With any construction project, our standard operating procedure is to coordinate mechanical work using our in-house detailing team.
We have a team of 14 full-time detailers and 2 Building Information Modeling coordinators at ColonialWebb Contractors who create coordinated mechanical drawings from a field-installation perspective for all of our design/build projects. These talented professionals also have real-life, craft-field experience that increases efficiency and ensures a smooth process.
Using Technology
Our teams uses AutoCAD MEP with TSI as well as Autodesk’s Navisworks Review, Navisworks Manage, and Revit to create three-dimensional drawings for our jobs. In our drawings we’re able to “collision check” to ensure that there are no conflicts between systems.
Talk about smart technology, the programs we use are a few of the many industry-leading technology tools we use to ensure we are as efficient, productive and creative as possible for our clients.
Our Steps for a Typical Project
We have a well-defined process that we use for all new projects. Our detailers:
- Start with computer-aided design (CAD) backgrounds usually provided by the designers
- Remove any extraneous information such as text from the drawings before building the vertical dimension for the software’s point of reference
- Coordinate electrical and fire protection trades to determine their needs for ceiling space
- Simultaneously begin digital drawings of the mechanical system including all ductwork, complete with bottom duct elevation and plan view locations, and pipe mains as well as other piping in congested or tight areas, if necessary, to avoid conflicts
- Show access, electrical and maintenance clearances above ceiling equipment and devices with priority to drainage systems
- Coordinate with electrical and fire protection contractors by combining all models into a complete detailed Building Model containing all architectural and structural components
- Make changes and deviations as necessary
Throughout this process, we collaborate with our clients, as they are an integral part of the process.
Once these steps are complete, our detail drawings become installation drawings and ultimately as-built drawings.
When installers or others need clarification from the designers, we utilize a Request for Information (RFI) system to concisely and accurately document the conflict. Our designers log and track RFIs to ensure smooth communication and a timely response.
We’ll track changes that are made during the installation so that any RFI responses affecting the drawings are posted on the as-built drawings that are submitted as part of project closeout documents.
Click here for more information on Detailing & Coordinating capabilities.
