Detailing/Coordination
With any construction project, our standard operating procedure is to coordinate mechanical work using our in-house detailing team.
We have a team of 14 full-time detailers at ColonialWebb Contractors who create coordinated mechanical drawings from a field-installation perspective for all of our design/build projects. These talented professionals also have real-life, craft-field experience that increases efficiency and ensures a smooth process.
Using Technology
Our detailers use East Coast CAD, a specialized software application, developed just for mechanical contractors, that creates three-dimensional drawings for our jobs. In our drawings we’re able to “collision check” which ensures that there are no conflicts.
Talk about smart technology. East Coast CAD is one of the many industry-leading technology tools we use to ensure we are as efficient, productive and creative as possible for our clients.
Our Steps for a Typical Project
We have a well-defined process that we use for all new projects. Our detailers:
- Start with computer-aided design (CAD) backgrounds usually provided by the designers
- Remove any extraneous information such as text from the drawings before building the vertical dimension for the software’s point of reference
- Coordinate electrical and fire protection trades to determine their needs for ceiling space
- Begin drawing the mechanical system, including all ductwork, complete with bottom duct elevation and plan view locations
- Draw pipe mains as well as other piping in congested or tight areas, if necessary, to avoid conflicts
- Show access, electrical and maintenance clearances above ceiling equipment and devices with priority to drainage systems
- Electronically circulate our drawings to the electrical and fire protection contractors to ensure a smooth coordination
- Make changes and deviations as necessary
Throughout this process, we collaborate with our clients, as they are an integral part of the process.
Once these steps are complete, our detail drawings become installation drawings and ultimately as-built drawings.
When installers or others need clarification from the designers, we utilize a Request for Information (RFI) system to concisely and accurately document the conflict. Our designers log and track RFIs to ensure smooth communication and a timely response.
We’ll track changes that are made during the installation so that any RFI responses affecting the drawings are posted on the as-built drawings that are submitted as part of project closeout documents.
For more information on Detailing & Coordinating capabilities, click here.