Best Practices for Project Management, Design, and Construction of ...

Changes will undoubtedly be required for any project but the key to success is to minimize
these changes. Quality construction documents form the basis for any successful project.
Keep in mind that just because OSHPD FDD approves the documents does not mean that
they are quality documents. Plans and specifications need to be completely and thoroughly
checked by the responsible architect or engineer before they are submitted to OSHPD. Plans
and specifications that are incomplete or incorrect will be returned to the applicant. (See Title
24, Part 1, Section 7-125: Final Review of Construction Documents.)
• Construction documents should be reviewed for constructability and appropriate changes
should be made before they are submitted to OSHPD FDD.
• All construction documents (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
plans) should be coordinated. Qualified consultants can take the construction plans and,
using computer systems, build the systems graphically to determine whether they can be
built as designed. This effort can identify problems that would otherwise not be found until
construction.
• The design team should be encouraged to follow the recommendations presented in
Section 3 of this volume.
Unrealistic expectations can cause difficulties and delays. OSHPD FDD field staff can only
perform their duties within the code requirements as stipulated in the CBSC; expecting anything
else is irrational and costly. It is incumbent upon owners and owner representatives, contractors,
and designers to become knowledgeable with OSHPD FDD procedures and processes and to
manage the construction project process to maximize the effectiveness of OSHPD FDD policies
and procedures.
(OSHPD Best Practices) Page 85 DRAFT FINAL, Sept. 2011