Construction Observation: The Key to a Successful Project

When it comes to project success, it’s not just about executing a quality design, you must also ensure its proper execution.  There is an often neglected aspect in the process that is crucial for the successful completion of a project – construction observation. Many clients and owners are unaware of the value of these services and are unaware of their importance in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what a construction observation entails, the benefits it offers, and why it is a crucial investment for the success of your construction project.

What is a Construction Observation?

A construction observation is a critical aspect of the construction process. Simply put, it refers to the physical observation of a construction project, by a design professional, to ensure that the construction is carried out in accordance with specified plans and standards.  

A construction observation can and should occur at various intervals during the overall construction process.  The number and frequency at which these observations occur depends greatly on the size and complexity of the project. Simple tenant interior fit-out projects may only require one observation, at the end of the project, to confirm satisfactory construction quality and conformance with the design intent.  

Small to mid-size projects should include both a rough-in and a final observation at a minimum, so that system components and materials can be observed before they are covered by finishes like drywall and ceilings. Next up comes the “underground” observation, which requires the design professional to observe the installation of all things in the ground before the trenches are closed up and vertical construction continues. Those are the three basic observations that nearly all projects of any consequence should include – underground, rough-in, and final observations. 

Large, high value, and complex projects require a much more active role of the design professional in monitoring the quality and progress of the work. These projects include large, ground-up projects like office buildings, high-rise buildings, hospitals, airports, data centers, and the like. On these types of projects, the frequency of design professional observations can vary anywhere from monthly, bi-monthly, weekly, daily, or even continuous on-site observations for the largest and most complex projects. It is important to establish the frequency and scheduling of construction observations, with both ownership and the contractors, to ensure the observations yield the maximum benefit for all parties. Sometimes construction observations can occur on an on-call basis, as the work progresses, to ensure the right things are observed at all the right times.

The frequency and timing of the construction observations is typically established during the fee negotiation stage of the project, due to the costs associated with design professional construction observations. These costs can be set either hourly, per visit, or established as a part of the lump sum fixed fee for the project. Even if the construction observation costs are negotiated as a part of the fixed fee, a line item adder should be established up front in the event additional construction observations are required beyond the agreed number. This can occur for any number of reasons, including construction delays, suspect contractor performance, or hidden conditions that were not anticipated at the outset of the project.

The primary objective of a construction observation is to confirm that the work being done meets the required quality and code required standards, fulfills the project design specification requirements, and is completed to the satisfaction of the owner. The design professional attempts to confirm, through observation, that all components are installed correctly, accurately, and within established quality standards.

Why is it Important?

Quality Assurance

Without the appropriate construction observations, the contractor’s work product may not meet the project requirements, putting the safety of people and the investment made in the project at risk. Without the appropriate amount of construction observations contractors and sub-contractors may be tempted to cut corners and save money simply because no one is watching what they are building. This can lead to unsatisfactory performance of the systems and unhappy owners after it is too late to make the necessary corrections. Construction observations help maintain good relationships between stakeholders by capturing and correcting issues before they become major problems, or worse, lawsuits. Construction observation is a crucial element in the construction process that plays a pivotal role in ensuring a project is completed in compliance with the design specifications and to the satisfaction of the owner. Architects, building owners, and contractors all benefit from conducting construction observations.

Construction observation is a crucial element in the construction process that plays a pivotal role in ensuring a project is completed in compliance with the design specifications and to the satisfaction of the owner. Architects, building owners, and contractors all benefit from conducting construction observations.

Other Benefits

Faster Completion Times

A significant benefit of conducting a construction observation, is that it can help speed up the completion process of a project. By having a trained construction observer present onsite, potential issues can be identified and resolved quickly, preventing delays that may have otherwise occurred. They can help identify and solve construction issues, provide guidance on project changes, and help avoid rework. Just being on site periodically provides the opportunity for contractors to ask questions, clarify the documents, and build relationships with the design professionals that help facilitate a smooth and successful construction process. Ultimately, by seeking the services of a construction observer, construction project owners can help ensure that their project is completed on time and within budget.

Improved Communications

When it comes to construction projects, communication is key to ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Another benefit of a construction observation is improved communication between all parties involved in the project. There is a designated point of contact for stakeholders to turn to with any questions or concerns, improving the timeliness and efficiency of communication.

Additionally, observations can provide valuable feedback, allowing for adjustments to be made in real-time. By improving communication through construction observations, projects can stay on track, avoid delays and setbacks, and ultimately be delivered to the highest possible standard.

Greater Accountability

Construction observation is a critical tool that ensures general contractors and subcontractors execute a project as planned by the architect, engineer, or designer. With the help of a construction observer, the stakeholders involved in the project are held accountable for every aspect of the construction process. It provides a constant and consistent presence on the job site, resulting in higher scrutiny during the building process. This level of scrutiny creates greater accountability, making it difficult for individual participants to stray from the original plan.

Furthermore, construction observation reduces the likelihood of miscommunication and oversights, which can lead to costly mistakes and rework. For these reasons, and many more, construction observation is essential to the success of a project, and the benefits it provides, in terms of accountability, cannot be overstated.

Summing it Up

It is essential to have experienced and reputable experts guiding your project, not only during design, but throughout construction also. Doing so can help lower the overall cost of the project, as well as identify and address any potential issues before they escalate into bigger safety concerns. While it may seem like an added cost up front, it pays benefits that far exceed the costs in terms of a better quality project and a faster delivery of the final product.

Schnackel Engineers has been providing construction observations on our projects for decades. Our highly experienced team, coupled with our trusted technology, can provide either in-house or third-party construction observations for your project, regardless of size. We are committed to consistently delivering exceptional service each and every time. If you are looking for the best partners in design and construction, contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!