Good morning dear forum,
as the title suggests, I have a question regarding the detailed design phase, but unfortunately, I need to provide some background first:
We worked with an architect on the planning permission stage, and the building permit / planning permission application has been submitted. We have a friend who is a contractor (civil and structural works) supporting us privately with our project. He recommended an engineering firm for phases 6-9 (execution planning and supervision), with whom he likes to cooperate because they are both technically skilled and personally reliable.
We have now met with the engineering firm. They will handle the commercial aspects and the tendering, and one of their engineers is an energy consultant and building surveyor who would take over the site management / construction supervision. So far, so good.
Now to the main reason for my question:
The future site manager has reviewed our plans and found them very good. So good, in fact, that he suggested, once he receives the structural engineer’s plans and possibly one or two additional detailed drawings (including floor and roof construction), we could forego the execution planning phase. After a brief discussion with our contractor friend, this would be possible but would mean more coordination effort for the site manager.
Naturally, we are somewhat uncertain. On the one hand, we want to build a house without major defects or problems, but on the other hand, this option is financially tempting for us.
Can we rely on the statement of the site manager, who is also a building surveyor, or how would you proceed? What can we do to avoid any pitfalls?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
If any additional information is needed, I am happy to provide it.
Best regards
P.S.: Maybe it’s important to mention: we are building a fairly “simple” house in terms of structure, with no complicated walls or ceilings as far as I can judge.
as the title suggests, I have a question regarding the detailed design phase, but unfortunately, I need to provide some background first:
We worked with an architect on the planning permission stage, and the building permit / planning permission application has been submitted. We have a friend who is a contractor (civil and structural works) supporting us privately with our project. He recommended an engineering firm for phases 6-9 (execution planning and supervision), with whom he likes to cooperate because they are both technically skilled and personally reliable.
We have now met with the engineering firm. They will handle the commercial aspects and the tendering, and one of their engineers is an energy consultant and building surveyor who would take over the site management / construction supervision. So far, so good.
Now to the main reason for my question:
The future site manager has reviewed our plans and found them very good. So good, in fact, that he suggested, once he receives the structural engineer’s plans and possibly one or two additional detailed drawings (including floor and roof construction), we could forego the execution planning phase. After a brief discussion with our contractor friend, this would be possible but would mean more coordination effort for the site manager.
Naturally, we are somewhat uncertain. On the one hand, we want to build a house without major defects or problems, but on the other hand, this option is financially tempting for us.
Can we rely on the statement of the site manager, who is also a building surveyor, or how would you proceed? What can we do to avoid any pitfalls?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
If any additional information is needed, I am happy to provide it.
Best regards
P.S.: Maybe it’s important to mention: we are building a fairly “simple” house in terms of structure, with no complicated walls or ceilings as far as I can judge.
T
Tagtraum854 Feb 2015 11:45Hmm... I think I’m having a bit of a mental block.
The architect takes the structural engineer’s drawings/results and creates the detailed plans, right?
If the structural engineer now also produces these detailed drawings, do I still need the architect?
I guess it’s hard to generalize, but I’m not quite clear on what exactly the architect does in the construction documentation phase, other than printing the plans at 1:50 scale instead of 1:100 and implementing the structural engineer’s specifications.
Maybe it’s worth adding: the structural engineer, our friendly contractor, and the engineering firm work together very often, so they know what each person can do and needs to provide.
The architect takes the structural engineer’s drawings/results and creates the detailed plans, right?
If the structural engineer now also produces these detailed drawings, do I still need the architect?
I guess it’s hard to generalize, but I’m not quite clear on what exactly the architect does in the construction documentation phase, other than printing the plans at 1:50 scale instead of 1:100 and implementing the structural engineer’s specifications.
Maybe it’s worth adding: the structural engineer, our friendly contractor, and the engineering firm work together very often, so they know what each person can do and needs to provide.
That does not mean that all details are always clear to everyone. And honestly: when the structural engineer creates the drawings, they certainly expect to be paid for that. Sounds reasonable, right?
My advice: invest the small amount of money, and you’ll have peace of mind.
Good luck
K1300S
My advice: invest the small amount of money, and you’ll have peace of mind.
Good luck
K1300S
T
Tagtraum854 Feb 2015 12:37Of course, I need the structural engineer anyway... no question about it.
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