What are architect's supplemental instructions in construction?
An architect's supplemental instruction (ASI) is a written directive from the architect that clarifies the drawings or makes a minor change that should not affect the contract sum or contract time. The architect issues and signs it alone. If an ASI does have a cost or time impact, notify the architect in writing before doing the work.
Architect's supplemental instructions, usually called ASIs, are formal written instructions issued by the architect during construction. They clarify the contract documents or order a minor change in the work that is consistent with the design intent and, in the architect's view, does not change the contract price or schedule. The AIA contract family includes a standard form for this purpose, and many architects use their own version.
The key phrase is "no change in cost or time." That is the architect's position when the ASI is issued. It is not always the contractor's position once the estimator reads it.
How an ASI works on a real job
On a $3.6 million school addition, the architect issues ASI #7: relocate two wall-mounted display cases 4 feet east to clear a revised fire extinguisher cabinet, and change the paint color on the corridor accent wall. The drawings are attached with clouded revisions. The ASI says no change to contract sum or time.
The GC routes it to the framing, electrical, and painting subs. The painter is fine. The framer had not yet installed blocking, so moving it costs nothing. But the electrician already roughed in power for the cases at the old location, and moving the boxes means demo, new conduit, and patch. That is real cost.
The GC answers in writing within the time the contract allows: the ASI is accepted for the painting and framing items, but the electrical relocation carries a cost, and a change order request is attached with the electrician's pricing. If the contractor starts the work without saying anything, most contracts treat that as agreement that there is no cost.
ASI versus other change documents
| Document | Who issues it | Changes price or time? |
|---|---|---|
| ASI | Architect | Not intended to |
| RFI response | Architect, answering a contractor question | Should not, but often leads to a change |
| Construction change directive | Owner and architect, before price is agreed | Yes, with price settled later |
| Change order | Signed by owner, architect, and contractor | Yes, agreed |
See request for information, change directive, and change order for the details of each.
Common mistakes and disputes
- Building the ASI without checking for cost first. Silence is usually read as acceptance.
- Not distributing the ASI to every affected sub. A drywall sub that never got the revised sheet builds to the old layout and the fix becomes a back charge argument.
- Losing track of the ASI log. ASIs, RFIs, and change orders should be numbered and tracked together so you can trace why the work changed.
- Letting a series of "minor" ASIs pile up. Five small changes in the same area can add real labor and schedule impact even if each one looks free.
- Forgetting to update the as-builts. ASI changes need to make it onto the as-built drawings at closeout.
Related terms
ASIs connect to the drawing log, scope creep, and written directive. For the paperwork side, see how to write a construction change order. Smart Business Automator tracks RFIs and change orders on each job so an ASI that turns into a cost has a clear path to approval. See change order approval automation.
Frequently asked questions
Does an ASI change the contract price?
It is not supposed to. The architect issues it as a no-cost, no-time instruction. If the contractor believes it does affect cost or time, it should say so in writing before doing the work and follow the change procedures in the contract.
Who signs an ASI?
The architect issues and signs it. Contractors often acknowledge receipt. Unlike a change order, the owner and contractor do not need to sign for it to be issued.
What is the difference between an ASI and an RFI?
An RFI is a question from the contractor. An ASI is an instruction from the architect. An RFI answer sometimes comes back as an ASI.
What should I do if an ASI has a cost impact?
Notify the architect and owner in writing within the time the contract requires, describe the impact, and submit a change order request with pricing. Hold off on the affected work unless directed otherwise.
