Construction projects can be costly when considering the phases involved before they are completed. To comply with specific building codes, a construction project must be reviewed and approved by relevant authorities, and such standards may differ from one agency to another. A review and approval process is a multi-agency task that can take several weeks to complete. But engineering reviews and approvals by certified MEP engineers often go smoothly and take little time to be approved by agencies.
In this article, we guide you through the review and approval process for your construction projects and also highlight the stakeholders (agencies) involved in the processes.
Do you want the best MEP Engineering Project that will be reviewed and approved in the shortest possible time?
Importance of engineering review and approval
The importance of engineering review and approval of construction projects need not be forgotten when initiating, planning and executing works. In addition to code enforcement by various agencies, such as the building department, the review and approval process can alleviate exorbitant costs that could otherwise be incurred due to errors in the construction process. Furthermore, construction plans often have tight deadlines, so even a day's delay can cause huge inconveniences; therefore, reviews and approvals will improve the smooth flow of the construction process as engineers will have assessed the feasibility of the plan and the availability of resources to complete it.
The second consideration is code enforcement agencies that uphold public safety through the promulgation of relevant codes. Therefore, construction plans must be reviewed and permits granted to proceed. Getting your projects through these processes will avoid potential penalties and costly errors, among other repercussions.
The Review and Approval Process
This process is preceded by the design phase, often led by engineers and architects. Alternatively, developers may have a construction plan to pursue, which nevertheless must undergo review and approval by MEP Engineers before going to the relevant state authorities for final review and approval. Ideally, engineers should establish a site plan in accordance with the developer's wishes, which will serve as guidance throughout the construction phase. A project completed by engineers is halfway to completion as it does not need multiple reviews because the engineer's signature will provide an entry point.
The engineer's design is considered solid for the viability and success of the construction project. The good thing about the engineer design phase is that engineers can form a synergy with other professionals, such as architects and surveyors, to produce a complete design that achieves the project objectives. It is a guarantee that such a project will run smoothly through the agency review and approval phases.
The review process typically goes through different stages such as planning and zoning, development services, surveyors, and the building department.
Planning and zoning: A project plan will be revised in accordance with land use requests. Agencies will keep development codes in review.
Development services: technical studies will be carried out, which may include a drainage study and soil analysis of the site.
Surveyor Assessment: There will be a mapping team that will study maps of smaller and larger subdivisions. They can issue change certificates. This team checks the map for accuracy and ensures that all requirements are met.
Construction department: this department checks plans, issues licenses and supervises, among other functions. Other review agencies, as mentioned above, may have their own review requirements.
Which projects go through the review and approval process?
Almost all projects go through the review and approval process depending on their scale. Other agencies exclude smaller projects. Among others, the following projects should be brought to the process:
- Residential and commercial developments
- Stormwater development
- Industrial Development
- Multifamily development
What agencies are involved in construction project reviews and approvals?
Depending on the nature of the construction, there may be a number of review and approval agencies and these include the following:
- Construction Department
- health Department
- State Department of Transport
- Utility Companies
- Department of Water
- And many more
Each of these agencies may have its own standards, reviews, and approval requirements. Review and approval agencies often have a team of engineers, designers, architects and other professionals, such as surveyors, who help in approving what they consider to be the best construction project plan, in compliance with all building codes. applied.
What happens after the review and approval steps?
Developers and contractors will receive the green light to proceed with the construction project. After the review team finishes the design, developers may be asked to pay review fees before results are submitted. Once the plan has been reviewed and approved, no changes should be made without prior authorization from the competent bodies. If necessary, another request must be filed for the review and approval stages, and essentially the engineer's signature must accompany the justifications for the changes.
Other steps will follow the review and approval processes during or after construction. For example, inspections can be done after the project is completed to ensure it conforms to the design plan. Additionally, other building codes will apply, including NFPA 72 on Fire Safety Requirements in Buildings.
Wrap up!
Building constructions are completed after a long process of reviews and approvals in accordance with standards established by competent authorities, such as the Department of Buildings. Before contractors can begin, the project plan must be approved and relevant fees must be paid for permits. The process, however, can run smoothly if the designs have been done by a team of MEP Engineers and other designers. They can take on the construction administrative tasks necessary for the project to find a gateway to successful completion.
