The Hidden Costs of Design Missteps – And How to Avoid Them

Over the past 12 years as a professional plans examiner for the City of Calgary, I’ve reviewed thousands of projects. One startling fact stands out: more than 50% of building permit plans are put on hold after preliminary review, with some delays stretching over a year. Why? Often, it’s because designers struggle to fully grasp the complexities of building code requirements.

As a business or building owner, you might not know which #designer is best suited for your project. You might pick someone from the Yellow Pages or be drawn in by a flashy #website. But without the right expertise, the result can be costly delays, unnecessary expenses, and even safety risks.

Here’s another eye-opening fact: up to 80% of projects—whether interior #renovations, #additions, or new builds—have the potential to save at least 20% on construction costs. For example:

-An unnecessary fire separation wall could cost you 50% more than needed.

-Using wood studs instead of steel #studs for #partitions could save you over 40% on material costs.

One recent example? A six-story building was designed as noncombustible. By simply raising the grade by 600mm, the entire structure could have been built as combustible, saving over $1 million.

But the stakes go beyond cost savings. I once found a primary school building—over 3,000 sqm and costing $30 million. Despite code requirements for #noncombustible materials, it was built with #combustible ones. This isn’t just a financial waste; it’s a safety risk for the children who use that building every day.

So, here’s my advice: No matter which designer you choose, having a code expert on your team can make all the difference. They can help you avoid costly mistakes, ensure compliance, and even uncover opportunities to save time and money.

When planning your next project, ask yourself: Do I have the right expertise to back me up? The answer could save you more than just money—it could save your project.

Let’s build smarter, safer, and more efficiently. 💡

#plansexaminer #buildingcode #buildingowner #fireseparation