Tag: contractor

Owner-builder working on a small project.
Hawaii Drafting Service, Building Permit Articles, Building Code Articles

Key Considerations for Owner-Builder Projects

An owner-builder is someone who takes on the role of both the contractor and the homeowner in a construction project. This means they are responsible for managing the entire process, from obtaining the necessary permits and approvals, to hiring subcontractors and purchasing materials. Being an owner-builder can be a rewarding experience, as it allows individuals to have greater control over the project and potentially save money. However, it also requires a significant amount of time, effort, and knowledge to be successful. Owner-builders need to have a good understanding of construction practices, safety regulations, and building codes, as well as strong project management and communication skills. It’s important for owner-builders to be realistic about their abilities and the scope of the project, and to be prepared for the challenges and potential setbacks that may arise.

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

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 reviewing a submittals document.
Construction and Evaluation, Architect Registration Exam

Submittals: An Overview of Their Importance in Construction

Submittals are a staple of the construction process. They typically consist of product data, shop drawings, or physical samples that show the contractor’s detailed plans for what they plan to install and how they plan to do it. Submittals are typically prepared by subcontractors, vendors or suppliers, not always the contractor themselves. The purpose of submittal review by the architect is twofold: to finalize details of certain portions of the work that are beyond the scope of the design intent drawings and for the contractor to submit drawings to the architect, demonstrating their understanding of the contract documents. The submittal schedule is the first item covered in the section of the contract documents that deals with submittals. The architect’s responsibilities related to submittals are covered in the contract documents. It’s important for the contractor to include adequate time for review by the architect as well as their consultants, if applicable.

Conflict Resolution in Construction and the Architect as Initial Decision Maker
Architect Registration Exam, Construction and Evaluation

Conflict Resolution in Construction: The Architect’s Role

Construction projects can sometimes be filled with conflicts, but many of these conflicts can be avoided by having clear communication, defined roles and responsibilities, and appropriate conflict resolution techniques outlined in agreements. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has a set of documents that outline procedures to follow in case conflicts do arise. These documents provide initial steps for conflict resolution that must be followed. The first step in the conflict resolution process is to refer the conflict to the initial decision maker (IDM). If the decision of the IDM is not satisfactory for one of the parties, the conflict moves on to mediation. If mediation is not successful, the conflict moves on to arbitration or litigation, depending on what was agreed upon among the parties when they signed the contract for construction.

Architectural Basic Services meeting
Construction and Evaluation, Architect Registration Exam

Architectural Basic Services: Essentials

Architectural Basic Services play a vital role in ensuring the success of any construction project. One of the key components of these services is the implementation of effective project administration, procedures, and protocols. These procedures and protocols include project meetings, field tests, and submittals. Project meetings are a crucial aspect of Architectural Basic Services, they are typically organized by the architect who is responsible for ensuring that the project is moving forward according to the owner’s specifications. The architect must attend these meetings, as it is a requirement of the owner-architect agreement. Field tests are another important aspect of Architectural Basic Services, these tests are used to ensure that the materials and systems used in the construction of a building meet the required standards and specifications. The contractor is responsible for paying for and scheduling field tests. Submittals, such as shop drawings, cutsheets, etc., are not considered contract documents, but the architect must keep a log of submittals as specified by the owner-architect agreement. This log will help to ensure that all submittals have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate parties. These procedures and protocols are essential to the success of any construction project, it is important that everyone understands their roles and works together to ensure that the project is completed on time, on budget, and to the satisfaction of the owner. By following the guidelines outlined in the owner-architect agreement, the project team can work together to ensure the success of the project.

Architect, contractor, and owner reviewing construction bonds
Construction and Evaluation

Understanding Building Bonds: Security & Assurance

Learn all you need to know about construction bonds and their different types with this comprehensive blog post. We’ll cover the Bid Bond, Construction Bond, License Bond, Payment Bond, Performance Bond, Subdivision Bond, Supply Bond, Surety Bond, and Warranty Bond, so you can make sure your construction projects are secure and successful. Read this blog post today to get the information you need to make informed decisions!