Addendums

What is an "addendum" and why do I need to look at it?

An Addendum is a change to the proposed building, specifications or drawings...within the bidding phase.

It is regarded as if it IS the original drawing and specifications.

If, during the bidding phase of the project, the owner makes a change, or the architect realizes something is not exactly right, they may release an addendum.  The owner wants as accurate a price as possible.

What might change and why?

•  If you (or another bidder) sent in a Request for Information, it might be answered in the addendum.  
•  if anyone sent in a Substitution Request, asking to use a different product or manufacturer, that could be approved or denied in addendums.
• The date or time of the due date could change.
• They might reissue part or all of the specifications and drawings.
• They might add or subtract portions of the work.
• The owner may have changed their mind about the look, color or extent of the work.
• The architect may have made minor changes to typos within the documents

In short, literally ANYTHING could change.

It is up to EVERY bidder on the project to obtain, review and incorporate any and all changes into their proposal.

If you neglect to do that (or somehow forget to tell the General Contractors that you did) all your work is tossed in the trash.

In the video below, the estimator walks thru an addendum, noting if anything has changed in her scope (101400 Signage).

How do you obtain the Addendums?

Check your emails.

The General Contractors typically send out an Addendum Notice with a link.

Sometimes they even attach the file for you; and occasionally will tell you how they believe it affects your scope of work.

Even if they DO NOT inform you of an addendum, it is still YOUR responsibility to check if there are any.

BEST PRACTICE

• Check in on the planroom where you downloaded the documents for addendums, whether or not you received a notification.
• Send an email to any General Contractor who invited you with a table of your scope and ask if it is complete (see SCOPE CHECK Chapter)
• Send an email to any General Contractor who invited you, asking if any addendums are anticipated...do this at least the day before it is due.