Construction and engineering / 03
Engineering support for contractors
The technical work that sits behind a bid and a submittal: reading the engineer’s intent, finding where it cannot be built as drawn, and writing the question so it gets a usable answer.
What is provided
- Constructability review
- The set read for what cannot be built as drawn: a detail that does not close, a tolerance that no trade can hold, a sequence the phasing does not allow. Reported with the sheet and the detail, so it becomes a specific RFI rather than a general worry.
- Means and methods narratives
- Sequence, access, temporary works assumptions and hold points, written to attach to a bid or a submittal.
- RFI and submittal preparation
- Questions written so the engineer can answer them in one round, and submittal packages assembled to the specification’s own list.
- Technical review of quantities and drawings
- An independent second reading of a takeoff, a shop drawing package or a proposal before it goes out. Document precedence governs, and the client’s own figures are opened only at the reconciliation step.
Questions contractors ask
Can you design the shoring or the formwork?
No. Temporary works design needs a licensed engineer taking responsibility for it. We will quantify it, sequence it and write the question to the engineer who designs it.
Will you defend a number if the owner’s representative challenges it?
Yes, from the written basis on every line. That is what the basis notes are for.
Is this a delivered service or an offer?
The review and narrative work has been delivered on real bids. As a named service line it is an offer, and it is described here as one.
Work of this kind
- Construction
New four storey multiple dwelling
Brooklyn, New York
A 97 page set reviewed page by page. Missing sheets, code conflicts and an elevator count discrepancy identified before pricing.
Plan & Scope Review
Read the case study - Construction
Storm damage trail and shoreline restoration
Coastal Georgia
Independent quantity verification against a contractor’s own numbers, explained line by line.
Estimating & Takeoff
Send the set. Get a fee back.
A written fee and a delivery date come back before anything is measured.