You can read the architectural drawings front to back and still miss a critical mistake. That is because many construction errors do not show up within a single discipline. They emerge when you compare multiple drawing types side by side. This is the heart of coordination—and it is one of the most important (and often overlooked) skills when reading construction documents.

Why Coordination Matters

Each design consultant produces their own set of drawings. Architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and fire protection designers all work in parallel. But the building only gets built once. If their drawings do not align, the problems will show up in the field.

Some classic examples include:

- An HVAC duct passing directly through a structural beam
- A light fixture blocking access to a sprinkler head
- A wall-mounted panel placed over a plumbing chase
- A fire-rated wall missing protection at pipe penetrations

These issues often go unnoticed until framing or inspection, resulting in costly rework, delays, or failed code compliance.

How to Catch Coordination Errors

1. Compare Plans Across Disciplines

Open the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans for the same floor. Overlay them if you are working digitally. If you are using paper, lay the sheets side by side. Look for:

- - Mismatched wall locations
- - Overlapping equipment
- - Missing clearances
- - Conflicting ceiling heights

2. Use Coordination Sheets (if available)

On large or BIM-enabled projects, the design team may provide dedicated coordination sheets that combine layers from different trades. These are often labeled with a “Z” or “C” prefix in the sheet number.

These sheets highlight intentional overlaps (like vertical shafts) and flag potential conflicts for review.

3. Check Detail Callouts

Sometimes the conflict is not on the plan view, but in the details. For example, a mechanical chase that fits on plan may not work once you check the wall section or reflected ceiling plan.

Always follow callouts like “See Detail A/A6.01” to verify how elements come together in three dimensions.

4. Track Clash Reports

On BIM projects, clash detection software such as Navisworks or Revit can automatically flag conflicts. Review the clash reports and make sure the drawing set reflects resolved conditions. If a conflict still appears unresolved in the latest issue, confirm with the design team.

Where Coordination Shows Up on the Drawings

- Mechanical duct layouts conflicting with structure above

- Electrical conduit runs crowding ceiling spaces

- Plumbing risers crossing shear walls or fire partitions

- Sprinkler heads obstructed by ceiling features

- Fire ratings compromised by unprotected penetrations

Look closely at sections, RCPs (reflected ceiling plans), and enlarged equipment layouts. These are common places where coordination issues hide.

What Happens When You Skip It

Lack of coordination is one of the leading causes of:

- Inspection failures

- Change orders

- Delays in MEP installation

- Safety risks due to blocked egress or missing fireproofing

For example, a misaligned fire-rated shaft may force relocation of an entire electrical room after inspection. A beam conflict may require structural retrofits in the middle of framing. These are expensive mistakes that could have been avoided by catching the issue early on paper.

Best Practices for Teams

- Use digital overlays to check drawing alignment

- Involve trade partners early in design review

- Keep a running coordination checklist

- Always review updated sheets after revisions

- For critical spaces (e.g. electrical rooms, shafts), request coordination sections from the design team

Sources

Autodesk University – Clash Detection and Coordination Guide
https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Best-Practices-Clash-Detection-and-Issue-Resolution-2022
Bluebeam Blog – Using Overlays to Catch Conflicts in Construction Documents
https://blog.bluebeam.com/avoid-conflicts-with-overlay-tool/
GSA BIM Guide – Spatial Coordination
https://www.gsa.gov/real-estate/design-construction/design-excellence/building-information-modeling/bim-guide