Construction Documentation and Administration
What this domain tests
Construction Documentation and Administration covers the drawing set, specifications, bidding, contract execution, submittals, payment, and closeout. Expect questions about sheet organization, MasterFormat divisions, addenda, change orders, retainage, and the limits of the landscape architect’s role during construction.
Drawings and specifications
- A typical set runs from cover/general notes (G-), demolition, layout, grading, drainage, planting, details, and sections. Every sheet carries scale, north arrow, benchmark, and revision deltas.
- Specifications use CSI MasterFormat three-part format: Part 1 General, Part 2 Products, Part 3 Execution. Site work sits in Division 31 (earthwork), 32 (exterior improvements), and 33 (utilities).
Bidding and contracts
- Addenda clarify or change bid documents before opening and must be acknowledged on the bid form. Lump-sum, unit-price, and cost-plus contracts allocate risk differently; bid, performance, and payment bonds protect the owner.
Administration
- Submittals and shop drawings are reviewed for design intent, not approved as a substitute for contract documents. RFIs answer questions; ASIs and change orders modify the contract.
- Pay applications follow the schedule of values with retainage withheld. The landscape architect observes and reports but does not direct the contractor’s means and methods.
Worked example
Original contract $500,000 plus an approved change order of $25,000 gives a revised contract of $525,000. With 5% retainage, the maximum approved amount is $525,000 × 0.95 = $498,750. If previous payments total $300,000, the current pay application is $198,750, provided the schedule of values and stored materials are verified.
Traps
- Issuing an addendum after bid opening without reopening the bid.
- Treating a verbal field direction as a change order.
- Approving a pay request that includes unapproved change orders or unverified stored materials.