I, II, and IV
D. I, II, III and IV

A

D

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37
Q
According to AIA documents, which of the following are NOT considered a part of the construction contract documents?
I. Specifications
II. Addenda
III. Shop drawings
IV. Owner-Architect Agreement
V. Supplementary Conditions

A. IV only
B. II and III
C. I and V
D. III and IV

A

D. 3.12.4 of the AIA General Conditions specifically states that shop drawings are not contract documents. The architect’s rights and responsibilities during the construction phase are referenced in the AIA General Conditions of the Contact for Construction, but the contractor is not a party to the Owner-Architect Agreement.

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38
Q

(_____) assures an owner that the contractor will execute the work in accordance with the contract.

A

Performance Bond
A performance bond guarantees proper execution of the work by the contractor. A payment bond guarantees payment to the subcontractors by the prime contractor.

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39
Q
During the course of the construction, liability insurance should be maintained by which of the following?
I. The mortgage 
II. Trade Unions
III. The surety company
IV. The owner 
V. The Contractor

A. IV only
B. I and V
C. IV and V
D. II and III

A

C. see pages 65 to 67

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40
Q

Where would provisions for liquidated damages normally be found?
A. Owner-Contractor Agreement
B. General Conditions of the Contact for Construction
C. Additive Alternates to the contract
D. Proposal From and Instructions to Bidders

A

A. See page 69

41
Q
A change during construction in the location of underground lines from that shown on the site utilities plan should be reflected in 
A. record drawings
B. architectural drawings
C. field sketches
D. shop drawings
A

A. 3.11.1 of the General Conditions requires the contractor to maintain a set of record drawings at the site marked currently to record field changes and selections made during construction.

42
Q
Architects are responsible for preparing which parts of a Project Manual?
I. Specifications
II. General Conditions
III. Supplementary Conditions
IV. Owner-Contractor Agreement.

A. I only
B. I and III
C. II and III
D. I, II, III and IV

A

A

43
Q

Which of the following are responsibilities of the owner under the provisions of the AIA General Conditions?
I. Provide access to the construction site.
II. Make payments to the contractor
III. Make payments to the subcontractors.
IV. Obtain necessary easements.
V. Provide necessary copies of construction documents.

A. II only
B. II and III
C. I and IV
D. II, IV and V

A

D.

Article 2 of the General Conditions requires the owner to obtain easements and provide copies of construction documents.

44
Q

Which of the following statements is true?
Contract time
A. is measured in working days
B. ends at substantial completion
C. ends at final completion
D, always starts when the Owner Contractor agreement is signed.

A

B. Under the definitions of time in the AIA General Conditions (8.1.1), time is the period allotted for substantial completion of work. Sub paragraph 8.1.4 defines day as calendar day. The date of the contract is often the start of construction time, but may be otherwise if noted in Paragraph 3.1 of the Owner Contractor Agreement, or if the notice to proceed has a different starting date.

45
Q

Under the provisions of the AIA General Conditions, which of the following statements are true?
A. Warranty periods begin at substantial completion.
B. Warranty periods begin at final completion
C. The general warranty period is one year
D. Warranties are worthless without bods to back them up.

A

A. Sub paragraph 9.8.4 of the AIA General Conditions states that warranties commence on the dates of substantial completion, unless a different commencement date is stated in the certificate of substantial completion.
See page 73

46
Q

An architect issues certificates for payment for work performed by the contractor. For what reasons might an architect legitimately nullify all or part of a previously issued certificate for payment?
I. The architect discovers defective work.
II. The owner’s lender refuses to release funds.
III. The contractor fails to pay subcontractors.
IV. A pedestrian walking past the project site is injured by a falling piece of lumber and sues the owner.
V. The contractor persistently fails to comply with the contract documents.

A. I. II, III, IV and V
B. I only
C. I, III, IV and V
D. III and V

A

C. See page 70

47
Q

Which of the following statements concerning payments to a contractor is FALSE?
A. Payments are based on a schedule of values.
B. Title to materials and equipment passes to the owner upon payment.
C. The owner must pay the contractor within 21 days after the architect issues the certificate for payment.
D. Payments do not normally cover materials in transit.

A

C. The owner must pay the contractor as stipulated in the contract documents, not necessarily within 21 days after the certificate payment.

48
Q
Which of the following parties are responsible for worker's safety on a construction site?
I. The owner
II. The architect
III. The General Contractor
IV. The contractor's surety company

A. III only
B. I only
C. I, II, and III
D. I, II, III, and IV

A

A. See page 68 and article 10 of the AIA General Conditions for the general contractor’s responsibility for site safety.

49
Q

An architect, under the provisions of the AIA documents, inspects a project how often during the construction phase?
A. Never, the architect observes the construction.
B. At intervals appropriate to the progress of the construction work.
C. Once, at final completion
D. Twice, at substantial completion and at final completion.

A

D. Since substantial completion and final completion are significant events for the contractor and owner, the architect is required to make detailed inspections prior to certifying completion. Other site visits are not considered inspections, since they are less detailed.

50
Q

Which of the following is NOT a prerequisite for final payment to the contractor?
A. Final inspection by the architect.
B. Owner’s receipt of the certificate of final completion from the architect.
C. Owner’s receipt of the contractor’s affidavit of payment of debts.
D. Owner’s receipt of consent of the contractor’s surety company.

A

B see page 74 and Paragraph 9.10 of the AIA General Conditions for prerequisites for final payment.

51
Q
Which of the following parties must approve shop drawings according to the AIA General Conditions? Check all that apply.
A. Architect
B. Contractor
C. Owner
D. Engineers
E. Subcontractors
A

A and B Sub paragraph 3.12.5 of the AIA General Conditions requires the contractor to approve shop drawings and 4.2.7 requires the architect to do the likewise.

52
Q

An architect’s preliminary estimate of construction cost would consider all the following except
I. labor and materials supplied by the owner.
II. cooling towers
III. land acquisition costs
IV. the architect’s fee
V. metal curtain wall systems

A. I only
B. I and IV
C. None, everything would be considered
D. III and IV

A

D. See pages 84 and 85

53
Q

An architect who prepared a preliminary estimate of construction cost according to the subsystems method
A. considers one set of subsystems for concrete buildings and a different set for steel buildings.
B. can easily analyze the cost of alternative exterior wall systems.
C. would most likely use this method during the schematic design phase.
D. would probably be performing an additional service under the AIA Agreement between Owner and Architect.

A

D. See pages 84 and 85 and Paragraphy 1.3.1 of AIA Document B141 for definition of construction cost.

54
Q

An architect who prepares a preliminary estimate of construction cost according the subsystems method
A. considers one set of subsystems for concrete buildings and a different set for steel buildings.
B. can easily analyze the cost of alternative exterior wall systems.
C. would most likely use this method during the schematic design phase.
D. would probably be performing an additional service under the AIA Agreement between Owner and Architect.

A

B. See pages 87 and 89 for description of the subsystems method of estimating

55
Q
Detailed estimates of construction cost
I. are usually a change in services
II. are usually basic services
III. are calculated soley by determining the sum of the required quantity of materials, multiplied by their unit costs.
IV. must include indirect costs such as contractor's overhead and administrative costs, profit and the cost of General Conditions items.
A. I only
B. I and IV
C. II only
D. I and III
A

B. See pages 89 and 92 for a description of the detailed estimates of construction cost.

56
Q

If the lowest bid on a project is greater than the budget, the owner has which of the following choices under the provisions of the AIA documents? Check all that apply.
A. Agree to waive the budget
B. Rebid the project when market conditions are more favorable
C. Require the architect to modify the contract documents at not cost to the owner so that the project can be rebid
D. Abandon the project
E. Sue the architect for breach of contract
F. Ask the architect to modify the contract documents and sue if the resubmitted bids still exceed the budget.

A

A, B, C, and D See sub paragraph 2.1.7.5 of AIA document B141 for the four options available to the owner if the budget is exceeded by the lowest bid. The owner has no claim against the architect if the budget is exceeded.

57
Q

Once an architect has completed a specific type of project, the cost per square foot can be determined and used to predict the cost of a future project of the same type. However, such unit costs must be adjusted to account for which of the following factors?
I. The location of the project
II. The project’s type of construction
III. The perimeter and configuration of the building.
IV. Whether the owner is a private or public entity
V. The number of stories of the building
VI. The source of construction funding.

A. II, III, and IV
B. I, II and VI
C. III, V, and VI
D. I, II, III and V

A

D. See pages 86 and 87 for adjustments that may be necessary to the cost per square foot estimate.

58
Q
In order to meet the owner's budget for a project, the architect has control over which of the following?
A. Quality only
B. Quality and scope
C. Quality and price
D. Quality, scope and price
A

B. See sub paragraphs 2.1.7.3 of AIA Document B141 for the architect’s authority to modify scope and quality to meet the owner’s budget.

59
Q
Architects are able to control which of the following factors affecting construction costs of projects?
A. Cost of labor
B. Cost of materials
C. Contractor's bidding methods
D. None of the above
A

D. The architect is not able to control the cost of labor, materials, or the contractor’s bidding methods. Sub paragraph 2.1.7.2 of B141 relieves the architect from responsibility for these factors.

60
Q
When contractors prepare bid prices, they calculate direct costs, normal overhead, and projected profit. Which of the following factors may also be legitimate considerations?
I. Project funding
II. Potential liquidated damages
III. Competitive conditions
IV. Special insurance requirements
V. The weather
VI. Errors and omissions in the drawings and specifications
A. I and VI
B. II and IV
C. II, III, IV, and V
D. II, IV, V and VI
A

C. II through V may affect the contractor’s bid prices. See pages 92 and 93

61
Q

An architect’s preliminary estimate of construction cost is generally
A. based on the National Construction Cost Index
B. subject to adjustment because of fluctuating market and competitive conditions encountered during bidding.
C. considered to be an additional service under the AIA Owner Architect Agreement.
D. guaranteed within 5 to 10 percent of the ultimate construction cost.

A

B. Sub paragraph 2.1.7.2 of B141 states that the architect has no control over bidding, market or negotiating conditions

62
Q

In preparing an intial estimate of construction cost for a building type with which the architect has no experience, an architect may consult with
I. a cost estimating consultant
II. a contractor experienced in the building type.
III. an architect experienced in the building type.
IV. cost estimating publications

A. III and IV
B. I, II, and IV
C. I only
D. I, II, III and IV

A

D. See pages 86 and 87 for discussion about area/ volume estimates

63
Q
A contractor's indirect costs include which of the following?
A. General Conditions
B. Excavation
C. Architect fees
D. FF&E
A

A. See page 88 for items included in indirect costs.

64
Q
Which of the following would normally influence a contractor's construction schedule?
I. The quality of construction documents
II. the reliability of material dealers
III. The total construction cost
IV. The size of the project
V. The anticipated weather conditions

A. I and IV
B. II, III, and V
C. I, II, IV and V
D. All the above

A

C. Total construction cost has little to do with the construction schedule. See page 104

65
Q

A type of project scheduling commonly used in situations where minimum construction time is required is called (___________)

A

Fast Track
Fast track scheduling is appropriate in situations that require minimum construction time. Time savings are achieved by overlapping the production of construction documents with construction activities, with certain portions of the project documented and built in phases.

66
Q

An architect estimates that design and production for a project will take one year. The client, however, requests that the total time be reduced to 9 months. By using the shorter time schedule, what would be the likely outcome?
A. The general quality of design and production will be unaffected.
B. The quality of the construction documents will be lower.
C. The construction budget will be higher.
D. The construction time will be greater.

A

B. Certain phases of design and production, such as client approval and project bidding, have fixed times. Therefore the 25 percent reduction in time would probably come for the construction drawing phase. This would likely lower the overall quality of the construction documents. The construction budget and time would be unaffected.

67
Q
By shortening an architect's time schedule for design and production of drawings, his or her
A. labor costs would increase
B. overhead would increase
C. profit would increase
D. documents would be unaffected
A

A. A shortened time schedule may reduce some fixed overhead expenses, such as rent, but it would undoubtedly lead to higher costs because of overtime work, additional hired help, and or work that is subcontracted to others. Because of higher labor costs, profit would decrease, and the documents would be affected.

68
Q
Arrange the following tasks for a typical project in ascending order of the scheduled time, that is, form the task requiring the least time to the most.
I. Schematic design phase
II. Bidding phase
III. Client approval
IV. Design development phase
V. Construction document phase

A. II, I, III, V, IV
B. I, III, II, V, IV
C. III, I, IV, II, V
D. III, II, I, IV, V

A

D. See pages 99-102

69
Q
An architect's scheduling and staffing requirements for a specific project are dependent on the project's 
A. Size
B. Cost
C. Complexity
D. Quality
A

C. Complexity is generally more critical that size, while cost and quality rarely affect scheduling.

70
Q
Reducing the critical path time will very likely
A. increase the project cost
B. extend the construction time
C. have no effect on the float time
D. have no effect on project quality
A

A. Project cost would be increased because of inefficiencies resulting from additional labor and overtime work.
See page 109

71
Q

A project delivery method that involves an owner hiring someone with construct-ability and cost expertise to work with the architect during the design phase is called (_________)

A

Construction Management
This delivery method involves an owner who hires a construction manager to work with the architect to resolve construct-ability and cost issues during the design phase.

72
Q

Which of the following is not an advantage of the typical design/ build delivery method?
A. Facilities fast track construction
B. Provides a reliable project cost early in the process
C. The owner participates fully in the design process
D. The design/build firm provides a single source of responsibility for design and construction

A

C. The design/build entity is typically responsible for the design and construction of a project, based upon requirements established by the owner and issued in the request for proposal.

73
Q

An architect acts as an owner’s agent in which of the following situations?
I. As a member of a joint venture with a construction company
II. The design-award-build delivery method
III. The construction management delivery method
IV. The design/build delivery method

A. I and III
B. II and IV
C. II and III
D. I and IV

A

C. An architect acts as an agent for the owner in the design/award/build and the construction management delivery methods. An architect acts as a vendor responsible for the cost and construction of a project in a joint venture with a contractor and in the design/build delivery method

74
Q

Which of the following statements describes the primary purpose of a pre-bid conference?
A. Subcontractors deliver their sub bids to the general contractor
B. The general contractor meets with the owner to discuss project funding and budget.
C. The architect describes special aspects of the projects design or construction.
D. The architect issues all addenda to describe changes made since the bidding documents were issued.

A

C. A prebid conference is held to inform the bidders about unique circumstances of the project not readily apparent in the bid documents. Subcontractors submit bids just prior to the general contractor’s bids. An addendum may be issued at the conference, but subsequent addenda may be issued within several days of the bid date.

75
Q

On private construction projects, the owner may use which of the following methods to request proposals for the construction of an addition to the building?
I. Publish an advertisement for bids.
II. Send an invitation for bids to pre-qualified contractors.
III. Negotiate with a construction manager
IV. Call the contractor who built the original structure.

A. I only
B. II only
C. I, II, and IV
D. I, II, III, and IV

A

D. A private owner may choose any of the listed methods to request proposals. In general, competitive bidding among pre-qualified bidders results in the best combination of price and quality.

76
Q
Which of the following documents are part of the bidding documents? Check all that apply.
A. Drawings
B. Instructions to Bidders
C. Show drawings
D. Addenda
A

A, B, and D Shop drawings and submitted by the successful contractor after the construction contract has been awarded. Drawings and instructions to bidders are issued with the initial bid documents. Addenda are issued during the bid period and are considered part of the bid documents.

77
Q

Under normal competitive bidding using AIA documents, an owner may waive which of the following irregularities or informalities?
I. Late bids
II. Bids submitted on non-standard bid forms
III. Incomplete bids
IV. Omission of a required performance bond

A. I and II
B. II and III
C. I, II, and III
D. I, III, and IV

A

A. Late bids and non standard bid forms generally do not materially affect the outcome of competitive bidding and may be overlooked by a private owner. Incomplete bids make it impossible to determine the low bidder. Omission of a performance bond is an indication that the contractor is not capable of performing the work.

78
Q

Which of the following factors have NO effect on the ideal length of the bidding period?
A. Size of the project
B. Complexity of the project
C. Number of bidders
D. The distribution of documents to local plan rooms

A

C. The number of bidders generally has no effect on the length of the bid period, except when distribution of many sets bid documents to many bidders consumes excessive time. See pages 124 and 125

79
Q
If a bid security is required as part of a contractor's proposal, which of the following is the most appropriate form?
A. Performance bond
B. Binding covenant
C. Certified check
D. Indemnity agreement
A

C. See pages 137 and 138. A certified check is an acceptable form of bid security. A performance bond is an indication of the bidder’s ability to perform work. Covenants and indemnities afford some protection, but are not as liquid as a cashier’s check or a bid bond.

80
Q

Once a general contractor is determined to be the low bidder on a project, he or she is required to submit a list of the subcontractors and major suppliers proposed for the project. Which of the following statements about that list is INCORRECT?
A. It is for the owner’s and architects’ information only.
B. The owner may make reasonable objection
C. The architect may reasonably reject any of the listed subcontractors.
D. If any parties are submitted at the owner’s or architect’s request and additional cost result, the owner must pay the price increase or release the bidder without penalty.

A

A. See page 137 for list of subcontractors.

81
Q

According to the AIA Instructions to Bidders, bidding documents are issued to
A. general contractors only
B. general contractors and all sub bidders
C. general contractors and selected sub bidders
D. general contractors, sub bidders, and all major material suppliers.

A

A. Bidding documents are issued to general contractors only. Sub-bidders and material suppliers obtain the bid documents from and submit their bids to the general contractors.

82
Q
Which of the following is NOT included when totaling bids to determine the low bidder?
A. Deductive alternate
B. Unit prices
C. Base bid
D. Additive alternates
A

B. The lowest bid is the lowest total of the base bid and accepted additive and deductive alternates. Unit prices cannot be combined with the base bid and alternates to determine the low bidder

83
Q
Where a bidder is required to offer proposals including amounts to be added to or subtracted from the base bid for the addition or deletion of specific items of work, these proposals are known as
A. change in services
B. change orders
C. alternates
D. addenda
A

C. See the glossary for definitions of change in services, change orders, and addenda. The question defines alternates.

84
Q

AIA Document B141, the Owner Architect Agreement, gives the architect the right to do which of the following?
A. Determine construction techniques and procedures
B. Reject work not conforming the requirements of the contract documents
C. Stop work without written authorization from the owner
D. Have unlimited direct contract with subcontractors and material suppliers

A

B. Sub paragraph 2.6.2.5 of the AIA Owner-Architect Agreement specifically gives the architect the authority to reject work that does not conform to the contract documents.

85
Q
The architect's legal status in requesting the owner's interests during construction is defined in 
A. the Owner-Architect Agreement
B. the Owner-Contractor Agreement
C. The General Conditions
D. A and C
A

D. Article 2.6 of the AIA Owner-Architect Agreement describes the architect’s services during the construction phase. The AIA General Conditions is part of the contract documents between owner and contractor, but also establishes the architects’ rights and responsibilities for the contractor’s information.

86
Q

Professional liability coverage insures the architect against
A. claims arising out of any express warranties or guarantees to which the architect agreed.
B. claims arising because of the cost estimates being exceeded
C. professional negligence
D. intentionally wrongful acts

A

C. See pages 143 and 144

87
Q

Which of the following statements concerning mechanic’s lien laws is INCORRECT?
A. General contractors have lien rights.
B. Subcontractors have lien rights
C. Material suppliers have lien rights
D. Mechanic’s lien laws are uniform from state to state

A

D. See pages 144 to 146

88
Q

Which of the following actions may an owner take if a construction contract calls for a retainage? Check all that apply.
A. Use the money to pay for labor or materials if the contractor fails to make these payments
B. Use the money to pay for the correction of work performed improperly
C. Hold back money from the contractor at the owner’s discretion
D. Reduce or release the retainage entirely without the written permission of the surety company that issued the performance bond for the contractor

A

A and B
Retainage on progress payments to the contractor is intended for the owner’s protection against the contractor’s failure to pay subcontractors or to correct deficient work.

89
Q

AIA Document A201, the General Conditions, requires that, in order to receive final payment from the owner, the contractor must
A. submit to the architect an affidavit that all payrolls, bills, etc. connected with the work have been paid.
B. obtained consent of surety to final payment.
C. if required by the owner, submit other data establishing payment by furnishing receipts, releases, and waivers of lien arising out of the contract.
D. do all of the above

A

D. See sub paragraph 9.10.2

90
Q

A formal decision-making process where the decision is final and binding is called (____________)

A

Arbitration

91
Q

A bond involves which of the following parties?
I. The surety - the party that issues the bond
II. The principal - the contractor
III. The obligee - the owner
IV. The obligator - the architect

A. I, II, III, and IV
B. I, III, and IV
C. I, II, and III
D. II and IV

A

C. See page 148

92
Q

When a bid bond is furnished by the low bidder, who subsequently fails to enter into a contract with the owner at the price and on the terms stated in the bid
A. the surety is liable for the additional cost incurred by the owner to enter into another contract.
B. the owner must sue the low bidder for the additional costs.
C. the second lowest bidder pays the surety the difference in cost between his or her bid and the lowest bid
D. the owner and the contractor must enter into the arbitration to determine the extent of the penalty under the bond.

A

A. See page 149. Bid bonds are intended to protect the owner from a bidder who fails to sign a contract for the bid price. The owner can collect damages from the surety with greater certainty and expediency than by the other options listed.

93
Q
The amount of the performance bond is normally what percentage of the contract sum?
A. 75%
B. 50%
C. 66 2/3 %
D. 100%
A

D. A performance bond amount of less than 100% indicates that the surety does not believe the contractor can perform the work according to the surety’s standards. The surety may believe that the project is too bid for the contractor, or the contractor has too many commitments to other projects.

94
Q
Construction contracts normally require which of the following parties to carry liability insurance
I. The contractor
II. The owner
III. The architect
IV. The mortgage
V. The bonding company

A. I only
B. I and II
C. V only
D. I, II, III, IV and V

A

B. See 151 to 155

95
Q

Under which circumstances should the architect supervise construction?
A. Whenever possible
B. Never
C. Only if the contractor agrees to otherwise manage, direct and control the project.
D. Only if no one else is available for this task

A

B. Supervision of construction is excluded from an architect’s professional liability insurance.

96
Q
The owner must obtain the approval of which of the following parties if he or she wishes to occupy the work prior to substantial completion?
I. The contractor 
II. The architect
III. The insurance company
IV. The surety

A. I only
B. I and III
C. I, II, and III
D. III, and IV

A

B. See paragraph 9.9 of the AIA General Conditions

97
Q

The owner normally carries builder’s risk (or builder’s risk all risk) insurance because
A. it is required in the Owner-contractor agreement
B. it is required in the Owner-Architect agreement
C. no builder can be trusted entirely to perform all of the required work
D. title to construction work passes to the owner in increments as payments are made for each portion of work

A

D. See paragraph 11.4

98
Q
On a construction project, there is a disagreement as to whether a specified paint has been properly mixed to match the color sample submitted by the contractor. Who is responsible for interpreting the specifications and making a determination regarding the correct color?
A. The architect
B. The contractor
C. The owner
D. An arbitrator
A

A. Sub paragraphs 26.19 of the AIA Owner -Architects Agreement and 4.2.13 of the General Conditions