CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR REVIEW – CONSTRUCTION DEFECT LITIGATION
Architectural construction documents are always referenced and closely reviewed within the context of construction defect litigation. The construction plans and specifications as prepared by an architect are understood to serve as the scope for the work product to be provided by each building trade involved within the overall construction.
Each specific subcontractor is obligated to perform in strict accordance with both the content of the construction documents as well as the language as stated within their subcontract. For this reason, the construction plans, specifications and subcontracts are collectively referred to as the contract documents.
The following is a list of components commonly included within a set of architectural construction documents. The specific content as indicated within each of these components will determine the work product scope and material to be provided by each building trade. The training to be provided in this seminar will serve as a basis for legal counsel to better identify the content and requirements for the work product as specified in the construction documents. The seminar attendees will learn how to read and interpret the information found within the documents as well as how to navigate through the documents to locate critical information. With the knowledge gained through this seminar, legal counsel will be better equipped to determine upon review of the documents the obligations and responsibility for work product for each subcontractor.
PROJECT DATA / COVER SHEET
• Building Code Information
• Building Department Jurisdiction
• Sheet Index for Documents: Architectural, Structural, Mechanical. Plumbing, Electrical
GENERAL NOTES
• Building Systems (Interior / Exterior Components, Windows, Doors, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Roofing)
• Performance Based Standards – Required Compliance to Published Testing Standards
SPECIFICATIONS
• Building Components
• Product References
SCHEDULES (Window, Door, Interior / Exterior Finish Materials)
• Component Sizing and Product Type / Material Specification
• Component Scope / Location of Installation
SYMBOLS (Nomenclature on Drawings)
• Legends with Cross Referenced Information to Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical Components
DETAILS
• Cutaway / Sectional View of Specific Building Assemblies to show Components
• Product Identification by Generic or Specific Type
• Dimensional Requirements Related to Installation (Height, Length, Width, Thickness)
• Design Features / Architectural Expression and Specification for Materials
FLOOR PLANS (2-Dimensional Images)
• Interior / Exterior Wall Layout
• Room Names & Location
• Building Dimensions: Length & Width
• Utility Locations: Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical
• Key Notes to Indicate Equipment, Fixtures, Finish Materials
ROOF PLANS (2-Dimensional Images)
• Roof Configuration, Placement over Walls Below
• Location of Ridge, Hip, Valley, Eave & Rake Conditions
• Roof Material & Slope
• Roof Overhang Conditions: Length & Depth
• Roof Drainage System / Drain Locations
• Attic Ventilation System
• Chimney / Mechanical Equipment Locations
ELEVATIONS (2-Dimensional Images)
• Building Exterior Facade: Length & Height
• Design Features - Architectural Expression Not Shown on Floor Plan
• Window Styles, Door Styles, Roofline, Exterior Wall Finishes
• Other Components - Shutters, Potshelves, Trim, Wainscot, Corbels, Awnings, Guardrails
• Relationship to Property / Grade
• Key Notes to Indicate Other Components
BUILDING SECTIONS (Cross-Section, Longitudinal Section)
• Heights of Interior / Exterior Walls, Floor to Floor Height, Attic Space below Roof
• Wall Assembly / Floor Assembly Component Types (Structural Information)
• Fire Rated Assembly Locations / Occupancy Separations