Since as much as 25% of a contractor's costs come from the
layout process, getting layout right the first time can set the
tone for the entire project. Layout professionals have a big job to
do and many responsibilities to account for. They must:
• Anticipate and mitigate errors before and during layout
• Continuously check their work
• Understand how layout will be used by various trades
and contractors, especially at the beginning phases when
concrete and steel figure in prominently
• Visualize how layout translates to a finished structure
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with construction
teams
But it's not unusual for problems and mistakes to occur at the
layout phase. And when they do, a series of structural errors can
follow:
• Building components can't be installed correctly or must be
ripped out if errors are discovered later
• When components can't be installed as expected, an RFI or
change order is needed, which takes additional time as you
wait to receive input from several other people
Inaccurate Layout: A
Shaky Foundation for
Structural Work
• On top of that, actually correcting the error or miscalculation takes even
more time
• All of that extra time leads to delayed schedules and budget overruns
• Any prefab work that needs to be installed is also impacted
Layout work is a critical part of the project, and it's already challenging enough.
If your current layout processes aren't as efficient, thorough, or accurate as they
could be, you may be unknowingly building upon a shaky foundation and putting
yourself at greater risk.
