Navigating the Chaos of Construction

Construction projects are a jargon-filled maze. As the Owner, you are the hub connecting the Architect, Contractor, and Integrator. This guide decodes the acronyms and highlights the critical moments for AVL success.

๐Ÿ—๏ธ

The "Rosetta Stone" of Acronyms

Understanding the paperwork that drives the project is the first step to control.

The Evolution of Drawings

๐Ÿ’ก

SD

Schematic Design

The Big Idea. The shape of the building.

๐Ÿ“

DD

Design Development

The Details. Dimensions & materials.

๐Ÿ“˜

CD

Construction Docs

The Manual. The final set to build.

๐Ÿ’ฐ

IFB

Issued for Bid

Sent to contractors for pricing.

๐Ÿ”จ

IFC / AFC

Issued for Construction

The Bible. Stamped & signed.

Change Management

  • ?
    RFI (Request for Information):

    Contractor asks Architect for clarity. Too many = incomplete drawings.

  • i
    ASI (Architectural Supp. Instruction):

    Minor changes. Should not cost extra money.

  • $
    CO (Change Order):

    Scope change. Alters Price or Schedule.

Approvals

  • โœ“
    Submittals:

    Product data sent by Contractor for approval before ordering.

  • โœ
    Shop Drawings:

    Detailed fabrication drawings by the maker (e.g., Rack Elevations).

The "Cost of Change" skyrockets as the project progresses.

Why Coordination Matters Early

In construction, the ability to influence the design drops rapidly while the cost of making changes rises exponentially.

For AVL: If we don't coordinate infrastructure in the Design Phase, moving a conduit in the Rough-In Phase is expensive. Moving it after Finishes is catastrophic.

High Influence
vs
High Cost

The Project Timeline

A sequential guide from dirt to occupancy, highlighting critical AVL checkpoints.

Phase 1: Pre-Construction

Program Verification & Permitting

SD / DD / CD

1

โšก AVL Checkpoint

Infrastructure Coordination: Ensure electrical & mechanical engineers account for AVL loads & conduits before bidding.

AVL Checkpoint ๐Ÿ“ฅ

Floor Box Verification: Confirm exact locations before concrete pour. Once poured, they are permanent.

2

Phase 2: Core & Shell

Foundations, Structure, "Dried-In"

Phase 3: Rough-In

Framing, MEP, In-Wall Inspections

The "Guts" of the building.

3

๐Ÿ›‘ Critical Inspection

Pathway Inspection: Verify electrician installed correct conduit size and sweep radius before walls are closed.

Timing Alert โณ

Cable Pull: Ideally done after major dust settles, but often concurrent with drywall work. Protect the cable!

4

Phase 4: Finishes

Drywall, Paint, Ceilings

Phase 5: Systems & Tech

Power, HVAC, Flooring, Trim-out

5

๐Ÿงน The Dust-Free Milestone

Rack Build: Electronics can only be installed after the environment is dust-free and climate-controlled.

The Handoff ๐Ÿ

Commissioning (Cx): Tuning & Programming. Verifying systems work as designed before handover.

6

Phase 6: Closeout

Substantial Completion -> Punch List -> TCO -> CO

Where Does the Time Go?

Owners often underestimate the "Rough-In" and "Finishes" phases. This breakdown shows typical time allocation for a complex commercial project.

Note that System Commissioning happens at the very end, often compressed by delays in earlier phases.