If you want to add or delete general  notes for your project
Remember that the GENERAL NOTES apply to the entire set of Architectural Drawings.  If your note applies to a portion of the drawings, write it in the place it belongs.
If there are missing general notes that apply to this project type let Josie or Gloria know so we can include them.

THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
	1.	The Contract Documents form the Contract for Construction between the Owner and the Contractor. These include the agreement form signed by the Owner and the Contractor, conditions of the contract, drawings, specifications and modifications, issued prior to the execution of the contract, and other documents listed in the agreement, if any.
	2.	Unless otherwise indicated in the Agreement, the 2007 edition of the AIA Document A201 “General Conditions of the Contract for Construction” with RMW modifications is incorporated into these documents by reference.
	3.	The intent of the Contract Documents is to include the items necessary for the proper execution and completion of the Work by the Contractor.  The Contract Documents are complementary, and what is required by one shall be as binding as if required by all.  Use the Drawings and the Specifications in conjunction with the other Contract Documents to determine the scope of work.
	4.	Examine, read, and become thoroughly familiar with the Contract Documents.  Notify the Architect within 10 business days, in writing, for clarification or interpretation if discrepancies or omissions are found, or there is doubt as to the Contract Documents intent or meaning.
	5.	Do not substitute, revise, or modify the Work without written consent by the Architect.
DEFINITIONS
	1.	ACCEPTED:  As accepted by the Architect.
	2.	Approved: When used to convey Architect's action on Contractor's submittals, applications, and requests, and similar documents, "approved" is limited to Architect's duties and responsibilities as stated in the Conditions of the Contract.
	3.	Accepted as Comparable Product: Product with the qualities of type, function, dimensions, in-service performance, physical properties, appearance, and other characteristics that equal or exceed those of the specified product as certified by the Contractor through a completed and signed RMW Substitution Request Form and approved by the Architect.
	4.	AS APPLICABLE: As appropriate for the particular condition, circumstance, or situation.
	5.	AS REQUIRED: As required by regulations, reference standards, existing conditions, generally accepted construction practice, or by the Contract Documents.
	6.	AHJ - AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION: A federal state, local, or other regional department or its representative having statutory authority to enforce compliance with particular codes, standards, or other requirements.
	7.	CODES: Government regulations, ordinances, or statutory requirements relating to building construction and occupancy, generally adopted and administered for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare.
	8.	REGULATIONS: Laws, ordinances, statutes, and lawful orders issued by authorities having jurisdiction, and rules, conventions, and agreements within the construction industry that control performance of the Work.
	9.	Directed: A command or instruction by Architect or the Owner. Other terms including "requested," "authorized," "selected," "required," and "permitted" have the same meaning as "directed."
	10.	Indicated: Requirements expressed by graphic representations or in written form on Drawings, in Specifications, and in other Contract Documents. Other terms including "shown," "noted," "scheduled," and "specified" have the same meaning as “indicated."
	11.	FURNISH: Supply and deliver to Project site, ready for unloading, unpacking, assembly, installation, and similar operations.
	12.	INSTALL: Unload, temporarily store, unpack, assemble, erect, place, anchor, apply, work to dimension, finish, cure, protect, clean, and similar operations at Project site.
	13.	PROVIDE: Furnish and install, complete and ready for the intended use.
	14.	PROJECT SITE: Space available for performing construction activities. The extent of Project site is shown on Drawings and may or may not be identical with the  description of the land or facilities on which Project is to be built.
	15.	SATISFACTORY:  Accepted by the Architect as adequate for a particular need or purpose.
	16.	SIMILAR: Resembling characteristics of condition indicated.  Differences can be inferred from the information given. Verify dimensions, orientations, and other characteristics.
	17.	MATCH: To blend with adjacent construction and manifest no apparent difference in material type, species, cut, form, detail, color, grain, texture, or finish; as approved by Architect.
	18.	REPAIR: To correct damage and defects, retaining existing materials, features, and finishes. 
	19.	TYPICAL: Identical for all such conditions.
	20.	Refer to the Specifications for additional definitions.
DIMENSIONS
	1.	Horizontal dimensions shown are from structural elements, such as face of steel, face of concrete, face of masonry, face of sheathing, column centerline, and other fixed points as applicable to the project.  Critical horizontal dimensions such as corridor widths, exiting, accessibility, and other required clearances or locations, are given from face of finish to face of finish, and are noted as such.
	2.	Vertical dimensions are shown from top of concrete or top of sheathing or deck. Critical vertical dimensions are given from top of finished floor and labeled “AFF”.  In carpet areas, finished floor is top of slab. 
	3.	Dimensions for openings are given from face of framing, face of concrete, or face of masonry.  
	4.	Maintain dimensions noted “CLEAR” or “CLR” within +1/8”.
	5.	Obtain field dimensions required for accurate fabrication and installation of the Work. Verify in field dimensions indicated for verification in the contract documents and dimensions that are not indicated but are required for the execution of the Work.  Exact measurements are the responsibility of the Contractor; no additional costs will be paid due to reasonable modification caused by discrepancies.
	6.	 Do not change dimensions in the field without the Architect’s approval unless they are labeled “+/-“.
	7.	Do not scale drawings.  If items of work cannot be located, notify Architect immediately in writing and do not proceed with the affected work until directed to do so.
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
	1.	Information related to existing site  conditions was obtained from documentation provided by the Owner to the Architect at the time of design. The accuracy of such information has not been verified.  Drawings and Specifications are intended for assistance and guidance but exact dimensions and elevations will be governed by the actual conditions in the field.
	2.	Verify existing conditions before proceeding with the Work.  Visit the site and evaluate existing conditions affecting the construction and completion of the Project.  Failure to do so will not relieve the Contractor from its contractual obligations.  Notify the Architect immediately in writing of any discrepancies between existing conditions and the contract documents which will affect the Work.
EXECUTION
	1.	 Areas labeled “NIC” or “NOT IN CONTRACT” are excluded from the scope of work.
	2.	Obtain and pay for required permits.
	3.	Incorporate required accessibility requirements, even though they may not be indicated individually in the Contract Documents.
	4.	Confirm on-site delivery dates of materials, products, and equipment, and immediately notify the Architect in writing of potential delays to the completion of the Work.
	5.	Direct and schedule the Work. The Contractor will be in charge of the work within the limits of the Project site.  The final responsibility for coordination, execution, and performance of the work is the Contractor’s. 
	6.	The Architect reserves the right to reject work that does not conform to the Contract Documents.  Repair or replace rejected work to the satisfaction of the Architect at no additional cost to the Owner.
	7.	Provide components of the Work, such as equipment, fixtures, materials, products, and such not definitely indicated in the Contract Documents but necessary to complete the Work.  Such items will be of type and quality suitable for the service required and comparable to adjacent or similar items in the building.
	8.	If size, capacity, model, style, or other pertinent information on a work item is not indicated on the Contract Documents, provide items which will meet the applicable code requirements and the Project requirements.  If these items are exposed, obtain the Architect’s approval before proceeding.
	9.	Conceal conduits and piping.
	10.	Provide required anchorage backing for cabinet work handrails, etc. 
DELEGATED DESIGN
	1.	Portions of the work indicated as such will be performed by the Contractor on a “Delegated Design Basis.”
	2.	The Contractor, rather than the Architect, is solely responsible for the following: 
	a.	The design of such systems.
	b.	The coordination of the “delegated design” subcontractors who will be the “engineers of record” for such systems.
	c.	The coordination of the delegated design items with the Architect’s design.
	3.	The submittals of delegated design items, such as shop drawings, samples, product data, calculations, and such, will be reviewed by the Architect in a cursory manner, and solely for the purpose of evaluating the general compliance of the design with the required performance specifications. Any such review by the Architect or its consultants shall not diminish the responsibility of the delegated design subcontractors as “engineers of record”.
	4.	Drawings, specifications, and other documents provided by the Architect to the Contractor to facilitate the delegated design are for reference only. The accuracy and completeness of the delegated design work remains the responsibility of the delegated design subcontractors as “engineers of record”.
	5.	The Architect’s design includes the necessary provisions to incorporate delegated design work as indicated.
	6.	For delegated design work that requires to comply with performance requirements that necessitate calculations by a design professional as applicable to the discipline.  The designer must be licensed in the State of California and will stamp and signed the required calculations.
THE END