Masonry Magazine May 2002 Page. 36
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE
PRE-INSTALLATION MEETING?
By Mark R. Nelson, CSI, CDT
ChemRex/degussa
We discussed, face to face, how to deal with pressing issues, including the prevention of potential problems before the project began.
The days of open and direct communication between architect, general contractor, subcontractor and manufacturer representative are fading away. While methods of material and system installation are more complicated then ever, the individuals who ensure the proper application of those products or systems are not collaborating to discuss crucial issues before each project. As a result, problems occur, money is wasted, and completion of a project to everyone's satisfaction, including the owner, becomes less likely. We need to prevent these negative out comes by rediscovering one crucial and highly effective vehicle for communication - the pre-installation meeting.
Why are pre-installation
meetings so crucial?
When I entered the construction industry ten years ago as a manufacturer's representative, all relevant parties gathered collectively prior to each job to discuss the proper installation of systems for projects. This pre-installation meeting allowed for the review of crucial information before the hectic pace of the project began. At these meetings, experts with unique experiences and perspectives shared their knowledge on construction. We discussed, face to face, how to deal with pressing issues, including the prevention of potential problems before the project began.
The crucial questions addressed during those meeting are still relevant for construction projects today. Is the recommended system appropriate for the project? Have unforeseen conditions changed the nature of the installation? Does the general contractor need to coordinate other trades around that installation? Is the subcontractor qualified to install such a system? What requirements must the contractor fulfill in order to receive the manufacturer's warranty? What are the temperature restrictions of the product or system? The contractor, manufacturer and architect must address these questions, among many others, to ensure the proper installation of any system and the uninterrupted schedule of any project.
Why are pre-installation
meetings overlooked?
While many pre-installation meetings still take place today, the meetings are becoming less frequent and less of a concern due to many factors. One factor is time constraint. Architects and engineers are working overtime to effectively manage numerous projects, contractors are turning away good work to manage workload, and ironically, most manufacturers have been reluctant to expand their personnel to meet the needs of the busy construction