A constructability review looks at drawings through the eyes of the people who actually have to build it. Can this be built as designed? Are there access problems? Sequencing issues? Details that just won't work in the real world? This kind of review catches the problems that look fine on paper but fall apart in the field.
Step 1: Get the Right People in the Room
Constructability reviews need field experience, not just engineering knowledge:
Superintendent
Knows sequencing, access, and what actually works during installation
Trade Foremen
Understand specific installation requirements and the problems they see over and over
Project Manager
Can speak to schedule and cost implications
Safety Manager
Thinks about worker access and temporary protection needs
Step 2: Look at Access and Logistics
A lot of buildability problems come down to getting materials and workers where they need to go:
Can equipment actually fit through doorways and corridors? Is there crane or forklift access for heavy materials? Can workers get to the work area safely? Is there room to stage materials near where they'll be installed? Can finished work be protected while other trades are still working? Will temporary power and water be available where it's needed? Step 3: Think Through Installation Sequences
The order you build things matters a lot. Watch for these sequencing problems:
Trapped Conditions
Equipment that can't be installed once the walls go up
Finish Before Rough
Drywall shown before MEP rough-in is done
Access Blocked
Early work that cuts off access for later trades
Protection Problems
Finishes going in before waterproofing is complete
Step 4: Check Tolerances and Fit
Drawings assume everything is perfect. The real world doesn't work that way:
Are clearances realistic given normal construction tolerances? Is there room to adjust for field conditions? Can connections be made with standard tools and reasonable access? Can the specified tolerances actually be achieved with standard methods? Is there coordination space between systems that run close together? Step 5: Consider Temporary Works
Construction needs temporary stuff that doesn't show up on the final drawings:
Where will shoring and scaffolding go? Are there enough tie-off points for fall protection? Can formwork be installed and stripped given the structure shown? Is there room for temporary bracing during steel erection? Can temporary enclosures be set up for winter work? Step 6: Don't Forget Maintenance Access
Equipment needs to be maintained after construction is done. Check that:
Filters can be changed without tearing out ceilings Access panels are shown for valves and dampers Equipment can be pulled out for replacement There's clearance for service and maintenance work Motor and pump pullout spaces are adequate Step 7: Document and Track What You Find
Create documentation that actually leads to action:
1
Reference exact drawing locations for each issue2
Categorize by how urgent and severe the problem is3
Propose solutions where you can, not just problems4
Assign responsibility for getting it resolved5
Follow up through design revisionsCatch Buildability Issues Faster
Articulate's AI can flag common constructability problems automatically: tight clearances, coordination conflicts, access issues, and more. That frees up your team to focus on the judgment calls that really need field experience.
Try Automated Constructability Review