During the schematic design phase, an owner’s representative notifies the entire team of a change that will significantly increase the project’s cost and schedule. The design team incorporates the change and performs QC. Which of the following should the construction manager do NEXT?

During the schematic design phase, an owner’s representative notifies the entire team of a change that will significantly increase the project’s cost and schedule. The design team incorporates the change and performs QC. Which of the following should the construction manager do NEXT?

• A. Lead the constructability analysis
• B. Have the design team perform a constructability analysis
• C. Notify the owner when design is complete
• D. Modify the bid documents

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that when a change with a significant impact on cost and schedule occurs, the construction manager should lead a constructability review to verify buildability and align the design with practical construction methods and project constraints. By taking the lead, the CM brings together design, procurement, and field perspectives to assess how the change will be executed, identify risks, and explore alternatives that could reduce time or cost impacts. This includes reviewing sequencing, site logistics, temporary works, materials, and installation methods, and then updating the schedule and cost estimates accordingly. Leading this analysis ensures that the team doesn’t overlook field realities and allows for informed decisions before finalizing bid documents or owner communications. Having the design team perform the constructability analysis would decouple execution insight from the construction perspective, potentially missing practical constraints. Notifying the owner that design is complete is not the next step when changes are still being assessed and implemented. Modifying the bid documents would be premature until the constructability review has been completed and the plan is updated to reflect feasible construction means and methods.

The main idea here is that when a change with a significant impact on cost and schedule occurs, the construction manager should lead a constructability review to verify buildability and align the design with practical construction methods and project constraints. By taking the lead, the CM brings together design, procurement, and field perspectives to assess how the change will be executed, identify risks, and explore alternatives that could reduce time or cost impacts. This includes reviewing sequencing, site logistics, temporary works, materials, and installation methods, and then updating the schedule and cost estimates accordingly. Leading this analysis ensures that the team doesn’t overlook field realities and allows for informed decisions before finalizing bid documents or owner communications.

Having the design team perform the constructability analysis would decouple execution insight from the construction perspective, potentially missing practical constraints. Notifying the owner that design is complete is not the next step when changes are still being assessed and implemented. Modifying the bid documents would be premature until the constructability review has been completed and the plan is updated to reflect feasible construction means and methods.