Project Manuals/Specs, Etc

sparkie5

(I posted this at a popular electricians website but like to also ask contractors of all trades)

Project Manuals/Specs...terms used interchangeably?

I've read it several times and did find some useful info but it was not the easiest reading.

Any tips/advice for successfully using it?

*alot of generic info like perfect installation required, clean/dust equipment, etc.

I guess I am trying to ask what or what amount of info I can expect to glean from a project manual. And, if conflicts w/ prints, then favor project manual over drawings? right.

Peladu

Always go with what the Architect/Prints say first.
If you don't agree, then it has to be changed and signed off by the Architect or customer.

From the job you described of working on, it seems that most everything needs to be either State or Federally approved.

I would not take it upon myself to change the aspect of the job without the proper channels being worked through, especially on a job with the scope you are working on.

Tscarborough

RFI any significant differences between the specifications and the prints. The problem is becoming common as more architectural firms simply cut and paste specifications, leading to conflicting and unneeded items in the specifications. Like Peladu, I look to the prints when in doubt.

sparkie5

In this case, a small kitchen in a hospital, the Food Service Equipment Contractor's (FSEC) Prints override, IAW FSEC.

Project manual says, section 00810, 1.D.2. "Discrepancies: ....between drawings/specs, arch/engineer shall be notified. If work proceeds w/o proper interpretation of conflicting drawings/specs, the installed work not IAW design/best practice ...replaced at no add'l cost to State."

Is that standard, Project Manual speak for customer/owner CYA'ing and not paying for Arch/engineer, GC or Sub's mistake. The norm?

mdshunk

I guess you've seen the language that reads sorta like, "...when specs and prints differ, the more expensive option will be provided"? That's often the safe route, when time is running out.

I guess your print language is telling you (telling me) to iron out all the descrepancies quickly, because if you make any decisions on your own that the powers that be don't agree with, you'll be replacing them for free.

You CAN'T win on a commercial project by making your own decisions when you find a problem or contradiction. Do your RFI thing, and then the next step... change order. You really need to find reasons why something is a "change" so that you don't bankrupt your employer.

sparkie5

OK, RFI's Rock!