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.
Understanding the paperwork that drives the project is the first step to control.
Schematic Design
The Big Idea. The shape of the building.
Design Development
The Details. Dimensions & materials.
Construction Docs
The Manual. The final set to build.
Issued for Bid
Sent to contractors for pricing.
Issued for Construction
The Bible. Stamped & signed.
Contractor asks Architect for clarity. Too many = incomplete drawings.
Minor changes. Should not cost extra money.
Scope change. Alters Price or Schedule.
Product data sent by Contractor for approval before ordering.
Detailed fabrication drawings by the maker (e.g., Rack Elevations).
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.
A sequential guide from dirt to occupancy, highlighting critical AVL checkpoints.
Program Verification & Permitting
SD / DD / CD
Infrastructure Coordination: Ensure electrical & mechanical engineers account for AVL loads & conduits before bidding.
Floor Box Verification: Confirm exact locations before concrete pour. Once poured, they are permanent.
Foundations, Structure, "Dried-In"
Framing, MEP, In-Wall Inspections
The "Guts" of the building.
Pathway Inspection: Verify electrician installed correct conduit size and sweep radius before walls are closed.
Cable Pull: Ideally done after major dust settles, but often concurrent with drywall work. Protect the cable!
Drywall, Paint, Ceilings
Power, HVAC, Flooring, Trim-out
Rack Build: Electronics can only be installed after the environment is dust-free and climate-controlled.
Commissioning (Cx): Tuning & Programming. Verifying systems work as designed before handover.
Substantial Completion -> Punch List -> TCO -> CO
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.