Construction Plan Review Checklist for GCs (Pre-Bid)

Phase 1: Before You Open a Drawing

Phase 2: Civil Drawings

Civil is where scope gaps hide. Review before architectural so you understand the site context.

• ☐Site limits — where does the GC's work end? Property line? Curb? ROW?
• ☐Utility connections — where does each utility service begin/end for GC scope?
• ☐Grading and earthwork extent — cuts, fills, and spoil disposal responsibility
• ☐Storm drainage — tie-in points, detention/retention, who installs
• ☐Paving limits and surfacing types — parking, drives, walks
• ☐Erosion control — temporary vs. permanent, who maintains
• ☐Verify civil utility connections match MEP utility tie-in locations

Phase 3: Architectural Drawings

• ☐Building envelope — exterior wall assemblies, roofing system, waterproofing
• ☐Door schedule — all sizes, hardware groups, frame types present and consistent with plans
• ☐Window schedule — sizes, glazing type, performance specs
• ☐Finish schedule — complete for all spaces, spec sections referenced exist
• ☐Ceiling heights — annotated consistently across plans and sections
• ☐Accessibility — accessible routes, restroom clearances, door hardware per ADA
• ☐Fire rating — fire-rated assemblies identified and consistent with code analysis
• ☐Details — section cuts match parent plans; large-scale details don't conflict with plan dimensions
• ☐Casework / millwork — scope attribution clear (GC or owner-furnished?)

Phase 4: Structural Drawings

• ☐Structural notes — contractor responsibilities for connections, bolts, welds, inspections
• ☐Foundations — type consistent with geotechnical report, bearing values noted
• ☐Column grid — matches architectural plans exactly (gridline labels, dimensions)
• ☐Framing — beam depths and structural steel sizes will affect ceiling plenum clearances
• ☐Rooftop equipment — structural support for RTU loads, curb framing details
• ☐Special inspections list — what's required, who pays, who schedules
• ☐Deferred submittals — identify what structural engineer needs to approve post-award

Phase 5: MEP Drawings + Coordination Check

This is the highest-value phase. Review MEP against structural simultaneously — coordination conflicts only appear when you're looking at both.

Mechanical

• ☐HVAC system type and equipment — verify scope attribution (GC or owner-furnished)
• ☐Duct routing — check against structural framing for beam conflicts
• ☐Ceiling plenum height — mentally fit duct + structure + sprinkler + electrical in the tightest zone
• ☐Kitchen/specialty exhaust — Type I hoods, makeup air, grease duct routing and clearances
• ☐Equipment access clearances — maintenance crews can reach all units
• ☐Rooftop unit structural support — roof framing adequate for equipment weight

Electrical

• ☐Service entrance — size, utility requirements, metering
• ☐Panel schedules — all circuits accounted for, loads add up
• ☐Owner-furnished equipment — electrical requirements match panel schedule circuits
• ☐Emergency/egress lighting — locations, circuit, battery backup
• ☐Low-voltage / technology scope — included in base bid or excluded?
• ☐Fire alarm — scope attribution, connection to building system if existing

Plumbing

• ☐Waste and vent routing — horizontal slope achievable in ceiling plenum depth
• ☐Grease interceptor — size, location, consistent with civil drawings
• ☐Utility connections — water service, gas service tie-in points match civil
• ☐Floor drain locations — consistent with architectural floor plan
• ☐Fixture schedule — all fixtures spec'd, rough-in dimensions in architectural

Phase 6: Specification Cross-Reference

• ☐List every spec section referenced on drawings — verify each exists in project manual
• ☐Alternates described in Division 1 match drawing annotations exactly
• ☐Drawing notes that conflict with spec section language — document for RFI
• ☐Substitution procedures — note deadline and submittal requirements
• ☐Performance specs without design detail — flag as design-build scope, price as allowance or clarify

Phase 7: Scope Boundary Mapping

For every item below, confirm: included in your bid, excluded with documentation, or an RFI is needed before bid submission.

• ☐All "by others" notations — who are "others"? Is it documented?
• ☐All "NIC" (not in contract) items — confirmed excluded from your scope
• ☐All "by owner" items — furnished by owner? Installed by GC?
• ☐Design-build scope — where does the performance spec start? Who designs it?
• ☐Equipment curbs, housekeeping pads, and utility supports at trade boundaries
• ☐Temporary utilities — construction power, water, heat: who pays?
• ☐Fire suppression — GC scope or owner? Complete system or rough-in only?
• ☐Low-voltage and technology — included in base bid or separately priced?

Phase 8: Dimension and Detail Verification

Do this on a fresh pass — detail fatigue causes missed errors. An experienced estimator who's been reviewing for four hours will miss dimension conflicts that a fresh eye catches immediately.

• ☐Column grid spacing matches between architectural and structural plans
• ☐Door rough opening sizes match between structural drawings and door schedule
• ☐Window rough opening sizes match between structural and window schedule
• ☐Section cuts show what the parent plan implies they show
• ☐Large-scale details agree with plan-level dimensions
• ☐Gridlines consistent across all disciplines (architectural, structural, MEP)

Phase 9: Bid Clarifications and RFIs

• ☐Compile all issues found into two lists: bid clarifications and formal RFIs
• ☐Submit RFIs to architect before the pre-bid RFI deadline
• ☐Include scope exclusions in bid letter — document what you've excluded and why
• ☐Price design-build scope as allowances where scope is undefined — don't assume
• ☐Note any unit prices requested by bid form
• ☐Confirm bid form alternates match your pricing — no misalignment