AC 051 - How to coordinate with Plan Checkers

[@Iris-l8f]

Thank you! I am a building inspector and I work in an office with plans examiners. This is a good strategy.

[@archicorner]

Yes, I have had good outcomes when reaching out and talking on the phone with plan reviewers/inspectors. Thank you for the work you do too!

[@Designbuild828]

Excellent advice. I did this today and the plan checker was so helpful. I was very relieved and it helped me get my work done faster.

[@archicorner]

Great job! I literally did this yesterday as well and it worked out fine. Having a good relationship with the plan reviewers is invaluable.

[@polosma77]

Love this format too, its like a podcast .

[@archicorner]

Thank you!

[@jsoto3]

Love this new added format for your videos Josue! These were great comments about the importance of verbally communicating with plan reviewers, especially for younger design professionals who have not yet gone through the permit plan review process. Not only is it important to engage in this type of communication with the building department during the plan review, it's also very beneficial to engage with them prior to submitting plans (some AHJ's have formal process for this). This is especially true for large or complex projects where the interpretation and application of the building code can be complicated. For large/complex projects, having expert code consultants on your team assisting with this process pays dividends. Engaging the AHJ with effective and respectful communication not only saves time and frustration, but it potentially can save the client a lot of money. Over my 20 years of experience so far I have had success on multiple projects, especially with the assistance of an expert code consultant, in preventing dramatic design changes and saving clients millions of dollars in unnecessary additional construction costs that could have been incurred had we not respectfully pushed back on the plan reviewer's initial comments (they can sometimes misinterpret the code, just as designers can). Thanks so much for what you do with this channel, it's an immense service to the profession!

[@archicorner]

Thank you. I really appreciate it!

[@crocholiday]

As a plans examiner for a jurisdiction, I can confirm this method is a good way to go. I like to think the majority of us are pretty reasonable and willing to chat and work with you. The code is not always black and white and doesn't cover every possible condition. I know for me, I'll accept it if you can lay out a good code path for me to hang my hat on. If not, I'll provide code language showing you why I can't. Really dig your videos. Great info provided in a way that's easy to follow and understand. It's even entertaining which is really tough for code related content lol. The only time I've made it entertaining is when I read it out loud in a Shakespearean accent haha. I'll definitely pass your channel on.

[@archicorner]

Much appreciated

[@sandjfnffs]

This (like all your videos) was VERY helpful to me! Thank you!

[@archicorner]

You are very welcome.

[@asahelsmith9490]

I strongly encourage the strategy of contacting the plan checker before submitting documents for a building permit application. On one project, I kept receiving review comments from someone I had not worked with before. We wasted weeks of time because the plan checker was too vague with their commentary in some areas and simply misinterpreted code in other areas. It was very frustrating. We eventually had to hire an attorney (last resort) and, as soon as the attorney met the plan checker, the plan checker folded and approved the plans. My next experience with the same jurisdiction assigned me a different plan checker who confided in me that I was known in their department as the "architect who takes on hopeless causes". I am not sure if that was a compliment.

[@Kate_Miami_Lifestyle-wx1sx]

Happy new year! Yes! This is a great format and thank you again for all your tips! Is it Miami Florida you are driving around?

[@archicorner]

I was in Florida late last year, but no. I live in California.

[@emanyassin3959]

Love it!

[@archicorner]

Thanks!!

[@mikesherman8590]

Good for you.I am one and i'm a nice guy and I was a builder inspector and I would just want to help quickly make everybody happy and get money in their pocket

[@archicorner]

I find most plan checkers to be very nice people. Everyone is just trying to do a good job. I love team work and the best way to work well with each other is to understand each other's concerns. Maybe you will plan check one of my projects someday :).

[@mikesherman8590]

Life safety first though