A common issue we see during pre-construction plan reviews is that the plans look great.
The design works.
The project makes sense.
Everyone is ready to start building.
Then we look a little closer.
Sometimes, a detail on the drawings doesn’t quite line up with the requirements that need to be satisfied for certification.
It could be a missing detail, an inconsistency between drawings, or a requirement that hasn’t been properly addressed.
The good news?
Finding these issues before construction starts is much easier than finding them once the builder is already on site.
Why review your plans before construction?
Once construction begins, changes can become much more complicated.
A relatively simple issue identified during the design stage may become a variation, delay or additional cost once materials have been ordered and work has commenced.
A pre-construction review provides an opportunity to look at the documentation before construction gets underway and identify potential certification issues early.
This can include checking whether the plans adequately address relevant requirements and whether the documentation is consistent and suitable for the proposed certification pathway.
Small issues can become bigger problems
A missing note or detail might seem minor when reviewing a set of drawings.
However, if that issue isn’t identified until construction is underway, resolving it may involve:
- Changes to the building design
- Additional documentation
- Builder variations
- Delays to construction
- Additional inspections
- Further discussions between the builder, designer and certifier
Addressing these matters before construction starts gives the project team more opportunity to resolve them without disrupting the construction process.
What does a pre-construction review involve?
Every project is different, but a pre-construction review can help identify potential issues within the documentation before work begins.
This may include considering:
- Architectural drawings
- Structural documentation
- Building details
- Relevant certification requirements
- Consistency between drawings and supporting documents
- Details that may require clarification
- Items that may need to be addressed before certification can proceed
The aim isn’t to redesign the project.
It’s about identifying potential problems early so the appropriate people can address them before they become construction issues.
Keep the project moving
Good planning at the beginning of a project can make the certification process much smoother.
By involving your certifier early, potential issues can be discussed with the project team before they turn into problems on site.
At Certiscope, our approach is simple:
Identify the issue early.
Deal with it early.
Keep the project moving.
Whether you’re planning a new home, renovation, commercial project or other building work, getting the certification requirements considered before construction can help reduce unnecessary surprises later.
Building Certification across Sydney and the Blue Mountains
Certiscope provides building certification services across Sydney and the Blue Mountains, including:
- Building Certification
- Complying Development Certificates (CDC)
- Construction Certificates (CC)
- Occupation Certificates (OC)
- Principal Certifier services
Planning a building project?
Talk to Certiscope before construction starts and make sure your certification requirements are considered from the beginning.