When Design Collides with Reality
Field Conditions and Site Visits
Your design is complete and all is good. Everything on paper fits, corners are square, there is adequate circulation, and you are under construction. Take a deep breath and get ready to face reality.
As mentioned often (and we will continue to bring it up), coordination is the Achilles heel of development. The construction process is no exception. Field conditions – the actual built environment – will affect your design. Either from field errors, unforeseen existing conditions following demolition, dimensional busts or changes required to accommodate structure or utilities, revisions will be required to fit the building conditions.
This is why you need scheduled construction meetings, a strong project manager and a knowledgeable equipment vendor who can visit the site, compare field conditions with the construction documents, advise you of discrepancies and help solve problems. Frequent (weekly is typical) construction meetings keep everyone apprised of progress, schedule issues, field conflicts and questions that need answers. A pre-construction meeting with the full construction team – GC and sub-contractors, the design team and owner’s representative - will get everyone on the same starting line, clarify schedules and set expectations.
When field conditions conflict with the construction documents, corrective action needs to be communicated to the contractor and all who are impacted. Rarely does any change just affect one trade. A change in wall dimension may require a utility line to be relocated, a piece of equipment altered or replaced and/or a finish detail changed. This change may require input from consulting engineers, the equipment vendor and/or the contractor. It may require a clarification drawing or a more formal Change Order if it affects the budgets.
With built in furniture, server stations and kitchen/bar equipment, field verification of actual dimensions and fit are essential. Site access may dictate that these pieces are brought in in sections to fit through doors or around corners. Custom fabricated kitchen equipment may need field joints or field welds, depending on their size and site accessibility. Your contracts with these vendors should make it clear that it is their responsibility to inspect the site for access and dimensions and to coordinate their work with the GC and their sub-contractors.
Construction is a moving target. Stay focused and actively involved.
