You discover a discrepancy between the architectural drawings and the structural drawings regarding beam locations. What should be your first course of action?
Correct Answer
A) Issue a Request for Information (RFI) to the design team
When discrepancies exist between drawings, the contractor should issue an RFI to the design team for clarification. This ensures proper coordination and prevents potential structural or design issues from proceeding without resolution.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Issuing an RFI is the proper protocol when discrepancies exist between different drawing sets. This formal process ensures the design team addresses the conflict with a coordinated solution that maintains both architectural intent and structural integrity. Making assumptions or choosing one drawing over another without clarification could lead to costly errors, safety issues, or code violations that the contractor would be liable for.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: Make a field decision based on constructability
Following only the architectural drawings ignores critical structural requirements and could compromise the building's safety and code compliance. Architectural drawings show design intent but may not reflect all structural constraints or load-bearing requirements.
Option C: Follow the structural drawings as they are more technically specific
Making unilateral field decisions on structural matters exceeds the contractor's authority and creates liability exposure. Beam locations affect structural integrity and must be resolved by qualified design professionals, not field personnel.
Option D: Follow the architectural drawings as they show the final design intent
While structural drawings are technically specific, following them without considering architectural intent could result in conflicts with the overall design, finishes, or spatial requirements. Both drawing sets must be coordinated.
Memory Technique
RFI = 'Resolve First, Install' - always resolve discrepancies before proceeding with installation
Reference Hint
AIA A201 General Conditions - Article 3.2 regarding contractor's review of contract documents and RFI procedures
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