Inspection process
Coordination drawings
Also called: coordination drawings, MEP coordination drawings, clash coordination
Coordination drawings overlay the ductwork, piping, sprinkler, electrical, and structural work into one combined model or drawing set so the trades can resolve conflicts on paper before they collide in the field. Where multiple systems compete for the same overhead space, coordination decides who goes where, at what elevation, with what clearances. The output is an agreed layout every trade installs to, rather than a first-come race for the same space.
Why it matters
Uncoordinated overhead work is the most common source of field rework: a duct where a main was going to run, a sprinkler drop through a beam, no room left for the trade that installs last. Resolving those clashes in the coordination drawings — before fabrication and installation — is dramatically cheaper than cutting installed work back out.
How it shows up on site
Coordinated layouts are settled in coordination meetings, signed off by each trade, and become the installation reference. Inspection then checks that the work as built matches the coordinated drawings — that the installed routing, elevations, and clearances are the ones everyone agreed to, especially in tight above-ceiling spaces.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put coordination drawings to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Above-ceiling inspectionThe inspection of everything routed in the ceiling space before the ceiling is closed, confirming all trades are complete and released.
- MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing)The mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades — the systems run through a building's structure that get inspected at rough-in and again at final.
- As-built drawingsThe construction drawings marked up to show how the work was actually installed, including every field change from the original design.
- Pre-installation meetingA coordination meeting before a scope starts, aligning the installing trade, related trades, and QC on submittals, conditions, and sequence.
- Hold pointA stop in the inspection and test plan where work cannot continue until a required party inspects and signs off the release.
- Witness pointA step where a party is invited to observe the work, but the crew may proceed if that party doesn't attend within the agreed notice.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.