Building Safely and Efficiently: Insights from a Plans Examiner

 Building Safely and Efficiently: Insights from a Plans Examiner

After 12 years as a professional plans examiner, I’ve reviewed and approved more than 8000 projects.

One startling fact stands out: over 50% of building permit plans are put on hold after preliminary review, with some delays stretching beyond a year.

The reason? Designers often struggle to fully grasp the complexities of building code requirements.

As a business or building owner, it can be challenging to know which designer is right for your project. You might select someone from a directory or be drawn to an impressive website—but without the right expertise, you risk costly delays, unnecessary expenses, and even safety issues.

Here’s another eye-opener: up to 80% of projects—whether interior renovations, additions, or new builds—could save at least 20% on construction costs.

For example:

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

Using wood studs instead of steel studs for partitions could save over 40% in material costs.

One recent project was a six-story building designed as noncombustible. Simply raising the grade by 600mm would have allowed it to be built as combustible—saving over $1 million.

But it’s not just about savings—it’s about safety.

I once reviewed a primary school over 3,000 sqm, valued at $30 million. Despite code requirements for noncombustible materials, it was built with combustible ones. This isn’t just a financial loss; it’s a safety risk for the children inside.

So here’s my advice:

No matter which designer you choose, having an independent code expert on your team can make all the difference. They work in the developer’s interest—not as an assistant to the architect—helping avoid mistakes, ensuring compliance, and uncovering opportunities to save both time and money.

Before your next project, ask yourself:

Do I have the right expertise backing me up?

The answer could save you more than money—it could save your project.

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

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