CHAPTER IV "THE STANDARD DOCUMENTS" 872. In General.-The issuance recently of "The Standard Documents of the American Institute of Architects," which are copyrighted by the Institute and here published as Appendix B by special permission, is a matter of more than ordinary importance. The documents comprise forms for the agreement and general conditions of the contract, the bond of suretyship, the subcontract, the letter of acceptance of the subcontractor's proposal and various other forms applicable to the relationship and dealings of the owner and the contractor. The very evident care with which the documents have been prepared, and the fact that they have received the approval of the National Association of Builders' Exchanges, the National Association of Master Plumbers, and the National Association of Steam and Hot Water Fitters, are alike indicative of the real advance marked by their publication. The simplicity of expression and general lack of ambiguity which characterizes them, together with the broad scope of their provisions should do much to prevent misunderstandings between the owner, the contractor and the architect, and to standardize on a mutually satisfactory and equitable basis, the general rights, duties and liabilities of the several parties. The provisions with reference to the ownership of drawings, the status of the architect, the decisions of the architect, liens, the relations of the contractor and subcontractor, and the rather full provisions for arbitration, are all of special interest to the architect. The form of the subcontract is so drawn that the general conditions of the contract as between the owner and the contractor are, by reference, made a part thereof. This is important in view of the various provisions in the general conditions referring to the obligations of the subcontractor. It will be noted that the provision governing the ownership of drawings and specifications is a term of the contract between the owner and the builder and may with advantage, therefore, be supplemented by a specific agreement between the architect and the owner to the same effect, if the latter desire to have his ownership of the plans and specifications clearly established and in binding form as between the owner and himself. The forms are so prepared as to be easily adaptable to any particular circumstances and provision is made for the addition by the parties of such special provisions,—as for instance provisions for liquidated damages-as they may desire. The documents should be read in the light of the general rules and principles discussed in the last two preceding chapters and, especially, in the light of the statutory provisions, and of the legal doctrines, of those particular jurisdictions wherein they may be used. |