Make Contractor Responsible for Site Safety
If your company is not involved with construction (but just design or inspection), make sure the contract states that the construction contractor is responsible for site safety, not the “engineer” …
Documentation
Document Reliance on Information
In a contract, your company should make sure the document indicates that you will rely on information and materials supplied by the client. E.g. surveys, soil tests, reports. If the …
Document Design Changes and Delays
You should document (in writing) any design changes or delays caused by the client. This is very important for claiming cost or time extensions. A good change management system is …
Document Changes in Scope
If, during a project, the client realises a mistake in the scope or specs or one is pointed out to the client and the client authorizes or instructs a change …
Review Before Sending
Review all documents before they are released to the client, contractor, bid, etc. It is important that the documents are checked that they are the most up to date version, …
Keep Documentation Professional
Work on the assumption that anything you put in the project file may some day be looked at in a court of law. Be careful with every document, photo, memo, …
Confirmation of Transmittals
Get confirmation from the client or contractors that they received transmittals. Make sure this is in writing (preferably a signed transmittal form).
Copy Minutes of Meetings to Attendees
Copy notes or minutes of meetings with the client to the client. Don’t just keep them in the project file. This is important for legal reasons, as you can then …
Don’t Do Blanket Approvals
Don’t get blanket approvals on drawings or designs without each one being marked as approved by the client. A client may send documentation stating that the designs or drawings are …
Formal Handover Meeting
Good project handover is important. Give the new project manager a project summary document and also hold a handover meeting.