less complete plans
less complete plans
(OP)
I'm a licensed civil working on creek restoration design in CA and have a few questions/concerns on producing less complete designs for construction. The company that employs me has recently worked on a few jobs where we produce 50-90% complete plans and then provide more detailed instruction to the contractor in the field (pseudo design-build). We have also provided less complete plans to owners who are their own contractors (parks agencies, large land owners, etc.) with no contracted role during the construction phase.
Is it ever acceptable to stamp less complete plans that will be used for construction? Can our liability be reasonably managed with contracting language indemnifying ourselves from the inherent risks of going into construction with knowingly incomplete plans? Is this pseudo design-build method (designer and contractor are contracted separately through the owner, but collaborating on the design details during the construction phase) being used by others?
Thanks.
Is it ever acceptable to stamp less complete plans that will be used for construction? Can our liability be reasonably managed with contracting language indemnifying ourselves from the inherent risks of going into construction with knowingly incomplete plans? Is this pseudo design-build method (designer and contractor are contracted separately through the owner, but collaborating on the design details during the construction phase) being used by others?
Thanks.





RE: less complete plans
David
RE: less complete plans
In the event of a problem, you will be brought in to defend your design. It's tough to defend an incomplete design. Further, in my opinion it requires a lot more field documentation of "you said, he said".
An incomplete design will get you invited to that dreaded post-construction party (that would be the one the lawyers host) a lot faster than a complete design.
RE: less complete plans
RE: less complete plans
In some cases those drawings have been stamped and in others they have not. I think this is a fairly new trend and many Engineering Associations have no clear guidelines. Also, the contract has required them to be stamped in some cases.
I would suggest you contact your association and ask them first if it is legal/allowed/ethical to stamp those drawings. If it is not, end of argument.
If it is, (which I think it is the case), I would suggest you mark the drawing very clearly, something like 'drawing issued for review/approval, X% design progress, NOT for construction'.
RE: less complete plans
RE: less complete plans
RE: less complete plans
David
RE: less complete plans
I've never undertaken a project where the completed system was not fully specified on the final drawings. Showing up at a construction site with incomplete drawings and an 'understanding' that the details will be worked out on the spot is asking for the lawyers to get involved.
RE: less complete plans
I think if I was building a high-rise or a family home, I would have a different attitude about complete drawings/specifications/calculations. Most foundations I do are precast slabs you toss on the ground without much work beyond getting it level.
David
RE: less complete plans
CDG, Civil Engineering specializing in Hillside Grading in the Los Angeles area
http://www.CivilDevelopmentGroup.com