Constructability reviews are thorough analyses of construction documents for the purpose of optimizing their effectiveness. We perform constructability reviews during the later phases of design to:
- Eliminate errors, omissions, and inconsistencies among and between drawings and specifications.
- Ensure coordination between design disciplines.
- Resolve scheduling, phasing, and safety-related issues.
- Provide input for cost-effective detailing.
- Reduce the incidence and magnitude of change orders by ensuring that documents are complete and well-coordinated.
- Ensure tight, competitive bidding.
To substantially reduce error-driven change orders, we assign the requisite experts from our team (civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical) to review the documents. After a meeting to compare notes, we compile an integrated list of observations and suggestions for consideration by the design team. This critical information results in contract documents that are highly coordinated and optimized for competitive bidding and construction.
One industry study* states that each construction drawing typically contains five coordination errors which equates to a 4.2% increase in change orders. It further suggests that this increase can be halved by performing constructability reviews. Translated to dollars, a $5,000,000 project would experience a change order reduction of $105,000 ($5,000,000 x 4.2% x 50% = $105,000) by performing a constructability review. A review for this project would cost approximately .2% of the building cost, or $10,000. The result is a 1,050% return on investment for a net savings of $95,000.
PCMI has the experience to perform constructability reviews that significantly reduce the incidence and magnitude of change orders on your project.
*by William Nigro of RediCheck
