A quality control inspection reveals that installed windows do not meet the specified U-factor requirements for energy efficiency. The windows are already installed and the building is 80% complete. What is the most appropriate course of action?
Correct Answer
B) Evaluate alternatives such as supplemental insulation or storm windows
Given the project's advanced stage, evaluating alternatives that could achieve equivalent energy performance while avoiding the significant cost and delay of window replacement would be the most practical approach before considering more drastic measures.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When a project is 80% complete and windows don't meet U-factor requirements, evaluating alternatives like supplemental insulation or storm windows is the most cost-effective and practical approach. This allows achieving equivalent energy performance without the massive disruption, cost, and schedule delays of removing and replacing installed windows. It demonstrates proper project management by seeking solutions that meet performance goals while minimizing impact.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Accept the windows and apply for a design variance
Applying for a design variance essentially accepts substandard performance without attempting to meet the energy efficiency requirements. This approach doesn't solve the underlying problem and may not be approved by building officials, potentially creating compliance issues and failing to meet the owner's energy performance expectations.
Option C: Remove and replace all non-conforming windows
Removing and replacing all windows at 80% completion would cause enormous cost overruns, significant schedule delays, and potential damage to surrounding finished work. This extreme measure should only be considered after evaluating less disruptive alternatives that could achieve the same energy performance goals.
Option D: Wait until final inspection and address it then
Waiting until final inspection is irresponsible project management that will likely result in a failed inspection and certificate of occupancy delays. Energy code compliance issues must be addressed proactively, and delaying action will only make the problem more expensive and disruptive to resolve.
Memory Technique
Remember 'EVALUATE before EXCAVATE' - when facing compliance issues late in construction, always evaluate cost-effective alternatives before considering major demolition and replacement work.
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
An indemnification clause in a construction contract typically requires the contractor to:
A property owner wants to convert a single-family home into a duplex in an area zoned for single-family residential use. The conversion meets all building codes but violates density requirements. What approval is needed?
As-built drawings are typically required to be submitted:
AIA Document A401 is primarily used for:
A general contractor is building a 12,000 square foot commercial warehouse. The building permit fee is calculated at $8.50 per $1,000 of construction value. If the project value is $2,400,000, what is the building permit fee?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass