# Contractor Knowledge - Construction Administration

## RFI (Request for Information) Guidelines

### When RFIs Are Needed
- Detail or dimension not shown on drawings
- Conflict between documents (drawings vs specs)
- Field condition differs from drawings
- Substitution request
- Clarification of design intent
- Missing information for fabrication

### RFI Response Types
| Response | Action |
|----------|--------|
| See attached sketch | Provide ASI or sketch |
| Per specifications | Reference spec section |
| Verify in field | Site measurement needed |
| Approved as submitted | No change required |
| Revise as noted | Provide markup/revision |
| Defer to structural | Coordinate with consultant |

### Common RFI Topics

**Architectural**
- Door hardware conflicts
- Finish transitions
- Ceiling height at soffits
- Base/crown conditions at special walls
- Missing room finishes
- Casework details

**Structural**
- Embed locations
- Opening reinforcement
- Foundation step locations
- Steel connection details
- Beam penetrations

**MEP**
- Equipment pad sizes
- Access panel locations
- Duct routing conflicts
- Pipe penetrations through rated assemblies
- Electrical panel clearances

### RFI Best Practices
1. Respond within 3-5 business days (check contract)
2. Reference drawing and spec section
3. Provide sketch if clarification is graphic
4. Log response in project records
5. Issue ASI if response affects drawings

---

## Submittals

### Submittal Categories
| Division | Items |
|----------|-------|
| 04 - Masonry | CMU samples, mortar colors |
| 05 - Metals | Steel connections, railings |
| 06 - Wood | Casework shop drawings |
| 07 - Thermal/Moisture | Roofing, waterproofing |
| 08 - Openings | Doors, windows, hardware |
| 09 - Finishes | Paint, flooring, tile |
| 10 - Specialties | Toilet accessories, signage |

### Review Stamps
| Stamp | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| Approved | Proceed with fabrication |
| Approved as Noted | Incorporate markups |
| Revise and Resubmit | Major issues, cannot proceed |
| Rejected | Does not meet requirements |
| For Information Only | No action required |

### Submittal Review Checklist
- [ ] Product matches specifications
- [ ] Dimensions match drawings
- [ ] Colors/finishes as specified
- [ ] Fire rating if required
- [ ] Accessibility compliance
- [ ] Warranty information included
- [ ] Installation instructions adequate

### Common Submittal Issues
1. **Wrong product** - Substitution not approved
2. **Missing information** - Fire rating, dimensions
3. **Coordination conflict** - Doesn't fit with other trades
4. **Non-compliance** - Doesn't meet code or spec

---

## Inspections

### Typical Inspection Sequence

**Foundation Phase**
1. Footing excavation (before pour)
2. Footing reinforcement
3. Foundation forms
4. Foundation reinforcement
5. Slab vapor barrier & reinforcement
6. Slab pour (may observe)

**Framing Phase**
1. Foundation backfill
2. Rough framing
3. Sheathing and nailing
4. Fire blocking
5. Hurricane straps/connectors

**MEP Rough-In**
1. Underground plumbing
2. Rough plumbing
3. Rough electrical
4. Rough mechanical
5. Fire sprinkler rough

**Insulation/Drywall**
1. Insulation inspection
2. Drywall hung (before tape)
3. Fire-rated assemblies

**Final Phase**
1. Final plumbing
2. Final electrical
3. Final mechanical
4. Final building
5. Fire final
6. Certificate of Occupancy

### Pre-Inspection Checklist
- [ ] All work complete for this phase
- [ ] Access available for inspector
- [ ] Previous inspections passed
- [ ] Permits posted
- [ ] Plans on site
- [ ] Correction items from previous addressed

### Common Inspection Failures

**Framing**
- Missing hurricane clips
- Wrong nail pattern in sheathing
- Fire blocking missing
- Headers undersized

**Electrical**
- Missing covers on boxes
- GFCI not installed where required
- Panel clearance obstructed
- Missing arc-fault protection

**Plumbing**
- Missing cleanouts
- Wrong pipe slope
- Improper venting
- Missing air gap on dishwasher

**Mechanical**
- Duct not sealed
- Missing insulation
- Clearance to combustibles
- No combustion air

---

## Change Orders

### Change Order Triggers
- Owner-requested change
- Design error or omission
- Unforeseen field condition
- Code interpretation change
- Material substitution with cost impact

### Change Order Documentation
1. **Description** - What changed and why
2. **Cost Impact** - Itemized breakdown
3. **Schedule Impact** - Days added/removed
4. **Drawings Affected** - List sheet numbers
5. **Specification Sections** - List sections affected

### Change Order Categories
| Type | Description |
|------|-------------|
| CCD | Construction Change Directive (proceed pending cost agreement) |
| CO | Change Order (agreed cost and time) |
| Bulletin | Information only, may lead to CO |
| Credit | Deduct from contract |

### Pricing Guidelines
- Labor rates: Check contract for approved rates
- Material: Provide invoices or quotes
- Overhead & Profit: Typically 10-15% (per contract)
- Markup on subcontractors: Typically 5-10%

---

## Construction Tolerances

### Dimensional Tolerances
| Element | Tolerance |
|---------|-----------|
| Cast-in-place concrete | ±3/4" |
| CMU walls | ±1/4" per 10', max 1/2" |
| Steel structure | ±1/4" |
| Wood framing | ±1/4" |
| Drywall | ±1/8" |
| Floor flatness | F25-F50 typical |

### Levelness Standards
| Application | FF/FL |
|-------------|-------|
| Warehouse | F25/F20 |
| Retail | F35/F25 |
| Office | F35/F25 |
| Tile floors | F50/F50 |

### Plumb/Level Requirements
| Element | Requirement |
|---------|-------------|
| Walls | 1/4" per 10' max |
| Columns | 1/8" per 10' max |
| Doors | 1/8" per 7' max |
| Cabinets | 1/16" per 8' |

---

## Punchlist Guidelines

### Punchlist Categories
1. **Incomplete** - Work not finished
2. **Defective** - Work doesn't meet standards
3. **Damaged** - Work damaged after install
4. **Missing** - Items not installed
5. **Adjustment** - Needs tuning/adjustment

### Common Punchlist Items

**Doors**
- Doesn't latch properly
- Hardware loose
- Threshold damaged
- Weatherstrip missing
- Closer not adjusted

**Paint**
- Touch-up needed
- Runs or drips
- Coverage insufficient
- Wrong sheen

**Flooring**
- Seams visible
- Transitions missing
- Damage from construction
- Wrong pattern/direction

**Casework**
- Doors don't align
- Drawers stick
- Hardware missing
- Scratches/damage

**MEP**
- Covers/plates missing
- Not labeled
- Balancing not complete
- Controls not programmed

### Substantial Completion Criteria
- [ ] All life safety systems operational
- [ ] Building can be occupied for intended use
- [ ] Utilities connected and functional
- [ ] Accessible route complete
- [ ] Final inspections passed
- [ ] Only minor punchlist remains

---

## Warranty Information

### Standard Warranty Periods
| Item | Duration |
|------|----------|
| General construction | 1 year |
| Roofing membrane | 15-20 years |
| Roofing workmanship | 2 years |
| Windows | 10 years frame, 5 years glass |
| Doors (hollow metal) | 1 year |
| Hardware | 1-3 years |
| Paint | 1 year |
| Flooring | 1-5 years |
| Mechanical equipment | 1 year parts & labor |
| Electrical | 1 year |

### Warranty Start Date
- Typically date of Substantial Completion
- Check contract for specific definition
- May be tied to Certificate of Occupancy

### Warranty Exclusions (Typical)
- Normal wear and tear
- Owner-caused damage
- Failure to maintain properly
- Unauthorized repairs/modifications
- Acts of God

---

## Communication Protocols

### Meeting Types
| Meeting | Frequency | Attendees |
|---------|-----------|-----------|
| Pre-construction | Once | All parties |
| OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) | Monthly | Core team |
| Weekly progress | Weekly | Field team |
| Coordination | Weekly | All trades |
| Safety | Weekly | All workers |

### Document Transmittal
Always include:
1. Transmittal number (sequential)
2. Date sent
3. Project name and number
4. Description of contents
5. Action required
6. Sender and recipient

### Critical Notifications
Require immediate notification for:
- Work stoppage
- Safety incident
- Material delivery failure
- Weather delay
- Unforeseen condition discovered
- Permit issue

---

## As-Built Documentation

### What to Document
- All deviations from drawings
- Actual equipment locations
- Utility routing (especially underground)
- Valve and cleanout locations
- Access panel locations
- Control device locations

### As-Built Markup Standards
- Red ink for changes
- Cloud changes for visibility
- Note date of change
- Reference RFI/CO number if applicable
- Dimension from two known points

### Final Documentation Package
1. As-built drawings (CAD/PDF)
2. O&M manuals
3. Warranty certificates
4. Equipment cut sheets
5. Test and balance reports
6. Commissioning reports
7. Certificate of Occupancy
8. Lien releases
9. Close-out checklist
