Site Instructions are an important part of Construction Administration, but understanding when to issue an instruction and when a change may have a cost or schedule impact is critical.
In this episode of What the RFI?, I break down Site Instructions, Supplemental Instructions, Architectural Supplemental Instructions (ASI), and Proposed Changes, including Contemplated Change Notices (CCN) and other terminology you may encounter on construction projects.
We look at the difference between simply clarifying or changing the Contract Documents and proposing work that could result in an extra cost.
In this episode:
• What is a Site Instruction (SI)?
• What is a Supplemental Instruction?
• What is an Architectural Supplemental Instruction (ASI)?
• Site Instructions vs. Proposed Changes
• What is a Contemplated Change Notice (CCN)?
• Why Proposed Change terminology varies between projects and regions
• When a construction change may be considered an extra
• Changes resulting from RFIs
• Owner-requested changes during construction
• Contractor-proposed alternates and substitutions
• Coordinating architectural and consultant changes
• Updating drawings and documenting revisions
• Why timing matters when issuing changes
• Tracking changes during Construction Administration
• Common mistakes when issuing Site Instructions and Proposed Changes
A simple example: moving an electrical outlet before it's installed may be very different from asking the contractor to relocate it after the work has already been completed.
That distinction — along with the requirements of the Contract Documents — can determine how the change needs to be documented and managed.
Site Instructions aren't just paperwork. They're part of maintaining a clear record of how the design evolves during construction and communicating those changes to the contractor and consultant team.
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## Chapters
00:00 - Site Instructions & Proposed Changes
00:59 - What Is a Site Instruction (SI)?
02:18 - What Is a Proposed Change or CCN?
03:16 - When Is a Construction Change an Extra?
04:07 - When Is a Change NOT an Extra?
05:43 - How to Issue a Site Instruction
10:51 - Managing Changes During Construction
15:42 - Site Instruction Best Practices
#SiteInstructions #ConstructionAdministration #ConstructionManagement
What the RFI? — The Construction Administration Podcast
Practical guidance for architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, owners, and project managers navigating construction administration.