CCS Contract Administration & Legal Aspects Flashcards
6 cards from real CCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 CCS Contract Administration & Legal Aspects flashcards as text
What is 'retainage' in a construction contract, and what is its typical percentage?
Answer: A portion of each progress payment withheld by the owner as security for project completion, typically 5–10%
Retainage is a percentage (commonly 5–10%) withheld from each contractor progress payment as a financial incentive to complete the project and correct deficiencies before final payment.
Under the AIA A201 General Conditions, within how many days must the Architect act on a Contractor's Claim?
Answer: 30 days
AIA A201 requires the Architect to take action on a Contractor's Claim within 30 days of receipt, either by rendering a decision or requesting additional supporting data.
What is the difference between a 'performance bond' and a 'payment bond' in construction?
Answer: A performance bond guarantees project completion; a payment bond guarantees subcontractors and suppliers will be paid
A performance bond protects the owner if the contractor fails to complete the project, while a payment bond protects subcontractors and suppliers from non-payment by the general contractor.
What is a 'Request for Information' (RFI) and who typically initiates it?
Answer: A contractor-initiated document seeking clarification on contract documents from the Architect
An RFI is a formal written request from the contractor to the Architect seeking clarification, additional information, or interpretation of the contract documents during construction.
In US construction law, what is the 'Spearin Doctrine'?
Answer: The principle that owners impliedly warrant the adequacy of plans and specifications they provide to contractors
Established by the US Supreme Court in United States v. Spearin (1918), this doctrine holds that when an owner furnishes specifications, they warrant those specifications are accurate and the contractor is not responsible for defects resulting from following them.
What document formally transfers ownership and responsibility of the completed project from the contractor to the owner?
Answer: The Certificate of Substantial Completion
The Certificate of Substantial Completion, prepared by the Architect, formally identifies the substantial completion date, transfers care, custody, and control of the work to the owner, and starts the warranty period.