Blog

Blog

Construction Plan Review and Markup Makes for Successful Projects

No matter the type of building you are supervising, construction plan review and markup is a key step. Proper management of construction documents is essential.

One of the first steps to a successful project is proper management of construction documents. No matter the type of building you are supervising, construction plan review and markup is an important part of the process. Of course, there are other documents typical to the project: statement of work, bill of quantities, CSI Master Format outline, construction schedule, general and special conditions, etc.

Why Care About the Construction Plan Review and Markup?

There are a lot of reasons you may have gotten into construction project management. Perhaps you love to see the something amazing created from the ground up. Maybe you have an eye for detail and the leadership skills to pull all the moving parts together. You probably didn’t get into business for the love of paperwork. You do so because you’re adept at supervising buildings. However, in this business, managing documents is inevitable but a critical aspect.

In essence, construction plan review and markup ensures safety during construction. It also helps to keep the activities within the agreed parameters and aims.

Tracking Markups

construction plan review and markup

It is easy to mark up a drawing. Markups include such tools as photos, hyperlinks to other documents, and issue stamps. They ensure that relevant information is at your fingertips.

Sticky notes and red pens may be forgone but markups are absolutely necessary. Who better than a project manager to handle these details? It’s your job to compile and forward markups to stakeholders for review. Then, send them back to workers in the field so they can be on the same page.

In the field, there might be new markups created but not yet recorded in a central repository. This is a problem. The construction punch list software would help to improve the results.

An advanced project management tool allows users to create markups directly in the plan. This makes the information readily available to all stakeholders on the job. The synchronization process is quick.

You can create markups with an iPad, mouse, or hands with the help of a few freehand texts, arrows, and shapes. Every markup should link to a file format on which it’s created. Send the photos and the punch list to the design team. Let the team know the areas that need revision so they can be more productive.

The Significance of the Construction Plan Review

Why are building plans reviewed? It is imperative that they comply with the state’s adopted codes, policies, and ordinances for residential, commercial, and subdivision development. A plan review primarily focuses on:

  • Public safety issues

  • Impact on neighborhoods

  • Compliance with development plans

  • Sound engineering principles

  • Effects on the proposed or existing public infrastructure

Construction plan review and markup also reduces field charges. It ensures proper interpretation of the relevant standards before the construction kicks off.

Checklist of a Plan Review

  • Building Review

    • Architectural and site plans

    • Geotechnical report

    • Fire-resistance specifications

  • Complete Review

    • Plumbing

    • Mechanical

    • Electrical

  • Accessibility Review

    • General specifications

    • Structural plans

  • Energy Review

    • Design conditions

    • Lighting fixtures

    • Electrical specifications

    • Complete building review plans

Plan Review and Markup Process

It takes 2 to 3 weeks for the engineering plan to be approved, depending on the size of the project and the quality of the plans. These are the steps involved.

  1. Preliminaries: Call for a meeting with the engineering and planning department. Discuss the site features and project requirements.

  2. Application Submittal: Submit the prepared plans. Make sure they abide by the state standards and guidelines.

  3. Staff Review: Route the plan to the necessary stakeholders for review and suggestions.

  4. Consultations with Agencies: Submit the plan to relevant agencies that have authority over the project.

  5. Approval: If the requirements are fulfilled, the plan is approved and the construction process begins.

Between architectural drawings, RFIs (Request for Information), and markups, a single mishap can cause serious mistakes. Effective management is thus an integral part of supervising a successful construction project.

Image via Shutterstock by Sliplee