LARE LARE Project and Construction Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- 24 inches
- 28 inches
- 32 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
Correct 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.
Question 2: 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?
- The owner, because roots are a differing site condition
- The contractor, because they had opportunity to observe and price the condition (Correct answer)
- The landscape architect, because drawings failed to show tree roots
- The arborist, because tree management is their specialty
Correct 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.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'Notice to Proceed' in a construction contract?
- It authorizes the contractor to begin mobilizing and construction work (Correct answer)
- It certifies that the contractor has met all bonding requirements
- It documents the owner's acceptance of the completed work
- It directs the contractor to correct defective work
Correct 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.
Question 4: 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?
- The owner only
- The contractor's plant supplier
- The landscape architect (Correct answer)
- The local planning department
Correct 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.
Question 5: 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?
- Allow it if the contractor provides a written waiver
- Require adherence to the specified cure time to ensure structural integrity (Correct answer)
- Approve the acceleration if the owner requests faster completion
- Refer the decision to the structural engineer without taking a position
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which bond type protects the owner if the contractor abandons the project or fails to complete it?
- Payment bond
- Performance bond (Correct answer)
- Bid bond
- Maintenance bond
Correct 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.
Question 7: 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?
- Certificate of Substantial Completion
- Certificate of Final Completion (Correct answer)
- Notice of Default
- Certificate of Occupancy
Correct 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.
LARE LARE Project and Construction Management 3
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?