By Matt Brennan • What the RFI? Episode 17
An answer can be perfectly clear in the office and still be missed on site. Episode 17 focuses on a basic CA habit with significant consequences: making sure the team can find and use the latest construction drawings.
Lessons from Episode 17
A drawing set changes throughout construction
Tender drawings, construction issues, supplemental instructions and formal changes all form part of the document history. The original sheet on someone’s desk may no longer describe the current direction.
Keep an issue register that identifies sheet numbers, revisions, dates and the document that transmitted each change. Make superseded information distinguishable while retaining the history needed to understand earlier decisions.
Bring the record to the site discussion
Matt describes the value of being able to pull up drawings during a meeting or field visit. A question about a wall or staircase can often be traced through the original set, an instruction and a later owner change.
Digital access can make that process faster, provided the files are current and available when needed. Paper systems also require a reliable update routine. The useful test is whether the person making a decision can identify the governing information.
Include people who were not part of the design
A field reviewer may not have prepared the drawings or answered every RFI. They need access to the latest changes and a clear summary of the work being reviewed. Important life-safety details deserve particular attention during coordination.
A revised drawing alone does not complete the communication. Confirm distribution, discuss critical changes and check the affected work. Link changes back to their source so the team can understand both the requirement and its history.
Your next step
Confirm the current issue before each visit.
Retain the revision and transmission history.
Give field reviewers access to current information.
Check that significant changes reached the affected trades.
Watch or listen to the full episode
Watch Episode 17 on YouTube or listen to Why Up-to-Date Drawings Matter! and read the transcript.
Related Construction Administration guides
supplemental and site instructions guide • construction meetings guide • construction RFI guide