Matt Saw This Coming: Construction Tips
These construction mistakes cost the AEC industry millions every year. And they could have been prevented in the contracts.
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GET THE GUIDEEP. 1
Why the Lowest Bid Isn’t the Cheapest
The lowest bid can become the most expensive choice when experience, qualifications, and scope are overlooked.
EP. 2
This is Why
You Write It Down
A Notice to Proceed creates a clear project start date that can affect schedule, completion and liquidated damages.
EP. 3
You Started
Before Final Drawings
Starting construction before design is complete can lead to rework, added costs and disputes over who pays.
EP. 4
What You Didn’t Read Can Cost Millions
General Conditions define responsibilities for changes, delays, payment, and project management if problems arise.
EP. 5
But That’s
Not In Your Scope
A clearly written scope of work helps prevent costly disputes over what is included and who is responsible.
EP. 6
Guaranteed Maximum Price…For Who?
A GMP only creates clarity when everyone understands what is included and what can still change.
EP. 7
You’re Already
Behind Schedule
Realistic contract time provisions help teams set achievable schedules and understand what happens if delays occur.
EP. 8
You Won the Bid,
Now What?
The owner-contractor agreement sets contract sum, payment structure, and schedule before the build begins.
EP. 9
Nobody Knew the Utility Was There
Differing site conditions provisions help address unexpected utilities and other costly surprises discovered.
EP. 10
Everybody Signed It, Nobody Read It
A101 establishes the business deal, while A201 defines how the project is administered once the work begins.
EP. 11
Your Project Stalls Waiting on the Permit
Clear contract terms assign responsibility for permits and help teams understand how delays affect the schedule.
EP. 12
Everyone Signed the Wrong Contract
Learn four common types of construction contracts and when to use them: stipulated sum, cost-plus, design-build, and IPD.
EP. 13
Contract Price Never Changed
The contract sum is only part of the deal; payment, changes and project administration can determine project profitability.
EP. 14
The Architect Changed the Drawings
A change order documents agreed changes to the work, Contract Sum and Contract Time when the design changes.
EP. 15
Nobody Submitted
Shop Drawings
Submittals help verify that your planned work aligns with the project requirements before installation or fabrication begins.
EP. 16
They Said
It Was Approved
Written approval creates a reliable record of project changes when conversations and memories do not match.
EP. 17
The Owner Picked a Different Finish
Pricing alternates during bidding give owners flexibility to choose upgrades without turning every decision into a surprise change.
EP. 18
When Your Electrical Sub Just Quit
Aligned prime contracts and subcontracts help ensure that all parties operate under the same expectations and obligations.
EP. 19
Your Subcontract
Isn’t Aligned
Flow-down provisions pass obligations from the owner-contractor prime contract to the subcontractor.
EP. 20
That RFI Just Cost You Two Weeks
Timely RFIs and responses help resolve unanswered design questions before one delay stalls multiple trades.
EP. 21
Why Your Pay App Got Rejected
Lien waivers are often required with pay apps, but even if they’re not explicitly required, it’s a good idea to send one anyway.
EP. 22
Schedule of Values Wasn’t Updated
An updated Schedule of Values helps keep pay applications aligned with the actual value of work completed on the project.
EP. 23
They Asked
for a Lien Waiver
Lien waiver requirements can vary by contract and state, so know what documentation is required before payment is due.
EP. 24
Why Your Payment Isn’t Here
Payment provisions define who submits, reviews, certifies, and releases payment so teams can see where the process stands.
EP. 25
You Forgot About Retainage
Retainage provisions explain how much payment may be withheld, when it can be reduced, and what is required for release.
EP. 26
The Punch List That Never Ends…
With clear closeout expectations, you help keep the final punch list from becoming a moving finish line at the end of the project.
EP. 27
The Final Payment
Isn’t Coming
Final payment depends on completing the required closeout documents and project milestones identified in the contract.
EP. 28
Project All Done? Think Again
Substantial Completion and Final Completion are different milestones that affect payment, warranties and project responsibilities.
EP. 29
Six Months Later…the Phone Rings
Warranty and correction-of-work obligations can continue after closeout, even after the owner occupies the building.
EP. 30
Obligations That Survive Closeout
Some contract obligations survive closeout, including warranties, correction of work, and final documentation.
Meet Your Advisor: Matt Viator
Matt Viator is Assistant General Counsel at AIA Contract Documents (ACD), where he supports the organization’s corporate, commercial, and compliance legal work while contributing to product development and marketing initiatives. Before joining AIA Contract Documents, Matt held legal and product-focused roles at Levelset and Procore, where he drafted construction documentation and developed educational resources for construction professionals. Based in New Orleans, Matt earned his law degree from Tulane University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University.
About ACD: For nearly 140 years, AIA Contract Documents (ACD) has supported architecture, engineering, and construction professionals by delivering a shared industry standard to align parties on a project. What began in 1888 with the development of standardized construction contracts has evolved into a comprehensive suite of contract tools and foundational workflows that not only shape how the industry works today but also help firms navigate construction’s growing complexity. In a world driven by scale, fragmentation, and increasingly rapid decision-making, ACD serves as a trusted anchor, bringing stability and clarity that keep construction projects moving. To learn more, visit aiacontracts.com and follow us on LinkedIn.