Does an ASI change the contract price?

By definition an ASI is for instructions that do not change contract sum or time; contractors may dispute and pursue a change order if impacts arise.

Who can issue an ASI?

The architect of record or their authorized representative—typically documented on AIA G710-style forms.

What does ASI stand for in construction?

Architect's Supplemental Instruction—a written clarification or minor modification to contract documents during construction.

What is the difference between an ASI and an RFI?

An RFI raises a question; an ASI records the formal instruction implementing the architect’s determination when a drawing/spec change is needed.

What is the difference between an ASI and a change order?

Change orders adjust contract sum/time/scope when impacts exist; ASIs bind minor clarifications without those impacts.

Educational Guide

ASI in Construction: What an Architect's Supplemental Instruction Is and How It Works

An ASI clarifies or lightly adjusts contract documents during construction without changing contract sum or schedule—when it does affect cost or time, teams pivot to the change order process.

About 10 min read

What is an RFI?Change orders primer

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What ASI can and cannot do

ASIs can clarify details, lock finishes, resolve ambiguities, or provide revised graphics when work remains within the contracted scope and price/time stay neutral. They cannot add material new scope, override code, or silently move dollars or dates—that requires owner-approved change documentation.

Common issuance triggers

Ambiguous wall transitions or missing connection graphics after RFIs
Minor owner selections that do not impact contract sum/time
Field discoveries needing drawing adjustments without compensation events

Workflow and documentation

Track ASI numbers, references, acknowledgement, and field distribution—high volume often signals upstream CD quality issues. Pre-submission QA on architectural and spec vs drawing alignment reduces avoidable ASIs.

How InspectMind helps before CA

Catch coordination conflicts and ambiguous details while CDs are still editable—shrinking the ASI/RFI churn that hits architects and engineers during construction administration.

Frequently asked questions

Does an ASI change price?

Not by definition—disputes escalate to change order dialogue when impacts exist.

Who issues it?

Architect of record (or authorized delegate).

ASI meaning?

Architect's Supplemental Instruction.

ASI vs RFI?

RFI asks; ASI instructs with formal record.

ASI vs change order?

Change orders capture cost/time/scope movement.

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