Construction

Types of construction projects

Traditional (General Contractor)

Separate contracts

Design-build

Turn-key

Fast track

Scope

Construction scheduling methods

Bar chart

CPM (critical path method)

Click here for example of Microsoft Project schedule

Click here for example of Primevera Sure-Trac schedule

Architect's role during construction

Owner's agent

Impartial judge of performance of both Owner and Contractor under terms of Construction Contract

Architect's normal tasks during construction

Organize and lead pre-construction meeting

Introduce of key members of teams

Click here for an example of a project team directory

Review status of contract

Request Performance and Labor and Material Payment Bond

Click here for an example of a Performance Bond

Request Certificate of Insurance and indemnifications.

Click here for example of Certificate of Insurance

Schedule weekly job meetings

Outline communication procedures

Request project schedule

Outline payment requests and payout procedures.

Click here for example of AIA G702 Application and Certificate for Payment form

Click here for example of AIA G703 Continuation Sheet

Discuss location for temporary office, water, power, lighting, telephone, sewer & toilet facilities

Discuss working hours

Discuss deliveries and storage

Discuss safety of the public

Cold weather protection

Request submittal schedule

Discuss substitution proceedures

Discuss submittal procedures

Note special items for early submittal:

Brick or stone samples

Custom metal color samples

Door shop drawings

Hardware Schedule

Windows, shop drawings & custom color samples

Millwork shop drawings

Color stain samples for millwork, doors, and trim

Furniture & Equipment submittals

Ductwork shop drawings

Light fixture sample

Note known long lead items: special shaped corner bricks, doors, hardware, windows, glass, light fixtures.

Schedule pre-construction meetings on special work:

Masonry

Roofing

Ceramic tile

Discuss change order procedures

Click here for sample of AIA G701 Change Order form

Explain final inspection and job close-out procedures

Click here for sample of AIA G704 Certificate of Substantial Completion form

Organize and lead regular job meetings and write and distribute job meeting memoranda

Provide supplemental information on construction documents to Contractor in response to contractor's Requests for Information (RFI)

Interpret and enforce Contract Documents

Periodically observe progress of construction and write field observation memoranda

Click here for an example of a Periodic Observation Report Checklist

Review work for compliance with Contract Documents on a regular basis

How often to inspect -- "periodically" usually interpreted as once a week

Construction "means and methods"

"Stopping the work"

Who to talk to if you see a problem on the job site

Field observation memoranda and records

Click here for an example of a field report

Request and evaluate changes

Click here for an example of AIA G710 Architect's Supplemental Instructions form

Click here for an example of AIA G714 Construction Change Directive form

Click here for an example of AIA G709 Work Changes Proposal Request form

Click here for sample of AIA G701 Change Order form

"Keep a civil tongue"

Construction team morale - contractors like to hear nice things about their work

Monitoring time schedules: using gentle persuasion

Requiring completed work to be uncovered to inspect

Requiring work to be taken down or redone

Trade jurisdiction (union) disputes

Coordinating with other inspectors (city, bank, state, user, OSHA)

Safety measures on the job site

Cleanliness on the job site

Organize and monitor Owner's testing program for concrete, soils, steel, fasteners, etc.

Review and certify pay requests from general contractor

Click here for example of AIA G702 Application and Certificate for Payment form

Click here for example of AIA G703 Continuation Sheet

Review partial release of liens from general contractor, subcontractors, and major material suppliers

Click here for example of partial waiver of lien

Monitor Contractor-prepared construction schedule

Review shop drawings, samples, mock-ups, technical literature and other submittals from Contractor

Click here for example of Submittal Log

Prepare drawings and all other necessary information for change orders as required

Make final inspection and prepare punch list

Click here for example of a Punch List

Certify Final Request for Payment from Contractor

Receive and check final waivers of lien from Contractor, Subcontractors and Material Suppliers

Prepare documents for final acceptance and close-out

Post-construction occupancy evaluation

 

Commissioning

Preparing the building for occupancy

Details of occupancy

Testing

Keying of locks

Telephone extensions