SC General Contractor cheat sheet

Critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities through the project network; it sets minimum project duration and has zero total float.

Total float = late start - early start = late finish - early finish.

CPI = earned value / actual cost; CPI below 1.0 indicates cost overrun. SPI = earned value / planned value; SPI below 1.0 indicates schedule delay.

Crashing shortens critical activities by adding resources and cost; fast-tracking overlaps activities and increases coordination risk.

A change order is a written instrument signed by owner and contractor that defines changed scope, price, and time before changed work proceeds.

An RFI requests interpretation or clarification; a submittal transmits product data or shop drawings for approval; neither alone changes contract price.

Liquidated damages are a predetermined per-day amount for delay; they must be a reasonable forecast of probable loss, not a penalty.

South Carolina generally requires a contractor license when construction cost is $5,000 or more; the license classification must match the work.

Substantial completion occurs when work is sufficiently complete for owner use; it starts warranty periods and the punch list.

Bid bond is typically 5 percent of the bid; performance and payment bonds are typically 100 percent of the contract price.

Addenda modify bid documents before bid opening; bidders must acknowledge each addendum in the bid.

A lump-sum contract assigns quantity risk to the contractor; a unit-price contract pays actual quantities at fixed unit rates.

When bid figures conflict, the unit price normally prevails over the extended total, and written words normally prevail over numerals.

A differing site condition is a physical condition materially different from contract documents; notify the owner promptly before disturbing it.

A constructive change arises when owner action or inaction requires extra work without a formal change order; document cost and time impact.

Progress payments are supported by a schedule of values; retainage is withheld until contract conditions for release are met.

Mechanic's lien rights depend on strict statutory filing and notice deadlines measured from last furnishing labor or materials.

Alternates are priced options selected by the owner; allowances are provisional sums adjusted to actual cost.

A scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot means one drawing inch represents 48 real inches, or four feet.

Board feet = (thickness in inches x width in inches x length in feet) / 12.

Concrete volume = length x width x depth in consistent units; add 5 to 10 percent for waste.

No. 4 rebar is 1/2 inch diameter and weighs about 0.668 lb/ft; No. 5 rebar is 5/8 inch diameter and weighs about 1.043 lb/ft.

Contour lines connect points of equal elevation; closely spaced contours indicate steep slope, widely spaced contours indicate gentle slope.

Cut-and-fill balance compares bank volume with fill volume adjusted for soil swell and compaction shrinkage.

Crew hours = total quantity / crew output per hour; labor cost = hours x wage rate x burden factor.

Roof slope factor = square root of (rise squared + run squared) divided by run; use it to convert plan area to sloped area.

Solid lines show visible work; dashed lines show hidden or overhead work; section marks identify cut locations.

Lower water-cement ratio increases concrete strength and durability; higher ratio improves workability but reduces strength.

The slump test measures fresh concrete workability; measured slump must fall within specification limits for the placement.

Concrete cast against earth typically requires 3 inches of cover over reinforcing steel.

Standard Proctor test determines maximum dry density and optimum moisture content; field compaction is commonly specified as 95 percent of maximum dry density.

Nominal 2x4 lumber is actually 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches when surfaced dry; nominal 2x10 is 1-1/2 x 9-1/4 inches.

Retaining walls require weep holes or footing drains and free-draining backfill to relieve hydrostatic pressure.

For a two-leg sling, each leg tension = load / (2 x sine of angle from horizontal); lower angles increase tension.

Excavated spoil and equipment must be kept at least 2 feet back from the edge of a trench.

Finish grade should slope away from the foundation at least 6 inches within the first 10 feet.

OSHA requires fall protection for construction workers exposed to falls of 6 feet or more above a lower level.

Guardrails for fall protection have a top rail about 42 inches high, within 38 to 45 inches, plus a midrail.

Excavations 5 feet or deeper require a protective system unless a competent person determines stable rock or no hazard.

A competent person must inspect excavations daily before work and after rain or other hazard-changing events.

GFCI protection is required for temporary construction power, or an assured equipment grounding conductor program may be used.

Employers must report a work-related fatality to OSHA within 8 hours and an inpatient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss within 24 hours.

Construction disturbing 1 acre or more requires NPDES permit coverage and a stormwater pollution prevention plan.

South Carolina adopts the International Building Code and International Residential Code through the Building Codes Council; local authorities issue permits and inspect work.

A certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official after required inspections confirm code compliance.