The Phases of an Architecture Project (SD, DD, CD) Explained
Architecture project phases explained in order: pre-design, SD, DD, CD, bidding and construction administration, with a published fee split per phase.
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What Is a Punch List (Snag List)?
A punch list is the itemized record of work that remains incomplete, defective, or damaged when a construction project reaches substantial completion. Known as a snag list in the UK, it names each item, its location, and the party responsible for putting it right before the final payment is released....
AIA Contract Documents Explained for Architects
AIA contract documents are the standard form agreements and administrative forms published by the American Institute of Architects for design and construction projects. They are organized by letter series, with B documents covering owner architect agreements, A documents covering owner contractor agreements, and G documents handling payment certification and change...
Value Engineering in Construction
Value engineering in construction is a structured team review that improves a project's value by analyzing what each element has to do, then finding cheaper ways to do it without losing performance. It follows a six phase job plan and works best early, while design decisions are still cheap to...
Construction Manager at Risk Explained
Construction manager at risk (CMAR) is a project delivery method in which an owner hires a builder early as a paid preconstruction advisor, then converts that same firm into the contractor who guarantees a maximum price. The construction manager carries the cost risk above that number, while design and construction...
What Is an RFI in Construction?
An RFI in construction is a formal written request from the contractor to the architect or engineer, asking for clarification when the drawings and specifications do not answer a question raised on site. It creates a dated record of the question, the response, and any cost or schedule effect that...
Design-Bid-Build vs Design-Build: What's the Difference?
Design bid build vs design build comes down to how many contracts the owner signs. In design-bid-build, the owner hires an architect first, then bids the finished drawings to contractors. In design-build, one contract covers design and construction together, so a single team carries responsibility for both. That difference sounds...
Specifications in Construction: MasterFormat Basics
Specifications in construction are the written requirements that define material quality, product standards and workmanship for a project. Drawings show how much and where; specifications say how good. Together they form the contract documents that a contractor prices, a supplier orders from and an inspector checks the finished work against....
Change Orders in Construction: Causes and Process
A change order in construction is a written amendment to the construction contract that adjusts the contract sum, the contract time, or both, and takes effect once the owner, contractor, and architect sign it. It records agreed changes to the scope of work so the original agreement stays accurate. No...
