I'm wondering what process other designers are using to capture detailed information on-site visits? Especially for interiors or refurbishment projects. I used to take photographs and measurements on-site and then add them to drawings when I got back to the office. Also took a lot of drawings on-site to mark them up for any changes. Any other ways of doing this?
Non Sequitur
Nov 9, 18 11:03 am
Pictures with date stamps and documented through official site reports (issued in a timely manner) with critical items discussed with email paper trail will save your ass when you get to court. Totally not speaking from experience.... not at all.
Aisha
Nov 13, 18 7:28 am
Thanks, taking note of date stamps and official site reports. How much of this is down to the an appointed surveyor?
Non Sequitur
Nov 13, 18 8:01 am
What do you mean by appointed surveyor? Outside of M&E&S, the only items we do not review in-house are foundation waterproofing and roofing membranes. Primary reason is because these areas often require harnesses and or scaffolding but also because of liability with areas more prone to leak/failure. Better have an expert on site who knows their way around the products, manufacturer's warranties and trades people.
thatsthat
Nov 13, 18 10:42 am
I think the OP is talking about during design phase not construction.
Almosthip7
Nov 9, 18 1:05 pm
pencil, paper, 2 people and a tape measure. Pictures, picture and more pictures
Aisha
Nov 13, 18 7:27 am
Agree, that lots of pictures are helpful and an extra pair of hands to measure on-site too.
88Buildings
Nov 9, 18 5:27 pm
My 20 cents..
Don't guarantee anything to anyone. Sometimes things are hidden or obstructed, it is not your duty to uncover them. If needed, owner has to pay someone to uncover the area.
But you need to highlight that to everyone.
Remember to bill for all your time and effort. You need $$$ to pay E&O insurance and lawyers to defend you later.
Aisha
Nov 13, 18 7:31 am
Would you disclose that if something is hidden or obstructed then uncovering costs would be added to a client up-front?... or ask the client to get the areas uncovered?
Non Sequitur
Nov 13, 18 8:05 am
It depends. If you require a wall to be opened to verify something, say installation of a slab firestop system, shaftwall, beam protection, etc... and turns out that you discover the work is poor or incorrect/incomplete, then it is a contractor's cost to make good the wall. If your suspicions were incorrect, then it is a client's cost. Typically all parties are aware of the options before action is taken. I love watching the sleazy contractor squirm when we ask for things to be removed for inspection.
88Buildings
Nov 14, 18 12:28 am
Ask client to move obstructions , it is not your job.
archinine
Nov 13, 18 10:32 am
Almost all of that discussed above in terms of liability and responsibility noted is clearly outlined in the standard AIA docs. Start with the base docs and modify from there. If you end up with major revisions to those base contracts and have concerns about liability etc, consult with a lawyer prior to engaging those amended contracts. One meeting with the lawyer upfront to get a contract right that will be used many times in the future for your company is well worth their fee in avoiding lawsuits later.
In terms of tactics, I also use a laser. Can’t beat two people and a tape measure/laser.
A lot of places have gotten into 3D point cloud mapping / scanning. The costs are becoming much lower for this to be outsourced. Best case the client directly hires surveyer (offloading your responsibility) and you the architect are delivered a highly accurate 3D model from which to design. Of course you the architect can also offer to direct hire the surveyor but you’ll be absorbing responsibility, so get that contract sorted up front.
Keep in mind that typically a detailed and exhaustive survey by the architect (or any other party hired by the architect) is generally an add service and not the same as taking a few key measurements and photos with an existing plan in hand. If it takes more than a few hours you should probably be getting paid extra or hiring a specialist.
Aisha
Nov 14, 18 4:17 am
Thanks. I've not had the opportunity to try out a 3D point cloud mapping / scanning service. I understand these are useful for large scale projects especially. It seems that the scan results from these seem to still require adding in more detailed information manually.
Consulting with a lawyer is sound advice. Companies I've worked for have these in place. It becomes more of a financial balancing act to get the right things in place when doing small private projects.
I'm wondering what process other designers are using to capture detailed information on-site visits? Especially for interiors or refurbishment projects. I used to take photographs and measurements on-site and then add them to drawings when I got back to the office. Also took a lot of drawings on-site to mark them up for any changes. Any other ways of doing this?
Pictures with date stamps and documented through official site reports (issued in a timely manner) with critical items discussed with email paper trail will save your ass when you get to court. Totally not speaking from experience.... not at all.
Thanks, taking note of date stamps and official site reports. How much of this is down to the an appointed surveyor?
What do you mean by appointed surveyor? Outside of M&E&S, the only items we do not review in-house are foundation waterproofing and roofing membranes. Primary reason is because these areas often require harnesses and or scaffolding but also because of liability with areas more prone to leak/failure. Better have an expert on site who knows their way around the products, manufacturer's warranties and trades people.
I think the OP is talking about during design phase not construction.
pencil, paper, 2 people and a tape measure. Pictures, picture and more pictures
Agree, that lots of pictures are helpful and an extra pair of hands to measure on-site too.
My 20 cents..
Don't guarantee anything to anyone. Sometimes things are hidden or obstructed, it is not your duty to uncover them. If needed, owner has to pay someone to uncover the area.
But you need to highlight that to everyone.
Remember to bill for all your time and effort. You need $$$ to pay E&O insurance and lawyers to defend you later.
Would you disclose that if something is hidden or obstructed then uncovering costs would be added to a client up-front?... or ask the client to get the areas uncovered?
It depends. If you require a wall to be opened to verify something, say installation of a slab firestop system, shaftwall, beam protection, etc... and turns out that you discover the work is poor or incorrect/incomplete, then it is a contractor's cost to make good the wall. If your suspicions were incorrect, then it is a client's cost. Typically all parties are aware of the options before action is taken. I love watching the sleazy contractor squirm when we ask for things to be removed for inspection.
Ask client to move obstructions , it is not your job.
Almost all of that discussed above in terms of liability and responsibility noted is clearly outlined in the standard AIA docs. Start with the base docs and modify from there. If you end up with major revisions to those base contracts and have concerns about liability etc, consult with a lawyer prior to engaging those amended contracts. One meeting with the lawyer upfront to get a contract right that will be used many times in the future for your company is well worth their fee in avoiding lawsuits later.
In terms of tactics, I also use a laser. Can’t beat two people and a tape measure/laser.
A lot of places have gotten into 3D point cloud mapping / scanning. The costs are becoming much lower for this to be outsourced. Best case the client directly hires surveyer (offloading your responsibility) and you the architect are delivered a highly accurate 3D model from which to design. Of course you the architect can also offer to direct hire the surveyor but you’ll be absorbing responsibility, so get that contract sorted up front.
Keep in mind that typically a detailed and exhaustive survey by the architect (or any other party hired by the architect) is generally an add service and not the same as taking a few key measurements and photos with an existing plan in hand. If it takes more than a few hours you should probably be getting paid extra or hiring a specialist.
Thanks. I've not had the opportunity to try out a 3D point cloud mapping / scanning service. I understand these are useful for large scale projects especially. It seems that the scan results from these seem to still require adding in more detailed information manually.
Consulting with a lawyer is sound advice. Companies I've worked for have these in place. It becomes more of a financial balancing act to get the right things in place when doing small private projects.