LARE Project and Construction Management Flashcards

A project specification requires 3-inch caliper balled-and-burlapped trees to have a minimum root ball diameter per ANSI Z60.1 standards. According to ANSI Z60.1, what is the minimum root ball diameter for a 3-inch caliper deciduous shade tree?

Answer: 32 inches

ANSI Z60.1 specifies a minimum 32-inch root ball diameter for a 3-inch caliper balled-and-burlapped deciduous shade tree.

During a pre-bid site visit, a prospective contractor notices that existing tree roots extend into the proposed paving area but are not shown on the drawings. The contractor does not raise the issue and submits a standard bid. Who bears the cost risk if root removal causes delays?

Answer: The contractor, because they had opportunity to observe and price the condition

When bidders have the opportunity to observe existing site conditions during a pre-bid walkthrough and do not raise them, they generally assume the risk of those visible conditions.

What is the purpose of a 'Notice to Proceed' in a construction contract?

Answer: It authorizes the contractor to begin mobilizing and construction work

A Notice to Proceed is the formal owner directive that establishes the contract start date and authorizes the contractor to begin work.

A landscape contractor wants to substitute a nursery stock species not listed in the specifications. Under standard AIA contract conditions, who must approve the substitution?

Answer: The landscape architect

Substitutions require the landscape architect's written approval, as the design professional is responsible for ensuring the substitution meets design intent and specification requirements.

A retaining wall installation is proceeding faster than planned, and the contractor proposes skipping the required 3-day cure time between concrete lifts to stay ahead of schedule. What should the landscape architect do?

Answer: Require adherence to the specified cure time to ensure structural integrity

Specified cure times are structural requirements; allowing shortcuts that compromise structural integrity exposes the owner to liability and the LA to professional negligence.

Which bond type protects the owner if the contractor abandons the project or fails to complete it?

Answer: Performance bond

A performance bond guarantees that the contractor will complete the work per the contract terms; if the contractor defaults, the surety is obligated to complete the project or compensate the owner.

A landscape architect conducts a final observation and prepares a punch list. The contractor completes all punch list items within the specified timeframe. What document should the landscape architect issue next?

Answer: Certificate of Final Completion

After all punch list items are corrected, the landscape architect issues a Certificate of Final Completion, releasing final payment and triggering the start of the warranty period.