Author: Jim Kane, BArch, LEED AP, ESCP Coordinator

Hawaii Pool Construction at Beachside home
Swimming Pool Articles

Hawaii Pool Construction Guide

Hawaii is a paradise for many homeowners, and the idea of having a private pool in the home can be even more appealing. However, building a pool in Hawaii comes with some challenges and it’s important to be aware of all the facts before starting construction. The cost of building a pool in Hawaii depends on the type of pool, location, and site conditions. On average, the cost can range from $40,000 to over $100,000. Installing a pool in Hawaii can increase the cost and desirability of the home, but it depends on the neighborhood and buyers may not want the added upkeep costs, maintenance, or hazards. Before building a pool, it’s important to consider the size of the yard, and be prepared for the monthly expenses of pool maintenance which can vary from $150 to $750 per month. To ensure a successful pool project, it may be helpful to work with a pool designer who has experience in the Hawaiian market and understands the local rules and regulations.

Hawaii Drafting Service, Single-wall Construction

Single-Wall Construction in Hawaii: What it Is, What it Looks Like, and Why it’s Still Around

The Breezy Island Aesthetic
The look of single-wall homes tends to be light, open, and breezy, with ample natural light and ventilation from jalousie windows and an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that’s hard to replicate. But it is possible to replicate that feel while maintaining many of the 21st-century comforts that contemporary homeowners expect.

Contractor Payment Implications contractor getting paid.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Contractor Payment Implications: Key Factors

In the Contractor Payment Implications section, it’s important to understand the process of how payments are made to the contractor during a construction project. A request for payment scenario involves determining the amount of the contract sum properly allocable to completed work, materials and equipment delivered, previous payments made by the owner, and any amounts that the architect has withheld or nullified a certificate for payment. The amount of each progress payment shall be computed by multiplying the percentage completion of each portion of the work by the share of the contract sum allocated to that portion of the work in the schedule of values.

Owner Responsibilities to provide access to the construction site.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation, Hawaii Drafting Service

Owner Responsibilities in AIA Document B101

AIA Document B101 outlines the responsibilities of the owner in a construction project. Key responsibilities include providing timely information, establishing and maintaining a budget, identifying a representative, providing geotechnical engineers and consultants, conducting tests and inspections, providing legal, insurance, and accounting services, promptly reporting defects, communicating with the contractor, coordinating the architect’s duties, providing access to the project site, and executing the construction contract. Understanding and fulfilling these responsibilities is critical to ensuring the success of the construction project.

Architect conducting Architect Duties and Additional Services on the job site.
Hawaii Drafting Service

Architect Duties and Additional Services

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) contract document B101 outlines the responsibilities of the architect in a construction project. The document provides a comprehensive guide to the duties and additional services that an architect may provide to ensure the success of a construction project. The architect’s role in project completion is crucial and includes conducting inspections, issuing certificates of substantial and final completion, and ensuring the work complies with the contract documents. The B101 document also outlines additional services that the architect may provide, including programming, multiple preliminary designs, measured drawings, existing facilities surveys, site evaluation and planning, building information modeling, civil engineering, landscape design, architectural interior design, and many others. These services are listed with their descriptions, type, and corresponding AIA Document Reference (if applicable) in a table, providing a comprehensive overview of the services offered in the field of architecture.

Architect Review of Contractor Submittals at her desk.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Architect Review of Contractor Submittals: A Guide

Architect Review of Contractor Submittals is a crucial aspect of the construction process. According to the AIA document, the Architect shall review the Contractor’s submittal schedule and shall not unreasonably delay or withhold approval. The Architect’s action in reviewing submittals shall be taken in accordance with the approved submittal schedule or, in the absence of an approved submittal schedule, with reasonable promptness. The Architect’s review of submittals such as Shop Drawings, Product Data and Samples is for the limited purpose of checking for conformance with information given and the design concept expressed in the Contract Documents. The Architect’s review does not determine the accuracy and completeness of other information such as dimensions, quantities, and installation or performance of equipment or systems, which are the Contractor’s responsibility.

Architect's Construction Phase Services.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Architect’s Construction Phase Services: Roles and Responsibilities

Architect’s Construction Phase Services are crucial for the quality and success of a construction project. The role of an architect during this phase is to act as a consultant and advisor to the owner and to oversee the contract between the owner and the contractor. The responsibilities of the architect include evaluating the work, interpreting and deciding matters relating to the contract, and issuing certificates for payment to the contractor. During the construction phase, the architect visits the construction site regularly, ensures that the work meets the standards of quality and the contract documents, and can resolve disputes between the owner and the contractor. The architect’s responsibilities are limited to providing construction phase services and do not include control over construction means, methods, techniques, or responsibility for the contractor’s failure to perform work according to the contract documents. By utilizing the architect’s construction phase services, the owner can ensure that the construction project is managed efficiently and professionally, leading to a successful outcome.

Architect Services and the Bidding Process between owner and contractor.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Architect Services and the Bidding Process

Architect Services and the Bidding Process are critical for any construction project. AIA Document B101, Article 3.5 outlines the responsibilities of the architect in assisting the owner in obtaining competitive bids or proposals. During the bid phase, the architect will assist the owner in establishing a list of prospective contractors, confirm the responsiveness of bids, and award and prepare contracts for construction. In the competitive bidding process, the architect will procure bidding documents, conduct a pre-bid conference, respond to questions from bidders, and document the bidding results. In the negotiated proposal process, the architect will participate in selection interviews and negotiations, prepare a summary report, and distribute addenda. The architect ensures the owner obtains informed and competitive bids, leading to a smooth and successful bidding or negotiation phase.

Architect Design and Construction Document Services meeting.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Architect Design and Construction Document Services

The AIA B101 Contract Document outlines the services provided by the architect in the Design Development and Construction Document phases of a project. The Design Development phase starts with the approval of the Schematic Design Documents by the owner and the architect’s role is to prepare Design Development Documents including drawings, plans, sections, elevations, typical construction details, and diagrammatic layouts of building systems. The architect must also update the estimate of the Cost of the Work and submit the Design Development Documents to the owner for approval. In the Construction Documents phase, the architect prepares detailed Construction Documents, including Drawings and Specifications, and assists the owner in the development and preparation of bidding and procurement information, the agreement with the contractor, and the Conditions of the Contract for Construction. The architect must also update the estimate of the Cost of the Work and submit the Construction Documents to the owner for approval. The architect is responsible for fulfilling these tasks, along with other responsibilities as outlined in the AIA B101 Contract Document.

Sketches of an Architect Services on a clipboard.
AIA Contract Forms, Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Architect Services: A Guide to the B101

The B101 document outlines the responsibilities of both the client and the architect in Architect Services. The architect’s basic services, as outlined in Article 3, include structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The architect must manage their services, coordinate with the client and their consultants, and submit a schedule for approval. The Schematic Design Phase, the first phase of the design process, involves the architect reviewing laws and codes, preparing a preliminary evaluation of the client’s information, and presenting schematic design documents for approval. The architect must consider environmentally responsible alternatives and align their design with the client’s program, schedule, and budget.