---
aliases:
  - pre-takeoff research
title: Pre-Takeoff Research
tags:
  - occupational
  - type/guide
---
# Pre-Takeoff Research

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This note should be arranged chronologically:
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## Requirement Sources

* Drawings
* Project Manual (Specifications)
* GC Narrative
* GC verbal direction
* [[pdi-bid-estimating|Bid]] proposal
* Bid verbal direction

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> [!important] Requirement Precedence
> In case of conflict:
> Requirements of the plans and specs
> are superseded by the terms of our proposal,
> which are superseded by specific direction from the bid team.

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Where NEC, IBC, and other applicable codes fall in this hierarchy
is subject to some debate.
%%

> [!aside] "Plans & Specs"
> The oft repeated "per plans and specs" is a gross oversimplification:
> The RFP documents will---more likely than not---
> have one or more irreconcilable contradictions,
> or some instance of [[gold-plating]] too egregious to accept.
> When ConEst takes off a project "per plans and specs",
> we are taking off _Bid's interpretation_ of the RFP documents,
> which they must be able to articulate.

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The limitations of Bid's authority are currently being questioned,
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Seek to use the cheapest method
(as determined by Senior Construction Estimator
and Database Administrator),
as allowed for the situation.

* [[wiring-method-selection]]
* [[wiring-device-research]]
* [[emergency-systems-research]]
* [[low-voltage-raceway-selection]]

## General

Read about the project specifications and construction type:
* Delivery Method: (Plans & Specs, Design Build, Design Assist, Preliminary Budget)
* Deck thickness
* Wiring methods
* Conductor material

Locate:
* Main Electrical rooms and panel locations

## By System

### Feeders

Read about the project specifications and construction type:
* Deck thickness
* Wiring methods
* Conductor material
* Wire terminations (mechanical acceptable or compression required?)

Locate:
* Riser Diagram
* Feeder Schedule (if present)

### Subfeeds

1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
    * Corridor Ceiling type

2. In the drawings, locate:
    * Unit Panel Schedules
        * bus amps
    * Unit Load Calculations
    * Subfeed schedule (if present)

### Units

2. Read about the project specifications and construction type
    * partition framing
        * stud material (wood or metal)
        * stud depth
    * wiring methods (NM or MC)
    * wiring device plates (decora or standard)
    * wiring device specs (are 15A devices allowed or minimum N5-20R)
    * equipment (20A Kitchen and bath)

### Electrical

1. Locate Equipment Schedules

### Fixtures

1. Read about the project specifications and construction type
2. In drawings, locate:
    * Fixture Schedule
    * Reflected Ceiling Plans

### Low Voltage

1. Locate Proposal/Scope of Work. Determine ownership and takeoff responsibility:
    * Cabling
    * Conduit & Pathways
    * Sleeving

2. In the drawings, locate:
    * Floor plans where LV scope is shown
    * LV Details

### Telecom

1. Locate MDF (aka MTR, MPOE) and IDF Rooms
2. Locate Proposal/Scope of Work. Determine ownership and takeoff responsibility:
    * Cabling
    * Conduit & Pathways
    * Sleeving
3. Locate which plans the LV is taken off on
4. Locate LV Details
5. Read about the project specifications and construction type
6. Assume 28" MSDE if not specified.

## Voltage Drop

Unless explicitly stated in the plans or specs,
conductors are to be sized according to the relevant schedule,
_without respect for [[voltage-drop|voltage drop]]_.

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TODO: Create flow chart for wiring methods.
Some cases to mention:
* Deck thickness (minimum 3x conduit outer diameter)
* Renovations (can't route in existing slabs)
%%
