Project Delivery & Construction Processes Flashcards

What distinguishes 'substantial completion' from 'final completion' in a construction project?

Answer: Substantial completion is when the work is sufficiently complete for its intended use; final completion is when all punch list items are resolved

Substantial completion marks the point the project can be used for its intended purpose, while final completion means every contractual obligation including punch list items is fulfilled.

In competitive bidding, a bid bond serves which primary function?

Answer: Provides the owner financial assurance the bidder will enter into contract if selected

A bid bond protects the owner by guaranteeing the low bidder will execute the contract; if they refuse, the bond covers the difference between their bid and the next acceptable bid.

The Critical Path Method (CPM) schedule is used in construction project management primarily to:

Answer: Identify the sequence of activities that determines the minimum project duration

CPM identifies the longest chain of dependent activities (the critical path), whose total duration equals the minimum possible project completion time.

A performance bond in a construction contract protects the owner against:

Answer: Contractor's failure to complete the project per the contract

A performance bond obligates the surety to ensure the project is completed per contract terms if the contractor defaults.

Which document formally transfers risk of loss for the work from the contractor to the owner at a defined point during construction?

Answer: Certificate of Substantial Completion

The Certificate of Substantial Completion typically transfers responsibility for the work, insurance, utilities, and security from the contractor to the owner.

Fast-track construction scheduling refers to a strategy in which:

Answer: Design and construction phases overlap, allowing early construction packages to begin before design is fully complete

Fast-tracking overlaps design and construction phases so that foundations and structural work can begin while design of later phases is still ongoing, compressing the overall schedule.

During construction administration, when a contractor submits a Request for Information (RFI), the architect's response should:

Answer: Clarify or interpret the contract documents without changing the contract sum or time unless warranted

An RFI response clarifies the design intent within existing contract documents; it only triggers a change order if the response reveals a change in scope, cost, or time.