Services Overview

Versatility: 

Although there are many companies available to provide drafting and coordination services, very few of them have the real-world experience and flexibility to adapt to each projects needs like VC3. Some projects won't be designed using BIM or require all trades to produce3D models of their systems making it impossible to clash detect with them or the building structure. These projects require a completely different skill set and knowledge of reading and understanding architectural, structural and mechanical drawings that many software savvy CAD outsourcing shops who rely on detailed 3D models just don't possess. They also require someone to fight for non-participants to agree to stay out the space we’ve coordinated for your systems and sign-off on that intent. 

Seamless Integration:

 Being versatile also means that VC3 has the ability to act as an extension of your staff, writing RFI's, attending meetings and even visiting job sites when needed. VC3 often integrates with your project team so seamlessly that other team members and field personnel never know we are a separate entity unless you want them to. 

 Experience: 

There are many foreign companies flooding the market with software savvy modelers, who have never stepped foot on a construction site, ALL of VC3’s coordination team members reside right here in the United States of America, and are highly knowledgeable in multiple construction disciplines and have years of mechanical contracting experience. This real-world experience enables them to understand the difference between what software can draw and what is actually constructible in the field and find the right solution to solve complex coordination issues and keep your project moving forward. 

Constructability is a term I’ve used for more than twenty-five years to explain the gap between design intent and actual construction. Engineers have a very tough job and are often are criticized for producing less than perfect for construction documents. Contractors also have a tough job and are often criticized for asking questions without recommending solutions, even though they are capable and it would streamline the RFI process and likely produce the result the contractor wants. It’s important to remember, contractors are experts in installing and engineers are experts in designing systems that work. Of course they see things differently, they have very different skill sets and goals. We can perform Constructability Reviews with following goals in mind :

Identifying Issues: 

We will review the drawings to make sure notes, details, sections and enlarged plans are correct and applicable. We then compare architectural and structural drawings to the mechanical drawings to ensure the latest architectural backgrounds are incorporated into the mechanical sets and look for potential problematic areas where structure or ceiling designs haven't been fully coordinated with mechanical systems that will lead to problems during coordination and/or construction. 

Recommending Solutions: 

Once identified we can document the issue and begin working with our client, construction manager and design team to clarify the intent and recommend proposed solutions. If the solution adds additional costs or scope, our documentation can become the catalyst for a design change (ASI, CCD or Addendum) producing an avenue to pursue additional costs if needed. 

Documenting Issues:

 By documenting and recommending solutions we can guide solutions favorable to our clients without shifting responsibility for system performance from the engineer of record to contractor. Only the engineer of record knows the design criteria and performance variables of the overall system as a whole. When a contractor skips the important step of documenting and seeking proper approval, they can inadvertently assume ownership of system performance. Our job is to minimize your risk and cost by doing things the right way. 

VC3 also works with Construction Managers and A/E firms. During Design we can provide system recommendations, value engineering suggestions, budget and/or change order analysis, QA/QC and/or constructability reviews. During CA Phase we can review RFI’s, Submittals, Change Order requests, VDC guidance and much more. The extent of our consulting service offerings are only limited by your imagination. For more information about our consulting services, please contact us.