The process of construction is complex and needs a lot of documentation, numerous stakeholder engagements, and clear & concise communication at every stage of construction. Various questions and small uncertainties inevitably arise even after the detailed plans and thorough preparations. The Architects’ Supplemental Instruction (ASI) is one of the tools that are commonly used by architects. A tool that helps solve minor problems as fast as possible so that the project stays on track without any delays or costly disputes.
Understanding ASI in construction is essential for efficient project management. Here is the blog that explains what ASI is, its benefits, and how it differs from tools like change orders and construction change directives (CCDs).
What Is an Architect’s Supplemental Instruction (ASI) in Construction?
ASI is a formal written document issued by the architect during a construction project to clarify, revise, or share some additional information, which does not affect the contract sum or timelines. It ensures that all the parties are aligned without requiring a formal change order. ASI in construction are employed in situations of taking care of the minor changes or ambiguities that are experienced after the initial signing of the contract, as long as the changes do not influence the cost and time of the project.
Typical examples of where an ASI might be used include detailing a material finish, correcting an omitted measurement, or clarifying a construction detail. In short, if a quick answer is needed that doesn’t alter the scope, price, or timeline, the ASI is the architect’s tool of choice.
Key Characteristics of an ASI:
- Does not have to be approved by an owner or contractor prior to issuance.
- This should not impact the contract price or schedule.
- Usually handles non-material alterations or corrections.
- Become a part of the project record.
Why and when are ASIs used on construction projects?
ASIs are especially useful when it comes to solving the problems that may emerge during construction without involving time wastage or costly approval procedures.
Common Situations Where ASIs Are Used:
- Clarification of the design: When there is a need to seek out further information of details or clarification of drawings by the contractor.
- Fixing of minor omissions and errors: Minor errors in architectural drawing that requires corrections.
- Non-scope adjustments: Moving light fixture to improve design alignment.
- Code Compliance: Revisions to meet the Local Building Codes requirements.
- Material substitution: Replacing a nominated product with an approved equivalent that does not cause any differences in cost or quality.
ASI in Construction is commonly issued during the administration stage of the project, where architects and general contractors collaborate to ensure that the original design intent is properly implemented in the field.
What are the Benefits of Using ASI?
ASIs play a vital role in construction sites, offering several clear advantages for architects, contractors, and owners:
1. Faster Issue Resolution
With ASIs, architects may give quick clarifications or corrections without engaging owners in the long approval process or a change order process. This enables one to move along the project without any delays.
2. Cost Efficiency
ASIs prevent wastage of money within a given project since they do not affect the construction project budget. They are ideal for managing minor changes that could have otherwise required a formal change order, which involves legal and administrative work.
3. Clear Documentation
Through ASIs, everyone will be working from the same set of expectations and updated documents, reducing the chances of faults during construction or misunderstandings.
4. Maintains Project Momentum
The timely issuance of ASIs prevents project slowdowns and minimizes the need for rework, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
ASI vs. Change Order vs. Construction Change Directive (CCD)
It’s important to distinguish an ASI in Construction from other construction modification documents commonly used in capital projects, such as change orders and CCDs. While they may all involve changes to the original contract documents, their implications and processes differ significantly.
| Features | ASI | Change Order | Construction Change Directive |
| Scope | Minor changes or clarifications | Major changes affecting cost or time | Changes ordered by the owner when an agreement can’t be reached |
| Contract Sum Impact | No | Yes | Yes |
| Time Impact | No | Yes | Yes |
| Approval Needed | No (from contractor/owner) | Yes (owner and contractor) | No initial agreement required |
| Common Usage | Detailing, clarifications | Design change, scope addition | Urgent or disputed changes |
What are the Key Elements of an ASI in Construction?
A well-prepared ASI clearly communicates instructions, minimizing misunderstandings. According to US construction industry standards, every ASI in Construction should include:
- Project Details: Project name, contract number, relevant parties, date of issuance.
- Reference to Original Documents: Clarification is being sought for reference drawings, sections, or specification numbers.
- Description of Change or Clarification: A clear and specific explanation, written in plain language, of what is being changed or clarified.
- Supporting Materials: Attachments such as revised drawings, sketches, marked‐up plans, or photos.
- Signatures: Architect’s signature and date.
- Documentation and Distribution: List of all stakeholders who will receive this ASI.
How to Implement ASI in Construction?
The integration of ASI in the Construction project workflow should be done via coordination between the project management team, contractor, and the architect. Here’s a typical procedure that is followed:
1. Issue Identification
A construction manager or contractor can detect an issue that requires immediate clarification and submit a Request for Information (RFI). The architect then determines the eligibility of the problem to receive an ASI.
2. Draft the ASI
The architect signs and writes the ASI, referencing the necessary documents that require clarification.
3. Distribution
The ASI is sent to the general contractor and any other appropriate subcontractors through email, project management software (such as eBuilder or Kahua), or through a cloud-based document control system directly.
4. Field Implementation
The contractor makes the instruction part of the work being undertaken. The contractor is responsible for ensuring that site work teams are operating with the latest information.
5. Recordkeeping
Every ASI needs to be recorded and saved in case of project close-out, audits, or dispute resolution in case it is necessary in the future.
Best Practices for Managing ASI in Construction
Efficient handling of ASI in construction can avoid miscommunication, be a time saver, and lower the risk. To illustrate, some of the best practices from architectural and construction firms are as follows:
1. Set Clear ASI Policies Early
At the very beginning, make sure the whole project team understands these policies, i.e., that ASI is decided if it is appropriate and when it is a change order.
2. Use Standardized Forms
Be sure to use only the forms, such as AIA G710, that are widely accepted within the industry to avoid any misunderstanding and still be compliant.
3. Track ASIs with Software
Besides, construction project management software may be used when registering, issuing, and following up ASIs. Software such as Procore, Autodesk Build, or Bluebeam Revu aids in document centralization and also ensures real-time data is visible to all the stakeholders in a capital project.
4. Keep ASIs Short and Precise
Don’t be ambiguous. Use precise and technical language, and also provide annotated drawings or photos if feasible.
5. Communicate Promptly
ASIs must be delivered immediately after preparation. Any delays can lead to costly mistakes or correcting work.
6. Train Project Teams
Ensure that those in charge of a capital project, foremen, and tradespeople are familiar with ASIs and understand their proper use in construction. Numerous U.S. companies have short training courses at the beginning of a job.
Ensure that project managers, foremen, and skilled tradespeople are familiar with ASIs
Conclusion
The ASI in Construction is a critical tool in the U.S. construction process, used to facilitate timely communication between architects and contractors, especially for minor clarifications or non-scope-altering changes. When managed effectively, ASIs help prevent costly rework, reduce project delays, and keep construction documentation clear and consistent.
Whether you’re an architect issuing instructions, a contractor implementing them, or an owner tracking project records, knowing how to use ASIs appropriately can lead to more efficient and successful outcomes. By understanding the difference between ASIs, change orders, and construction change directives (CCDs), and by following best practices, project teams can minimize disruption and ensure alignment with the original design intent, all while staying on time and within budget.
At OnIndus, we help capital project teams across the U.S. streamline construction documentation, optimize communication workflows, and implement integrated technology solutions customized to their project needs.
Talk to OnIndus Experts: Get help implementing ASI workflows and smarter construction project controls.
Faqs
1. What does ASI stand for in construction?
In the field of capital projects, ASI refers to Architect’s Supplemental Instruction, which is used to clarify or change the project details without affecting the contract price or time.
2. What should subcontractors do when they receive an ASI?
The subcontractors have to go through the ASI in building thoroughly, make changes in their work as given in the instructions, and also inform the general contractor about the updated project paperwork so that they can work together in compliance.
3. Can ASIs be issued after work has started?
Yes, Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASIs) are also allowed to be given for the purpose of clarifying minor issues or making corrections in the work that can be done without changing the contract price or the timeline.
4. How is an ASI different from a Change Order?
A construction ASI is for minor clarifications only and without any change in the cost or time. On the other hand, a change order consists of the formal amendments that require the contract price or the schedule to be adjusted.
5. Can an ASI impact a subcontractor’s payment?
Generally, an ASI is not designed to affect a subcontractor’s payment as it does not create any change in project cost. Thus, an adjustment related only to the cost should be carried out by means of a change order rather than an ASI.