For an owner managing the design, construction, and start-up of a new facility, or the renovation of an older facility can represent some significant challenges. If the owner does not have the technical experience, time or resources to oversee the project important project details may be overlooked or ignored.

Drawings and specifications are considered “contract documents.” They provide not only instructions to the builders, but denote what the owner can expect with regards to quality and performance. Insuring these documents protect the owner and have not left out essential information requires thorough review.

The final design documents (drawings and specifications) should be produced with enough information and detail so there is little room for interpretation by the installing tradesman and vendors. However, in design/build construction the design builder often abbreviates the process from the mind set that they are both engineers and builders. As a result, the owner frequently gets short changed because there is no definitive documentation with regards to quality and performance that traditionally comes from an independent engineer. With fees being competitively bid and experienced engineers in short supply – there is often need of review by independent construction/design engineer solely representing the owner.

Facility-Experts can help. Our mission is to assist clients in achieving an on-time, on-budget, and operationally successful project using best practices for engineering and construction oversight. To learn more e-mail us at: contact@facility-experts.net.