Dry Utility Coordination
Dry Utility Coordination
(OP)
I wanted to get some opinions on dry utility coordination for typical commercial development (gas, electric, cable and phone). I've been running into a good deal of scope creep, irregardless of my listing the dry utility design as an exclusion to our scope.
In my opinion, coordination with the dry utilities should be between the MEP (or architect) and the service provider. The MEP knows the loads the buildings will require, and typically the service provider does the design and construction of those lines onto the site.
For some reason though, I've run into MEP's who indicate this is the site civil's job (to coordinate with the dry utility providers). They insist they provide civil with the loads, and then civil has to do the coordination from there.
To me it seems the architect or MEP should deal with the dry utilities. There are payment contracts between developer and service provider, and the location of service to the building is purely an architectural or MEP item.
My intent was to show the dry utility designs for 'reference only' on the civil drawings (for sleaving). However, I have found I end up at the bottom of the dog pile, serving as go between for numerous parties.
Has anyone run into this issue before and what did you do?
(Generally our contracts are with a developer, and the architect/MEP are co-consultants not hired through us. Sometimes we are hired by the architect, with MEP being co-subconsultants with us)
In my opinion, coordination with the dry utilities should be between the MEP (or architect) and the service provider. The MEP knows the loads the buildings will require, and typically the service provider does the design and construction of those lines onto the site.
For some reason though, I've run into MEP's who indicate this is the site civil's job (to coordinate with the dry utility providers). They insist they provide civil with the loads, and then civil has to do the coordination from there.
To me it seems the architect or MEP should deal with the dry utilities. There are payment contracts between developer and service provider, and the location of service to the building is purely an architectural or MEP item.
My intent was to show the dry utility designs for 'reference only' on the civil drawings (for sleaving). However, I have found I end up at the bottom of the dog pile, serving as go between for numerous parties.
Has anyone run into this issue before and what did you do?
(Generally our contracts are with a developer, and the architect/MEP are co-consultants not hired through us. Sometimes we are hired by the architect, with MEP being co-subconsultants with us)





RE: Dry Utility Coordination
I think the most logical person to coordinate and design the utilities is the civil engineer. However, as I stated above, this does take A LOT of coordination time. Not only dealing with existing utilities, all of the proposed utilities and their unique design standards (including depth, hor. and vert. separation, pipe size/type/bedding, etc.), easement creation, and coordination with ME and Arch on loads and meter locations.
I actually encourage my Clients to let me do it. I pride myself on creating tight, buildable construction plans, but I always run into issues during construction (worst time) with utility line issues/conflicts if they are designed by individual utility companies, who NEVER cross-check their design with other util companies.
If you can convince your Client to pay you to do this coordination and design, it will save him money during construction and you lots of heartaches. Plus, I've found having a relationship with the engineers from the utility companies has gotten me recommendations for more work, and has helped me "pull-some-strings" when necessary.
RE: Dry Utility Coordination
Speak to an outfit that does the dry utility work and get a quote from them to provide design and supply a plan. Write a Change Order (or whatever you call it) and include the fee (from above) plus 8-percent. Add in fee for coordination and handling. Also, bury any out-of-scope fees (previously) accumulated within the two proposed fees. Submit the CO to the owner and architect and wait a few minutes for the phone to ring. Listen to their language, threats, etc..
Or, you could take a little loss, provide the work, make everyone happy, and then get 'em next time.
Times are too tight to be picky. Don't you think?
RE: Dry Utility Coordination
However, I mainly posted this for 'the next time'.
I wanted to get an idea of what my peers do in terms dry utility coordination. Do site civil guys usually coordinate that, or is it mostly by others.
Civilman72 up there finds benefit in making that his responsibility. Perhaps that is the better way to look at it.
RE: Dry Utility Coordination
Would you design water and sewer main/service lines without expecting to be paid? Because considering there is usually up to four separate shallow utility companies (gas, electric, phone, cable) to deal with, it can actually take more time to deal with these than the w/s design/coordination.
Just be careful what services you offer to your client (pro-bono) without being aware of the (potential large) scope.
RE: Dry Utility Coordination