Masonry Magazine May 2002 Page. 37
The Importance of Pre-Installation Meetings
The lack of pre-installation meetings on today's construction projects is a growing concern. Several factors contribute to this decline. The fast-track construction schedule often leaves little time for such meetings. In addition, due to legal concerns, many architects, engineers, manufacturer representatives and contractors are reluctant to participate in such pre-installation meetings in fear of making improper statements. Attorneys direct their clients to redirect decision-making to other parties of the construction team, rather than allow those professionals to make statements that will drive a problem-free project. These factors, along with the evolution of the design/build firm, have contributed to the lack of pre-installation meetings on today's construction projects. Moreover, all of these factors will continue to exist in the upcoming years.
How can we ensure that pre-installation meetings are taking place when needed?
Clearly, the intent of construction team is the timely and problem-free installation of products and systems. However, the burden falls upon architects, engineers and manufacturers to ensure the contractors' schedules include the necessary pre-installation meetings for each project. Architects and engineers should continue to require such meetings in their project specifications. Through their submittal requirements, they can even demand documentation of the pre-installation meetings to include minutes and attendance. In addition, the manufacturer can aid this effort by requiring a pre-installation meeting in order for contractors to receive a written warranty. Moreover, manufacturers need to have enough qualified sales personnel to attend these meetings. Most importantly, we all need to continue to communicate with each other. Design professionals should communicate with manufacturer representatives and share information on upcoming projects, in order for those representatives to ensure that pre-installation meetings actually occur and are properly attended.
Conclusion
Fortunately, I have yet to meet an architect or engineer who opposes the pre-installation meeting. However, we need to be reminded of its importance and its direct correlation to the quality of the installation of products and systems and the success of each project. The construction product market is continuously changing, as are contractors. In order to keep pace with these challenges and best ensure the proper installation of the products and systems that were so carefully researched and chosen by the design professional, we need to make sure the pre-installation meeting is not forgotten.
Mark R. Nelson is located in Chicago as manager of business development for the ChemRex degussa line of products, including Sonnebom, Hydrozo, Thoro, ThoRoc, and Master Builder's Protection & Repair Products. He is currently the president-elect for the Chicago Chapter of the Construction Specification Institute, and, as a licensed attorney, sits on the construction law subcommittee of the Chicago Bar Association.