Construction Phase

Provide services to complete the risk management process

The final phase of a project, the construction phase, is also the time when many claims against the engineer arise. This is certainly not the time to let down your guard in protecting against risk. There are various tasks associated with the construction phase wherein the contractor responsible for construction and the engineer interact. There are submittals to be checked, requests for information to be answered, change orders to be evaluated, and site visits to be made. Each of these tasks should be performed in a timely and efficient manner so as to eliminate the engineer as the reason for a delay. A good practice to diffuse a claim of delay is to keep good records of the information flow between the contractor and the design team. Establish a non-adversarial relationship with the project superintendent so that you can work together as partners to achieve a common goal.

Site visits represent a unique challenge to risk management because they can increase the firm’s liability if one’s actions are not circumspect. Train your staff in the proper way to conduct site visits and how to document them. Training is also necessary to know how to deal with out-of-conformance work. Staff should avoid making statements in the field that can be construed as directing the work of the contractor or directing the safety program of the job site. Be aware of the scope of your site visits as defined in your contract. Are you providing periodic site visits to “endeavor to guard the owner against defects in the work,” or are you there to provide special inspection services as prescribed by the building code? Do not extend your services outside of the work for which you have been contracted.

Other construction administration tasks are shop-drawing checking and answering request for information. Engineers should know the purpose behind checking the shop drawings. They should not be used as a means to convey design changes. Be aware of the various reasons contractors ask for information. Some of the reasons may increase the engineer’s liability.