Have you ever thought about how precious your DWG’s are in construction?
We have got into a spat with an architect recently because we asked him to issue a dwg file to the Underfloor Heating Contractor.
The architect’s response to the client was:
It is not our policy to provide dwg drawings because:
- These are accurate only at the design stage and show the intent of what is required.
- Buildings change as they are built, if subcontractors use information that may not be correct then this will cause problems later on for you and accountability is unclear.
- DWG files can be amended and changes cannot be tracked. There is therefore an added liability for us that may not be covered under our PII.
- It is not normal and has never been normal practice across the industry to issue dwg files to contractors.
- They [The Contractor] want the information as it makes their life easier but it increases risk for you [The client]…..this is not in your best interest.
This was the first time that we have come across this response and we were surprised by it. Have we been lucky to date or is this level of reluctance unusual?
I’d love to hear your views.
