BluEnt observes the changes to A201 by American Association of Architects in Construction Documents!

Toronto, ON – May 23rd, 2017 : The American Association of Architects has been publishing Construction Documents for the last 130 years. The architectural CD sets by AIA are the most popular and widely used form construction documents in the construction sector.

AIA releases revision to their contract documents every 10 years and the last changes were announced in 2007. A201 forms are used in conjunction with the other construction contract forms including A101. The form saw substantial changes in the revision in 2017.

One of the salient features of the A201 revisions is a more open conversation between contractor and owner, contrary to the earlier communication through the architect.

At BluEntCAD, we have keenly studied the recommended changes and here are the key takeaways and highlights from AIA Revisions 2017.

• Creation of Bonds and Insurance Exhibit

  The 2007 version of the AIA-A201, the bond and insurance requirements were set forth primarily in the agreement itself. However, in the new revised architectural documents, a major chunk of exhibit and bond term is included in the exhibit.

  The new revisions also allow for greater flexibility while choosing thee insurance coverage. The parties can also tailor their insurance cover to cater to the specific needs of the project.

  The A201 has also made modifications to the general insurance terms. These include establishing specific liability of the owner towards the contractor in case the former fails to procure insurance.

• Timing Mechanism in Construction Documentation Process for filing litigation

  The AIA has introduced a timing mechanism during the litigation or arbitration process. The revision asks both the parties to file their claims in litigation or arbitration after the initial decision and mediation. If one party does not file a claim in a 60-day period, then both the parties waive their rights for litigating and arbitrating, respecting the initial decision.

• Information to be included in Schedule Submittals in the Construction Document Sets

  The A201 revisions specify the requirements which need to be submitted in the Schedule Documents. The comprehensive list includes appointment of work by construction activities and specifying the schedule milestone dates.

  Along with this, the contractors will now submit waivers and releases of liens with their applications for progress payment.

• Inclusion of more BIM and Digital Data

  The AIA-A201 documents now require more usage of Building Information Modelling or BIM and Digital Data. By default, it is imperative for the parties to use digital data exhibit and AIA BIM for setting developmental protocols for use, transmission and data exchange.

• Development of Comprehensive Language

  An immediate financial crisis followed the 2007 revisions. Keeping this in mind, AIA has created comprehensive language with respect to the owner’s duty for providing the contractor with ability to pay. Now, with the revised A-201, one can create a detailed procedure outlining what to do when the project owner does not provide information in a timely fashion to respect the financial arrangements of the project. However, the contractor must keep the financial condition of the owner confidential.

• Notices to be sent via Electronic Transmission

  The AIA, mindful of the recent changes in communication, has included provisions for notices to be communicated via electronic transmission. The Claims notice, however, shall still be delivered personally or by registered mail and courier.

• Warranties to be issued in Owner’s name

  Another change in the AIA-A201 construction documentation is that the warranties will now be issued in the name of the owner or transferrable to the owner. This is a welcome change. Considering the fact that the contractors usually install equipment or utilize materials provided by third parties, the amendment simplifies the warranty process.

• Reimbursement of Contractor for Overhead

  In case a contractor is terminated by the owner for convenience, AIA has made it obligatory to compensate the contractor for reasonable “overhead and profit on the work not executed”, requiring the owner to pay the expenses that are attributable to the subcontract termination along with a termination fee.

BluEntCAD ensures that all its Construction Documentation Services are in line with the AIA benchmarks set for the Construction Industry. If you have any other questions regarding the AIA revisions or drafting your construction documents, get in touch with our experts today!