Importance of Reviewing Design Plans
Design plans are used to build the project, but they must pass through the local jurisdictional permitting agencies where they are closely scrutinized for required sections, entries, calculations, etc. Submitting your plans for a review prior to submitting for a permit is a good way to ensure complete drawings that will speed up the permitting process; in addition, you can have an engineer scan the structural portions to ensure sound design.
One might consider the engineering design/engineering plan review a precautionary measure. If you value the investment in the building you are making, there’s absolutely no reason not to take the extra step of the review. Because in the long run, it can save you thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
Design plans are used to build the project, but they must pass through the local jurisdictional permitting agencies where they are closely scrutinized for required sections, entries, calculations, etc. Submitting your plans for a review prior to submitting for a permit is a good way to ensure complete drawings that will speed up the permitting process; in addition, you can have an engineer scan the structural portions to ensure sound design.
One might consider the engineering design/engineering plan review a precautionary measure. If you value the investment in the building you are making, there’s absolutely no reason not to take the extra step of the review. Because in the long run, it can save you thousands, if not millions, of dollars.
When to Complete the Design Plan Review
Plan for a review at the start. There is no good reason to have the plans reviewed once the construction has started or after the plans have been implemented. At that point, you’ve already invested too much money and time to make going back to the plans for corrections feasible in most cases. If the problem is severe enough, you might not have any choice but to return to the plans for correction.
You need to have the review done prior to implementing the plans. Bring in the engineer once the plans are completed or once they have been initially approved. The engineer can then review them and let you know if any changes are needed so the plans can return to the drawing board to complete the process again.
And, yes, it’s a good idea for you to have the revised plans inspected again by an engineer to make sure the changes are correct and that all of the problems have been dealt with.
Plan for a review at the start. There is no good reason to have the plans reviewed once the construction has started or after the plans have been implemented. At that point, you’ve already invested too much money and time to make going back to the plans for corrections feasible in most cases. If the problem is severe enough, you might not have any choice but to return to the plans for correction.
You need to have the review done prior to implementing the plans. Bring in the engineer once the plans are completed or once they have been initially approved. The engineer can then review them and let you know if any changes are needed so the plans can return to the drawing board to complete the process again.
And, yes, it’s a good idea for you to have the revised plans inspected again by an engineer to make sure the changes are correct and that all of the problems have been dealt with.
Problems Caused by Not Having a Review
One of the main concerns you should have about neglecting a construction plan review is that possible problems will arise later in the construction. In that case, much of the work may have to be redone and that will increase the cost of the project dramatically. Plus, it will inevitably delay completion.
A worse scenario would be the identification of a major problem while the construction is finishing completion. The flaw may only show itself during a catastrophic disaster such as a hurricane, for example. Imagine having a hurricane-safe structure collapse and kill the people inside because of a tiny problem with your original plans - which could have been prevented with a simple review by an engineer.
One of the main concerns you should have about neglecting a construction plan review is that possible problems will arise later in the construction. In that case, much of the work may have to be redone and that will increase the cost of the project dramatically. Plus, it will inevitably delay completion.
A worse scenario would be the identification of a major problem while the construction is finishing completion. The flaw may only show itself during a catastrophic disaster such as a hurricane, for example. Imagine having a hurricane-safe structure collapse and kill the people inside because of a tiny problem with your original plans - which could have been prevented with a simple review by an engineer.