Replies

1. 
   Snort | Apr 09, 2006 06:35pm | #1

   Look everywhere for them, and read them all!

   Hey, pocket doors can't come off the track if they're nailed open

2. 
   JonE | Apr 09, 2006 07:48pm | #2

   All I can tell you about them is (from the writer's perspective), they're usually not detailed enough, and hardly ever read.

   I have been to a few jobsite preconstruction meetings where we go over the project in some detail, and the contractors always ask me a bunch of questions that would be very clearly answered if they would just READ THE PLANS.   It's also amazing how many of them can't break out a triangular scale to approximate distance on site jobs.   

    

1. 
   silver | Apr 10, 2006 03:02am | #4

   couple of good ones JonE,

   good food for thought-I'm cooking supper right now.

   silver

3. 
   SamT | Apr 09, 2006 09:26pm | #3

   See: AIA standard contract: Architects Specs are over-ridden by: A; Manufacturers specs, B; Site conditions, C; approved field notes, D; Replies to RFI's, E; Almost anything else the archy feels like disputing after the fact.

   They've already Hi-Lited their plans. Now they get to go over them again, turning the plan set into a real reference manual. Down along the right hand edge, place tape-on tabs indicating major sections, ie. Foundation, framing, mechanical, etc. These labels should use two lines, the Title, and the Section designator.

   Along the top edge, for each major section, the sub sections, ie. North wall, main floor, etc. Use the same color tab as above. Start the top row about 2"- 4" from the left edge. Two lines again, name and page (section) number.

   Alternatively, depending on the planset thickness, use two colors for major and sub sections and place them both on the right edge. Add a third color tab to show Detail Page numbers/designators.

   On the top edge, using 2 colors, one for "buried" details, ie. those that are included on a plan page, and one for those on the Detail Pages, place a tab for each detail. Some pages will have several tabs. Label with a descriptive name, like NE Cornice, SW Wall Corner, Kit Cab Mnt Blocks, etc.

   Save the red tabs for "Gotcha's." There will be some.

   Two more colors, (one for "buried,") with descriptive names, for the "specs".

   Because (See first para above,) your students are going to have to research all the specs given by the Archy. Start a three ring binder at least twice the thickness of the plans and place each received spec sheet in it with tabs of the same label as on the plans. These spec sheets should have a cover page (similar to below, but not as detailed,) with all relevant plan page designators, the ID info for any RFI's or RFCO's (Request For Change Order) and any notes.

   They will have to generate field notes, RFI's, and RFCO's. I guess you will have to be the acting architect to approve these(|:>) Hnh! Another binder.

   Any communication with the Archy should have a cover page that includes or identifies the client, the archy, the GC, the relevant sub, the manufacturer, all relevant plan pages and callouts, the date, any serial numbers, the note/RFI Creator, Etc. They should make a template.

   All RFCO's and RFI's should include copies of any relevant areas of the original main plans, (be sure the page designator is there,) to show what part of the structure is under consideration, and any relevant details or other drawings. There should be drawings of any proposed changes, and a page detailing why the change or information is needed or desired, and any cost or time differences.

   The simplest RFI has 3 pages; the cover page, a copy of the original plan area, and the notes or question page. An RFCO has 4, including the proposed drawing.

   Specifications are a real PITA because the Architect generated plan set is only a set of suggestions, ideas, concepts, wishes, and thoughts (See AIA contract) to give the builder an inkling of what the archy wants the completed structure to be like. However, the archy demands the right of approval of all thoughts the builder has and woe be the builder that doesn't satisfy the architect.

   Build it according to the plan specs, and if the product doesn't work, the builder fixes it on his dime.

    

   Real life example:

   Specs called for, IIRC, 96" clearance in the hallway. Elsewhere, the planset called for 3" of a counter top to extend into the hall way. All walls were built to plans. There was 95 3/8" clearance from edge of counter to opposite wall, (covered with 5/8" drywall.) After two weeks of RFI's and meetings, the GC had to trim 11/16" off the ledge and re-surface it.

   On his dime!

   Oh yeah. The Archy is the one who drew the plans showing rough wall layouts. Specified on the plans as 99 5/8" plate to plate!?!? Exact dimensions of the ledge/counter were included in the planset.

   The Archies' argument? The GC should have compared the Counter specification as referenced by the office-side wall finish view detail callout in sub-sub-sub section umpty-squat of an 8" thick plan-set
    to:
   The rough framing detail specs as referenced by another section to a third section from  . . .
   and to:
   The hallway finish specs referenced by page. . .in section. . . as referenced by . . .
   and to:
   . . . . . . . . . . .

   There was no cross reference trail to follow. He was supposed to have found it on his own. Then he would have known there was a mistake a discrepancy in the plans.

   SamT
1. 
   silver | Apr 10, 2006 03:06am | #5

   SamT

   Man, I was looking for something like that.

   I have to re-read it later and really think about what you've written. But already I'm getting a great idea for a few classes

   What do you do for a living? 

    thanks,

   silver