ARE 5.0 - Construction & Evaluation - Questions

Which party is responsible for the costs associated with special inspections required by the IBC? (A) contractor (B) architect or design professional (C) code official (D) owner

(D) owner

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 days

(A) 0-3 days 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 Concrete continues to gain strength after 28 days, but for the purpose of design strengths and testing, the compressive strength of concrete is always referred to as its strength 28 days after it is placed

During the construction of a multi-tenant retail project, one potential tenant requests the addition of 500 ft2 of space. Not wanting to lose the potential tenant, the owner agrees and directs the architect to make the changes. The owner and contractor are unable to agree on the cost and time-frame for the change. What should the architect do? (A) Issue a construction change directive (B) Prepare a change order for the contractor to approve (C) Revise the contract (D) Change the shop drawings

(A) Issue a construction change directive A change order allows a change that affects the project time or cost to be made. In this case, the owner does not want to revise the contract. The architect has no authority to revise the contract between the owner and the contractor. The architect may not make changes to shop drawings, especially if they were reviewed and approved before the change to the construction documents occurs The architect may issue a construction change directive to order a change in construction before the owner and contractor agree on cost or time-frame adjustments. As such, the owner can order the change without revising the contract, and the work can continue. The directive must be signed by the owner and the architect. The costs and schedule are determined after the directive is issued.

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 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

(A) Refuse to accept the bid, stating that the deadline has passed AIA A701 requires that bids be deposited at the designated location 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

An architect is working on a small retail project in a city that has adopted the IBC. The owner's agreement with the contractor includes AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. During a site visit, the architect discovers that an exterior exit door has been installed backwards, so that the door swings in. The door is shown swinging out on the drawings. Which of the following is an appropriate response from the architect (A) Reject the work and instruct the contractor to comply with the requirements of the construction documents (B) Revise the drawing and send it to the code official with an addendum to the approved documents stating that the door is no longer an exit door (C) Advise the owners that they may choose to accept the nonconforming work and leave the door in place in exchange for a credit from the contractor (D) Instruct the contractor to remove the existing door and frame, and order a new door and frame

(A) Reject the work and instruct the contractor to comply with the requirements of the construction documents The architect is obligated to abide by applicable building codes and laws, and this incorrect installation violates the IBC requirements.

A project is being completed under the provisions of AIA B101-SP, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, for Use on a Sustainable Project. When this agreement is used, which aspect of determining construction progress differs from the terms of AIA B101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect? (A) The architect must notify the owner of any deviation from the contract documents that could affect the project's sustainability (B) The contractor is required to include specific steps that will be taken to achieve sustainability goals in the overall project schedule (C) The architect must make additional site visits to verify the contractor's compliance with the project schedule (D) The owner must list individual sustainability issues for the architect to verify during site visits

(A) The architect must notify the owner of any deviation from the contract documents that could affect the project's sustainability

When the owner wants to make sure some amount of money is included in the bid for a particular item before the exact specification for the item is known, the architect should use a(n) (A) allowance (B) add alternate (C) material bond (D) unit price

(A) allowance When the owner wants to make sure some amount of money is included in the bid before the exact amount of the item is known, the architect should use an allowance. For example, the contractor may be asked to include a $10,000 allowance on a residential project for kitchen appliances. This gives the architect and owner the opportunity to choose the appliances at a later date. If the cost of the selected appliances exceeds the allowance, the contractor is owed the difference. Alternates are used to require the contractor to provide a price for a defined scope of work that varies from the base bid scope of work. Alternates can either "add" or "deduct" depending on the change to the contract amount The owner may require the contractor to present a material bond. This bod ensures that subcontractors or suppliers will be paid by the surety if the contractor fails to compensate them, and it helps protect the owner from liens A unit price is a way to obtain a price commitment from a contractor on a portion of work before the total quantity of the work is known

A punch list is created and maintained by the (A) architect (B) authority having jurisdiction (C) contractor (D) owner

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

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

(A) architect and owner AIA A201, Sec. 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

If too much water is included in a concrete mix, which of the following problems might develop? (A) laitance (B) efflorescence (C) hydration (D) segregation

(A) laitance Laitance is a surface deposit of low-strength material containing cement and fine aggregates (sand) brought to the surface of concrete. It is caused by having too much water in the concrete mix, which results in water bleeding to the top Effloresence is a white, crystalline deposit of water-soluble salts on the surface of masonry and sometimes concrete. It is caused when water seeps into the masonry and dissolves soluble salts, which are brought to the surface. When the water evaporates, the salts are left on the surface Hydration is simply the chemical process of the hardening of concrete when water mixes with cement. Segregation is the separation of the constituent parts of the concrete when the concrete is either dropped too far or moved excessively in the horizontal direction while it is being placed

A client has asked the architect to help review information submitted by contractors on AIA A305, Contractor's Qualification Statement. Which of the following characteristics is the least indicative of the contractor's ability to complete the project successfully? (A) number of people on the contractor's in-house staff (B) financial qualifications and bonding capacity (C) experience with similar project types (D) history of finishing projects on time and budget

(A) number of people on the contractor's in-house staff The size of the contractor's in-house staff is not necessarily indicative of the firm's capabilities because the contractor may subcontract portions of the work

Addenda are 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

(A) prior to receipt of bids 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 forms ask bidders to acknowledge receipt of any addenda to help ensure that all bids are based on the same information

An amount of money withheld from each application for payment is known as (A) retainage (B) deduction (C) overhead (D) liquidated damages

(A) retainage Retainage is a percentage of the contract sum held back from applications for payment, usually around 10%. The money is paid to the contractor when the project has been completed satisfactorily; in the meantime, the retainage gives the owner leverage to ensure that the work is completed on time and in accordance with the construction documents. Retainage also helps to protect the owner against lien claims by ensuring that the owner has funds available to pay for materials or labor should the contractor fail to pay for them. Before retainage is released or decreased, the surety company that provided the contractor's performance bond should give written consent to the payment

A contractor installs drywall before the owner's audio visual system installer has an opportunity to visit the site to review the framing. After inspection on site, the installer contacts the architect and expresses concern that the blocking has not been installed at the correct locations to support the television mounts in a conference room. The required blocking locations and sizes are shown on the contract documents. The architect requests that the drywall be removed in these areas to confirm the concealed construction before the televisions are installed. When the drywall is removed, the architect finds that the blocking has been installed in the correct locations, but it is not the size shown on the drawings and it is inadequate to support the weight of the audiovisual equipment. Who is responsible for the cost of uncovering this concealed work and repairing the wall? (A) the contractor (B) the owner (C) the audiovisual system installer (D) the architect

(A) the contractor If the architect requested that the work be removed and the concealed work is correct, the owner is responsible for the cost of this additional work. However, the contractor is responsible for the cost of uncovering and correcting any work that does not comply with the construction documents

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

(A) the use of prefabricated elements Inclement weather can have 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

How should communication between the contractor and design consultants be conducted during the construction phase? (A) through the architect (B) through the owner (C) through the owner and the architect (D) directly between the contractor and the design consultants

(A) through the architect During construction observation, definite lines of communication among the parties are established by A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. During this time communication between the contractor and the architect's design consultants proceed through the architect

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

(A) typically made three to six months after occupancy 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. It is most often performed at the architect's expense for the benefit of the architectural firm

The architect is reviewing a critical path method (CPM) 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

(A) will be about 40 weeks 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; it does not influence the critical path time interval

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 acceptable subcontractors (E) bid forms (F) the date, time, and location at which bids are due

(A), (B), (C), (F) Advertisement to bid includes the following items + a name, location, and description of the project + the name and address of the owner and architect + instruction for obtaining a set of bidding documents and/or locations where bid documents may be viewed + the date, time, and location of the pre-bid conference if scheduled + 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 to bid

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) certification 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

(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 at 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

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

(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, 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 facilities performance, within one year of substantial completion

Which of the following are included in the bidding documents? (Choose the four that apply.) (A) specifications (B) invitation to bid (C) owner-architect agreement (D) owner contractor agreement (E) performance bond requirements (F) change orders

(A), (B), (D), (E) The owner-architect agreement and any change orders are not included in the bidding documents. The project specifications, the invitation to bid, a sample copy of the owner-contractor agreement, and performance bond requirements would be provided to bidders

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 building 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

(A), (B), (D), (F) 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 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).

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, ventilating, 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 syndrom (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

(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. Insufficient or contaminated outdoor air entering the building 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 an exhaust, parking, or trash collection area.

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 idea 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

(A), (B), (E), (F) In certifying applications for payment, it is the architect's responsibility to protect the interest 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 and are being stored appropriately will be adequate documentation to certify the pay application

According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, the architect's duties when processing the contractor's application for payment include which of the following? (Choose the four that apply.) (A) comparing work done and materials stored to the contractor's schedule of values (B) making an exhaustive on-site inspection to verify that work has been completed properly (C) approving a certificate for payment if the architect feels the contractor is due payment in the amount stated (D) using information gathered during previous site visits to determine that the work is in accordance with the contract documents (E) verifying that subcontractors have been paid from funds dispersed via previous pay applications (F) determining that the amount of retainage is appropriate to the stage of construction

(A), (C), (D), (F) AIA A201, Sec. 9.4.2, specifically states that the issuance of a certificate for payment is not a representation that the architect has (1) made exhaustive or continuous on-site inspections, (2) reviewed construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, or procedures, (3) reviewed copies of requisitions received from subcontractors and other data, or (4) made examination to ascertain how or for what purpose the contractor has used money previously paid

During construction, the contractor asks the architect to allow the installation of a different floor tile than originally specified because the proposed new tile can be delivered faster. According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, which of the following statements are true about this request? (Choose the four that apply.) (A) The owner's consent is required to allow this change to be made (B) The tile, if approved, will not be covered by warranty (C) The substitution muse be made with a change order (D) The architect must evaluate the request and determine that the material is equal to that originally specified (E) A change order would be issued if the cost of the new tile is greater than the cost of the specified tile (F) The contractor is responsible for any additional cost associated with the change

(A), (C), (D), and (F) AIA A201, Sec 3.4.2, states that the contractor may make substitutions only with the owner's consent, after evaluation by the architect and in accordance with a change order or construction change directive. The substitution will be covered by warranty. In this case, the substitution is being made for the contractor's convenience. If an adjustment to the cost is necessary, it will be made by change order

Which of the following affects a subcontractor's proposed price? (Choose the four that apply.) (A) number of times that equipment must be mobilized (B) types of tools needed to build a project (C) number of workers needed to complete the work (D) stage of the project at which the subcontractor will be on site (E) scope of work and quantity of materials required (F) insurance and bonding requirements

(A), (C), (E), (F) The stage of the project at which the subcontractor will perform the work would not determine the price of the work. The types of tools needed to complete the job may, under some circumstances, have some bearing on cost if they must be purchased or rented, but normally a subcontractor would have access to the tools required for the trade. A subcontractor would be most interested in the number of times equipment must be brought to a job site, the size of the workforce and the skills that will be required, and the owner's requirements for insurance and bonding because all of these have cost implications

At the completion of a project, what is the architect required to provide to the owner? (Choose the three that apply.) (A) final certificate of payment (B) occupancy permit (C) consent of surety to release retainage and lien and bond wavers (D) warranty that the construction complies with all applicable codes (E) insurance coverage transfer from the architect to the owner (F) inspection

(A), (C), (F) Architects do not issue occupancy permits; these permits are authorized by the code official in the project jurisdiction. The architect is not responsible for property insurance on the project, therefore, the architect cannot be responsible to transferring this insurance to another party AIA B101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, Sec 3.6.6, deals with project completion. (A) The architect must also prepare a final certificate for payment (C) The architect must also obtain from the contractor and forward to the owner any written warranties required by the contract documents, consent of the surety to release retainage and make the final payment, and releases or waivers of liens or bonds indemnifying the owner against liens. (F) The architect must perform an inspection to determine the date of substantial completion and final completion.

Which of the following statements are true? (Choose the three that apply.) (A) Shop drawings are usually more detailed than other project drawings (B) Shop drawings are usually less detailed than other project drawings (C) Shop drawings may be prepared by the general contractor only (D) Shop drawings may be prepared by suppliers and subcontractors (E) Shop drawings are reviewed by the architect and the general contractor (F) Shop drawings are prepared by the structural engineer

(A), (D), (E) Shop drawings are usually more detailed than other project drawings because they include information specific to the manufacturer's proposed system.

Which of the following hazardous materials may be found in insulation products? (Choose the two that apply.) (A) asbestos (B) lead (C) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (D) radon (E) crystalline silica (F) glass fiber

(A), (F) Asbestos and glass fiber have been common components of insulation products. Asbestos was banned in the 1980s when it was determined that exposure to disturbed material causes cancer and related respiratory diseases. It can still be found in old buildings in wall and pipe insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, and equipment. Glass fiber requires special handling procedures to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, such as protective clothing, respirators, and eye protection to keep the fibers away from the body. Prolonged unprotected exposure to glass fiber can irritate the skin and respiratory tract; it is undetermined if the material can cause cancer

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 area. 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

(B) Issue a proposal to the owner for additional design services, and notify the contractor of the pending change 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 his 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

During the punch list inspection, the architect notices several items that are not completed and that will make it impossible for the client to occupy the space. According to A201, General Conditions of the Contractor 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 will 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

(B) Notify the contractor that there are unfinished items that must be finished before the project will be determined substantially complete A201, Sec 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 the 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 a designated portion thereof for its intended use. This must happen before the architect can issue a certificate of substantial completion

Which of the following is most likely to be included in an informational submittal? (A) shop drawings of a storefront window assembly (B) Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for trowel-on block filler (C) vinyl wall samples (D) cut sheets for a paper towel dispenser

(B) Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for trowel-on block filler Shop drawings, samples, and cut sheets are examples of action submittals, which must be reviewed and approved by the architect before the work can proceed. Submittals are addressed in both AIA B101, Sec 3.6.4, and A201, Sec 3.12. Administrative procedures regarding submittals should be defined in Division 01 of the specifications

Five general contractors are invited to bid on a small office renovation project. The drawings are mailed to the bidders at the beginning of June, with bids due on July 2. The documents state that bidders are to list a unit price per square yard for providing and installing carpet. In the meantime, the owner decides to choose and order carpet through a local flooring distributor and provide it to the contractor to install. The architect issues an addendum to this effect on June 22, requesting that bidders delete the unit price and include installation of the carpet in their bids. Upon receipt of the addendum, one of the prospective bidders calls the architect and says that he has already delivered his bid to the owner's office. How should the architect respond? (A) Ask the contractor the amount he wishes to add to or deduct from the price and adjust the bid after the opening. (B) Tell the contractor to retrieve the bid from the owner, correct it to reflect receipt of the addendum and the revised price, and resubmit it to the owner (C) Require the contractor to submit another bid (D) Explain that the bid will not be considered valid without acknowledgment of receipt of the addendum

(B) Tell the contractor to retrieve the bid from the owner, correct it to reflect receipt of the addendum and the revised price, and resubmit it to the owner The architect should not interfere with the bidding process by modifying the bid in any way

According to AIA B101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, which of the following statements regarding construction observations is correct? (A) The architect visits the job site only at the beginning and end of construction (B) The architect issues an observation report to the owner after each visit (C) The architect is responsible for confirming that safety equipment is used (D) The architect creates a list of items that have been found incomplete

(B) The architect issues an observation report to the owner after each visit Construction evaluation services are not required by B101. The architect is not restricted from visiting the job site. The architect determines the frequency and time of visits to the job site depending on the complexity of the job. The observation allows the architect to determine work progress and monitor construction quality. Creating an observation report for the owner alerts the owner to deficiencies or quality issues that may be of concern. The owner reviews these concerns with the contractors

Which statement describes the architect's responsibility relative to the project schedule? (A) The architect approves the schedule prepared by the general contractor (B) The architect monitors the progress of the work against the project schedule prepared by the contractor (C) The architect enforces the schedule (D) The architect develops the schedule for the project

(B) The architect monitors the progress of the work against the project schedule prepared by the contractor The architect is not responsible for developing, approving, or enforcing the project schedule The architect's responsibility regarding the schedule is to periodically evaluate the progress of the work in comparison to the contractor's stated schedule, and to inform the owner if any deviations from the schedule are identified

A contractor submits the following verbiage on a bid form: "Seven hundred fifty-six thousand, four hundred fifty-two dollars 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

(B) The bid is $756,452 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

Just before construction is to begin on an office building, an architect receives a request from the owner to add a loading dock to the building. The additional work will extend the construction time by three months and will cost an additional $500,000. Who must approve the change order(s)? (A) The owner must approve a change order issued by the architect (B) The owner must approve a change order issued by the architect and signed by the contractor (C) The owner and contractor must approve a change order issued by the architect (D) The contractor must approve change orders issued by the architect and owner

(B) The owner must approve a change order issued by the architect and signed by the contractor A change order addresses modifications to the project that affect price, time, or both. In this case, the change is requested by the owner. A proposal for the work would be solicited from the contractor, and when the owner and the contractor agree on a price, the architect would issue a change order. The change order must also be signed by the owner, contractor, and architect in order for the changes to be incorporated into the contract

During a site visit, the architect observes the installation of unapproved materials that were not originally specified. Before work can be stopped under the provisions of A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, what must occur? (A) The contractor must provide documentation that the materials installed are equal to those specified (B) The owner must issue a written order to the contractor to stop the work (C) the architect must give written notice of intent to stop the work and wait seven days before shutting down the job (D) The architect must issue a stop work order

(B) The owner must issue a written order to the contractor to stop the work AIA A201, Article 3.4, states that the contractor may make substitutions only with the consent of the owner, after evaluation by the architect and with a change order. Only the owner has the right to stop the work, according to the provisions of AIA A201, Sec. 2.3. The owner may stop the work if the contractor fails to correct work that is not in accordance with the requirements of the contract documents or if the contractor repeatedly fails to carry out work in accordance with the contract documents

Which of the following is used to formally incorporate a substitution into the work prior to award of the contract? (A) change order (B) addendum (C) alternate listing (D) construction change directive

(B) addendum Change orders and construction change directives modify the original contract documents after the contract is awarded. An alternate listing is simply the list of alternates that the contractor must include in the bid. Addenda are used to make changes to the contract documents after they are issued for bidding but before the contract is awarded

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

(B) architect must approve the contractor's proposed schedule of submittals Although the contractor must submit a construction schedule for the architect's review, the architect need not approve it. The contractor bears the responsibility for coordinating and scheduling the work Record drawings may be required of the contractor by the specifications, but A201 does not include this requirement. (Record drawings are 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 A201, Sec 3.10.2, the architect must approve the contract'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 on the architect's review, and for the architect to approve the submittal without delaying the progress of the work

The limits of excavation and the building footprint are located by a surveyor and marked on the sate using (A) grade stakes (B) batter boards (C) corner pins (D) a transit

(B) batter boards 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 elevations of 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 handheld 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. Batter boards are set back from the excavation line and are preferred to corner stakes or pins placed at the corners of a structure as they will not be disturbed during construction operations

Which of the following devices is used to depressurize a space to test for air infiltration? (A) nanometer (B) blower door (C) flow hood (D) duct blower

(B) blower door A nanometer measures differences in pressure between two spaces A flow hood is placed over a register or diffuser to measure output A duct blower is a fan attached directly to the ductwork to check for leaks A blower door is a fan that can be mounted in a door frame. It is used to pressurize or depressurize a building to measure air infiltration or leakage

A pressure test on plumbing supply piping required by the specifications reveals a leak in the system. According to AIA A201, the responsibility for fixing the leak and paying for the follow-up test rests with the (A) owner (B) contractor (C) plumbing subcontractor (D) owner and contractor jointly

(B) contractor A201, Sec. 13.5.3, requires the contractor to be responsible for all costs made necessary by failures, including costs of repeated tests

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 properly installed. Who is responsible for paying 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

(B) owner 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 would be responsible for the cost of uncovering and repairing the work

An architect suspects that blocking has been installed in the wrong location and asks that 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 paying 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

(B) owner 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

The architect has the authority to (A) stop work (B) reject work that does not comply with the construction documents (C) order changes to the work that deduct from the contract sum (D) accept nonconforming work

(B) reject work that does not comply with the construction documents AIA B101, Sec 3.6.2.2, gives the architect the authority to reject work that is not in compliance with the construction documents. To determine whether work is in compliance, the architect may require third-party testing or sampling. AIA A201, Sec 4.2.6, notifies the contractor of this authority

Bid documents for an elementary school indicate an area of exterior concrete paving with an indeterminate limit because the owner has not made a final decision concerning the amount of paved area required. In order to compare bid prices fairly for the paving, the architect may request on the bid form that the contractors include (A) individual quotes (B) unit prices (C) fixed costs (D) contingencies

(B) unit prices Unit prices are requested on bid forms when the full extent of the work is unknown, but the type, materials, and quality of work can be defined. A unit price is a set price quote, established by a contractor during bidding, for a specified amount of the work. The unit price is based on cost per unit of measurement, such as square foot, or linear foot, or on individual units, such as a light fixture

The contractor is 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

(B), (C) Field reports are the responsibility of the architect Scaffolding is part of the means of construction, which is the contractor's responsibility AIA 201 makes the contractor responsible for arranging and coordinating field tests 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 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 contractor is not responsible for code review of contract documents

According to AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction, which of the following methods may be used to make changes in the work once construction has started? (Choose the three that apply.) (A) work modification form (B) order for minor change in the work (C) change order (D) construction change directive (E) addendum (F) verbal directive

(B), (C), (D) A work modification form or verbal instructions given by the architect are not acceptable ways to change the scope of the work. An addendum is used to make changes to the contract documents during the bidding period According to AIA 201, Article 7, changes in the work can be made by change order, construction change directive, or order for a minor change in the work without invalidating the contract, subject to limitations in the article and elsewhere in teh contract documents

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 dimensions and quantities (C) Submittals are not considered part of the contract documents (D) The contractor can reject submittals and request resubmittal by their 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

(B), (C), (D) The submittals process allows the architect to verify that the materials the contractor will provide comply with the requirements outlined 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 on to the architect. The submittals received from the contractor are not considered a part of the contract documents

The architect's submittal review includes which of the following? (Choose the four that apply.) (A) verification or correction of dimensions (B) notation of action taken (C) date of receipt of the submittal (D) determination if the submittal should be reviewed by consultants (E) verification that the contractor should be reviewed by consultants (F) notes that require the contractor to provide something other than that described in the specifications

(B), (C), (D), (E) The architect's submittal review may not change the scope of the work as defined in the contract documents, and it does not include verification or correction of dimensions. If changes to the scope are necessary, they should be made through change order or construction change directive. The contractor is responsible for accuracy and verification of all dimensions The architect's submittal review would include notation of action taken, tracking of the date of receipt and distribution of the submittal, determination if the submittal should be reviewed by a consultant, and if so, coordination of this review and verification that the contractor reviewed the submittal before submitting it to the architect

Which of these statements regarding building officials is correct? (A) If a building should collapse, the building official could be held personally liable for failing to properly inspect the structure whether or not the official acted in good faith (B) A building official must obtain a court order to enter a building if the official believes that the building is not in compliance with the code or is unsafe (C) The interpretation of the building official having jurisdiction becomes the final decision (D) A user may occupy a property before the building official has completed a final inspection and issued a certificate of occupancy

(C) The interpretation of the building official having jurisdiction becomes the final decision IBC Sec 104 outlines the duties and powers of the building official. This person is responsible for interpreting the code and inspecting projects for compliance with its policies and procedures. The final decision on matters of interpretation of code requirements is the building official's.

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 liquidation damages per day, and the architect suspects that work will not be completed by the deadline; not enough unpaid funds remain to cover the liquidation 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

(B), (C), (D), (F) A201, Sec 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 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.

Which of the following members of the building team participate in the building commissioning process? (Choose the four that apply.) (A) civil engineer (B) electrical engineer (C) elevator engineer (D) interior designer (E) owner (F) mechanical engineer

(B), (C), (E), (F) The civil engineer and the interior designer typically would not participate in the building commissioning process because they do not have direct involvement in the design or operation of the building systems

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 the three that apply.) (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 jobsite (E) a loss covered by insurance (F) the termination of the contract for cause

(B), (C), (F) 2007 AIA A201 introduced the role of the 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 + Emergencies + Losses covered by insurance

A specification calls for a window assembly with glazing that meets the following performance criteria + Transmittance + Reflectance + NFRC U-Factor + Shading Coefficient (SC) + Relative Heat Gain + Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) + Light to Solar Gain (LSG) Which performance criteria should be evaluated to determine whether or not the submitted glazing product meets International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements for fenestration? (Choose the two that apply.) (A) total solar energy transmittance (B) NFRC U-factor (C) relative heat gain (D) solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) (E) visible light transmittance (F) shading coefficient (SC)

(B), (D) The IECC establishes performance and area requirements for window and door assemblies. The allowable properties are dependent upon the geographic location of the building (climate zones 1-7 in the United States), the orientation of the assembly (vertical windows and doors or horizontal skylights), and whether the element is fixed or operable. The two criteria cited in the IECC prescriptive fenestration requirements are U-factor and SHGC. U-factor is the coefficient of heat transmittance. The lower the U-value is, the better the insulating performance of the glazing. SHGC is a measurement of how much radiation is admitted through a window. A window assembly with a high SHGC transmits more solar heat than an assembly with a low SHGC The National Fenestration Rating Council is a third-party testing organization that verifies manufacturers' claims and provides a label stating the window assembly's U-factor and SHGC. The label may also include information on the assembly's performance in visible transmittance and air leakage tests

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 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

(C) $28,000 ($22,250 * 1.20) * 1.05 = $28,000 The owner should also receive proper credit for the deletion of porcelain tile, including labor, materials, and overhead and profit. This is not part of the calculation in this problem, however.

At what temperature do workers need to take steps to protect concrete when cold weather is predicted? (A) 0 F (B) 32 F (C) 40 F (D) 45 F

(C) 40 F A concrete pour can proceed at temperatures below 40 F. However, the water and sand must be heated to ensure that non of the constituents have frozen, and the concrete must be heated for at least seven days after placement, during the early curing stages Other temperature-sensitive materials, such as sealants, should not be applied when the temperature is below 40 F

A small private college is planning to renovate the locker rooms in the campus fitness center. The work must take place during a three-week semester break. The bids have been received and a construction contract has been awarded. A moth before the end of the fall semester, the existing water heater fails and leaves the showers without hot water. The contractor who is on-board for the renovation project is finishing another project with a tight deadline and does not have staff available to address the problem at the fitness center. The college must repair the water heater immediately, so they hire an independent mechanical contractor to replace the unit with the water heater that was specified for the new project. How should this change to the scope of work of the renovation project be addressed? (A) Prepare an addendum deleting the water heater replacement from the scope of the renovation contractor's work (B) Charge the renovation contractor for the water heater replacement materials and labor because they were unavailable to perform the repair (C) Adjust the renovation contractor's contract scope and amount by change order (D) Revise the documents and rebid the project

(C) Adjust the renovation contractor's contract scope and amount by change order

An architect has been hired by a design-build firm under the provisions of AIA B143, Standard Form of Agreement between Design-Builder and Architect. In AIA B143, Article 3, which defines the architect's services, only two tasks have been selected: to complete the design documents and to complete the construction documents. The design-build firm has contracted with the owner to complete the work based on the cost of the work plus a fee, with a guaranteed maximum price. According to the terms of this agreement, what is the architect's obligation to estimate and adjust overall project costs? (A) Provide an estimate for the architect's portion of the work, which includes the building design only (B) Adjust the project size, quality, or budget if the preliminary cost estimate exceeds the budget (C) Develop the design and construction documents with cost input from the design-builder (D) Make reasonable adjustments in the scope of the project to adjust the cost of the work

(C) Develop the design and construction documents with cost input from the design-builder In B143, Sec. 3.2, the architect and design-builder can agree to have the architect provide as few or as many services as are indicated. If evaluation and estimating services are not selected, the architect is only obligated to base the design on the design-build documents, other criteria provided by the design-builder, the proposed project schedule, and the budget for the architect's portion of the work. If the design-builder's estimate exceeds the budget for the architect's portion of the work, the architect may request additional compensation for the revisions to the documents required to bring the project within the budget

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

(C) Open bidding may allow an inexperienced contractor to be awarded a job if the firm submits the lowest price 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

A cabinetry subcontractor drops off a box of countertop material and hardware samples at an architect's office with a transmittal requesting selections by the end of the week. What should the architect do with the materials? (A) Review the options and call the subcontractor with the selections (B) Review the options, make selections, and inform the contractor in writing of the choices (C) Send the samples back to the subcontractor (D) Send the samples to the contractor

(C) Send the samples back to the subcontractor The architect should return the samples to the subcontractor without reviewing them, The subcontractor should first submit them to the contractor for review for compliance with the construction documents, in accordance with AIA A201, Sec 3.12.5 and Sec 3.12.6. The contractor may then submit them to the architect for review and selections

An architect completes the drawings for a window replacement project at a private elementary school. The scope of the work includes replacement of all the operable windows in the classrooms. After the project is awarded and a contractor is signed to do the job, the school's facilities department determines that additional money is available to replace the aluminum storefront at the main entrance to the school. The existing entrance does not comply with current accessibility requirements or security guidelines and cannot be replaced in kind. The school board requests that this work be included in the construction contract. Which one of the following statements is true? (A) The additional work for the aluminum storefront will be incorporated into the contractor's contract through an addendum (B) The architect must provide, at no additional cost to the owner, the information necessary for the contractor to prepare a proposal (C) The additional work for the aluminum storefront will be incorporated into the construction contract through a change order (D) The architectural fees for additional design and coordination will be incorporated into the construction change order and paid by the contractor

(C) The additional work for the aluminum storefront will be incorporated into the construction contract through a change order

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 B101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect, these visits must 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 in the agreement as additional services

(C) as appropriate to the stage of the contractor's operations Site visits are part of the basic services of contract administration, but no specific time interval for them is given in the contract. AIA 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 architect

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 must 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

(C) as appropriate to the stage of the contractor's operations 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 architect

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 manor change (B) addendum (C) change order (D) construction change directive

(C) change order 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 the owner and contractor might disagree with the cost of additional exit signs and a constructive 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

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

(C) contractor 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

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 alternates (B) allowances (C) deduct alternates (D) reduction

(C) deduct alternates 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

During a hotel construction project in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, a hurricane slams into the coast, leveling a building that was framed one week prior. Which type of clause permits the contractor to request a change to the contract time or contract sum due to the damage? (A) indemnification (B) joinder (C) force majeure (D) named peril

(C) force majeure Force majeure means "greater force" and is used to describe situations where damages or delays are caused by forces beyond the control of either party to a contract.

One nondestructive test used to measure the strength of concrete after it has hardened in its final form is the (A) core cylinder test (B) cylinder test (C) impact hammer test (D) Kelly ball test

(C) impact hammer test The impact hammer test involves snapping a spring-loaded plunger against a concrete surface and measuring the amount of rebound. The amount of rebound gives an approximate reading of concrete strength A cylinder test requires that a sample be taken at the time concrete has poured, before it has hardened. A core cylinder test can give the strength of hardened concrete, but the test is destructive to the concrete, and the sample needs to be tested in a laboratory. Both the core cylinder test and the Kelly ball test require the use of fresh concrete

Procedures a bidder must follow to propose a substitution will be found in the (A) advertisement to bid (B) "front-end" of the specifications (Division 01) (C) instructions to bidders (D) general conditions

(C) instructions to bidders The procedure a contractor must follow to proposes a substitution during bidding is defined in the instructions to bidders. The advertisement to bid simply states that bidding is being accepted for a particular project and gives information about how to view the project documents and submit a bid After the contract is awarded, if the contractor wishes to propose a substitution, he or she must consult the instructions in the general requirements of the specifications. (These instructions, in Division 01, are sometimes referred to as front-end documents.)

Which of the following would be specified in the construction documents? (A) height of a bottom-dump bucket above the forms as the concrete is being placed (B) type of vibration being used to consolidate the concrete after it has been poured (C) location of the rebar in relation to the forms (D) method of support for the forms

(C) location of the rebar in relation to the forms The contractor is responsible for construction means and methods, which would include construction and support of the formwork, the type of equipment used during placement of the concrete, and the practices employed during placement of the concrete. The size, configuration, and location of the reinforcing bars would be detailed in the construction documents

Which of the following variables has the greatest impact on a bid? (A) contractor's profit margin (B) influences of the construction marketplace (C) number of prices received from subcontractors (D) subcontract bids

(C) number of prices received from subcontractors Labor and materials, by far, have the biggest influence on the cost of a job because they represent about 80% of the cost. Labor and materials costs influence the amount of subcontractors' bids. Profit tends to be based on a percentage of the total project construction cost, and market influences do not have as great an effect on overall costs as the raw costs of the labor and materials required to construct the project

A developer from New York owns a large piece of property along the James River in Virginia and plans to construct a retirement community and golf course. This is an area where there are many pockets of unstable shrink/swell soil, so the architect advises the owner to hire a geotechnical engineer to conduct testing and prepare a soils report for the property. The developer bids construction of the clubhouse and provides a copy of the soils report to each of the bidders along with the contract documents. The low bidder and the developer reach and agreement based upon AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Three weeks into the site excavation, the contractor finds areas of shrink/swell soil in locations not indicated in the soils report. The cost of additional excavation and/or foundation design and reinforcement is the responsibility of the (A) contractor (B) geotechnical engineer (C) owner (D) architect

(C) owner AIA A201, Sec 3.7.4, addresses concealed or unknown conditions on the site, including subsurface characteristics. The contractor's responsibility in this situation is to inform the architect and owner about the conditions observed within 21 days of discovery. The architect will investigate the conditions and report their findings to the owner. The owner will decide how to proceed. If adjustment to the contract sum or contract time is necessary because of the discovery, the scope of work may be adjusted through a change order addressing the unforeseen conditions

The final responsibility for awarding a construction contract rests with the (A) architect (B) construction manager (C) owner (D) owner's legal counsel

(C) owner The owner is ultimately responsible for deciding which contractor will be hired for a project. The architect is generally involved in the decision-making process, but only assists and gives advice to the owner

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) liquidation damages (C) retainage (D) arbitration

(C) retainage 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. Liquidations 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

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

(C) scaffolding 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

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

(C) verified that the contractor is entitled to payment for work performed to date The architect is responsible for reviewing and certifying certificates for payment as defined in Sec 9.4 of A201. On receiving an application for payment from the contractor, the architect has seven days to (1) review the work performed and (2) determine 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

Contractor's overhead and profit typically account for what percentage of the construction cost? (A) 5-15% (B) 10-20% (C) 15-20% (D) 15-40%

(D) 15-40% Contractor's overhead and profit typically constitute 15-40% of the construction cost

Based on the work observed during a site visit, the architect believes that construction progress is falling behind schedule. The owner-contractor agreement includes AIA A201, General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Which of the following should the architect do first? (A) Immediately notify the owner of the problem in writing (B) Detail which portions of the project are lagging in the next field report (C) Determine with the contractor if there is a problem, and suggest ways to correct it (D) Compare the current status of construction with the contractor's schedule

(D) Compare the current status of construction with the contractor's schedule According to A201, the contractor must provide a project schedule to the owner and architect prior to the start of construction. This schedule is for information only and neither the owner nor the architect approve this schedule. The contractor is obligated to perform the work in general accordance to the schedule, but retains all responsibility for sequencing the work. If minor changes to the schedule need to be made to allow the work to proceed, the contractor has the ability to make these modifications. A conversation with the contractor can allow the architect to determine whether or not there is a serious problem. The architect should note the field observations and any discussion about the schedule with the contractor in a field report, which will be distributed to both the contractor and owner and serve as documentation of the conditions at the site. However, the architect should first compare the current status of the project with the contractor's original schedule to determine whether or not the work is behind schedule or not.

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

(D) Kelly ball test The Steiner tunnel test is not a concrete test. It is used to determine the surface burning characteristics of interior finish materials 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 (7, 14, 21, 28 days) during the curing process Electrical impedance test is used to assess the moisture content conducted through the material. Slabs with a greater moisture content conduct more electricity The Kelly ball test measure the workability of the uncured concrete. 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

During a site visit, the architect notices what appears to be an undersized variable air volume box being installed. What should the architect do? (A) Tell the mechanical engineer to look at the situation during the next site visit by the engineer. Not the observation on a field report (B) Find the contractor and stop work on the installation until the size of the unit can be verified by the mechanical engineer and compared to the contract documents (C) Notify the owner in writing that the work is not proceeding according to the contract documents, and advise him to stop the work until the architect can arrange a meeting with the mechanical engineer to resolve the situation (D) Notify the contractor that the equipment may be undersized, and have the contractor check on it. Concurrently, ask the mechanical engineer to verify the size of the unit against the specifications and report it to the architect

(D) Notify the contractor that the equipment may be undersized, and have the contractor check on it. Concurrently, ask the mechanical engineer to verify the size of the unit against the specifications and report it to the architect The architect has a duty to cooperate with the contractor and should mention the potential problem during the site visit. The contractor then has the opportunity to check on the equipment while the architect is following up with the mechanical engineer. The observation should be noted on the architect's field report to keep the client informed of the progress of the work. If, in fact, the equipment is being installed is incorrect, corrective action may be taken. When the contractor is notified immediately, they can decide whether or not to suspend work on the installation of the equipment until the situation is resolved

A contractor submits a list of proposed subcontractors to the owner and architect for construction of a small office building. The architect reviews it and notes that the proposed plumbing subcontractor is a company with a history of poor workmanship; one of the architect's clients on a previous project spent thousands of dollars to correct the plumber's errors. The architect expresses his concerns to the owner, who agrees that he prefers not to have this subcontractor as part of the project. If the owner-contractor agreement references AIA A201, what can the owner and architect do? (A) Do nothing, as the selection of subcontractors is entirely within the purview of the general contractor and the list of subcontractors is submitted to the architect and owner for information only (B) Submit to the contractor the name and contact information for a plumbing subcontractor the owner prefers to use for the project and require the contractor to hire that firm (C) require the general contractor to use a different plumbing subcontractor with no adjustment to the contract sum (D) Require the general contractor to use a different plumbing subcontractor, with the understanding that the contract sum or contract time may be adjusted to reflect the new subcontractor's proposed price and/or schedule

(D) Require the general contractor to use a different plumbing subcontractor, with the understanding that the contract sum or contract time may be adjusted to reflect the new subcontractor's proposed price and/or schedule A201, Sec 5.2, address subcontractors. The contractor is requires to submit a list of proposed subcontractors to the architect and owner for review. If the architect and/or owner have objections to any of the proposed subcontractors, they must notify the contractor in writing within 14 days. The contractor is responsible for proposing an alternate subcontractor. Assuming that the proposed subcontractor was "reasonably capable" of performing the work, the contractor will be entitled to an adjustment of the contract sum or time to reflect the new subcontractor's price or schedule, which will be documented in a change order. After the list of subcontractors has been approved, the contractor may not make changes unless he obtains the permission of the owner and architect

Which of the following statements is correct? (A) The architect becomes responsible for a defect in the work if he or she sees the defect during a site visit but fails to report it to the contractor (B) The architect has the sole right to make changes in the work (C) The architect is responsible for verifying soil test reports provided by the owner (D) The architect must update the preliminary estimate of the cost of the work when the construction documents are almost complete

(D) The architect must update the preliminary estimate of the cost of the work when the construction documents are almost complete The architect has a responsibility to keep the contractor informed of any nonconforming work and to cooperate in getting the job done, but the architect may not be held legally responsible if the work is not completed or is not in accordance with the construction documents Changes to the work may be suggested by the architect, owner, or contractor, but the owner must authorize any proposed changes. The architect may rely upon the accuracy of the information provided by the owner

After construction documents have been provided to the general contractor for pricing, an architect decides to change the location of a window by less than 8 in to align it with the center of the room in which it is located. Who is responsible for approving the proposed change? (A) the owner (B) the contractor (C) both the owner and the contractor (D) neither the owner nor the contractor

(D) neither the owner nor the contractor Because construction has not begun, adjusting the location of a window by less than 8 in would be considered a minor change. There would be no change to the quantity of materials utilized and no change to the installation cost or time. The information regarding the change would be issued to the contractor and owner with an addendum, if the contract has not yet been signed, or a bulletin

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

(D) The contractor is responsible for notifying the surety of any change orders issued during a project 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 underway. This full-time representation is an additional service and is contracted separately using AIA B352, Duties, Responsibilities and Limitations of Authority of the Architect's Project Representative

While removing floor tile in the lobby of an old theater, a contractor suspects that the mastic may contain asbestos. In accordance with AIA A201, she stops work and reports her findings to the owner. The owner hires a testing laboratory to evaluate the samples, which confirms the contractor's suspicions. The project is at a standstill for three weeks while abatement takes place. When the area is clear, the contractor prepares a change order request for a time extension and compensation for expenses incurred as a result of the discovery. The owner refuses, stating that the contractor's proposal for four extra weeks and $10,000 to cover shutdown and startup costs is unreasonable. What is the next step? (A) The architect should issue a construction change directive and order the work to proceed so that more time is not lost while the owner and contractor negotiate (B) The claim should proceed directly to mediation (C) The contract time should automatically be extended by three weeks because the project was shut down for three weeks (D) The initial decision maker (IDM) should review the claim and make a decision

(D) The initial decision maker (IDM) should review the claim and make a decision AIA A201, Sec 10.3 addresses the discovery of hazardous materials. The contractor was correct to stop work and immediately notify the owner of her suspicions, and the owner was correct to engage testing agency to confirm that asbestos was present. The contractor has the right to an appropriate extension of the contract time and fiar compensation for costs related to stopping and restarting the work. This change is negotiated between the owner and contractor, and the contract is modified by change order If the owner and contractor cannot agree, the contractor may assert a claim, and the issue is referred to the initial decision maker as discussed in A201, Sec 15.2

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

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

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

(D) approving or disapproving the request 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

A change order can be requested by the (A) architect (B) owner (C) architect or owner (D) architect, owner, or contractor

(D) architect, owner, or contractor A request for proposal is made by the architect, which outlines the anticipated scope of work. A cost proposal is prepared by the contractor, and if accepted by the owner, the architect may prepare the change order to amend the contract. The change order is finalized when all three parties have signed the agreement

According to the AIA agreements between the owner and the contractor, the amount of retainage withheld from each application for payment is (A) 5% of the amount due (B) 10% of the amount due (C) 10% of the total contract price (D) as stated in the owner-contractor agreement

(D) as stated in the owner-contractor agreement The amount of retainage withheld from each application for payment is determined by the owner with advice from legal counsel and defined in AIA A101, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Contractor where the basis for payment is a Stipulated Sum. The exact percentage is whatever is agreed to by both parties to the contract. The contract may specify that the percentage of retainage be reduced as the project nears completion, or it may establish different percentages of retainage for work done and for stored materials

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

(D) integrated project delivery When the integrated project delivery method 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.

If a general contractor fails to pay a subcontractor, the subcontractor can protect its financial interests by using a(n) (A) performance bond (B) contractor's affidavit of payment (C) builder's risk insurance (D) mechanic's lien

(D) mechanic's lien A mechanic's lien is a claim by one party against the property of another party for the satisfaction of a debt. It can be used by a material supplier, subcontractor, or contractor who has a financial interest in the project to gain payment. In extreme cases, a mechanic's lien can force the sale of the owner's property to satisfy the debt. A lien encumbers the owner's property , making it impossible to sell or transfer the property until the lien is satisfied. This is usually enough pressure to force the owner to resolve the situation. As an alternative to liens, a labor and material payment pond can protect the owner against claims by subcontractors and suppliers who are not paid by the general contractor. The bond gives these parties the right to collect payment from the surety (the company that issued the bond)

A project is determined to be "substantially complete" when the (A) work is finished except for items on the punch list (B) architect has determined that the building is nearly finished (C) contractor has notified the architect that the work is complete (D) owner can utilize the building for its intended use

(D) owner can utilize the building for its intended use Substantial completion means that the work or a designated portion of the work is sufficiently complete in accordance with the contract documents so that the owner can occupy or utilize the work for its intended use. A building can be substantially complete while still having minor items that the contractor must finish. Substantial completion is addressed in A201, Sec 9.8

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

(D) wood paneling Tolerance is the amount of a building permitted to be "off" from the specified dimension. Wood paneling has the most restrictive tolerances, as even small deviations from the prescribed dimensions are noticeable

During the bid period, a contractor wants to propose a substitution of a material specified in the contract documents. According to A701, Instructions to Bidders, the request for a substitution must be received by the architect ____ days prior to the receipt of bids. (Fill in the blank.)

10 days According to AIA A701, no substitutions can be considered unless a written request for such approval has been received by the architect at least 10 days prior to the date for receipt of bids If the substitutions are approved, the architect must issue an addendum providing this information to all bidders no later that four days prior to the date for receipt of bids

The contractor must submit the application for payment to the architect ____ days in advance of the scheduled payment date. (Fill in the blank.)

10 days Applications for payment must be submitted at least 10 days in advance of the scheduled payment date according to AIA A201, Sec 9.3.1. The date of payment is established in AIA A101. A201, Sec 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

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.)

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 judgments 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 architect's A201, Sec. 15.2, 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