New Orleans Office Plan Review: 250 Issues Found

Summary: 98 index entries | 89 perfect matches | 5 mismatched | 4 missing Mismatched (5): MD2.02: Expected: 32ND FLOOR PLAN - HAVC DEMOLITION | Actual: 32ND FLOOR PLAN - HVAC DEMOLITION (p73) M2.01: Expected: 3ST FLOOR PLAN - HVAC | Actual: 31ST FLOOR PLAN - HVAC (p74) M2.02: Expected: 32ND FLOOR PLAN - HAVC | Actual: 32ND...

Why it matters:

Suggested next step:

RFI draft: 📄 A0.02 Schedule Text: DRAWING INDEX — page 3

Summary: Detail 8 specifies a 'QUARTZ BASE CABINET WITH SINK' that features cabinet doors enclosing the space beneath the sink, noted to have a 'CONCEALED HINGE, SPRING LOADED' and 'DOORS OPEN TO ALLOW ACCESS FOR HANDICAP'. ADA Section 606.2 requires sinks to provide a clear floor space for a forward approach with knee and toe clearance complying with...

Why it matters: If doors are installed over the required ADA knee space with self-closing hinges, the sink will not provide the legally mandated forward approach clearance. This will result in a failed accessibility inspection, requiring the removal of the doors or a complete redesign of the base cabinet.

Suggested next step: Please clarify if the cabinet doors at the ADA sink should be removed to provide a permanently open knee and toe clearance. If doors are required for a specific adaptable application, verify that fully retractable doors without spring-loaded/self-closing hinges are used so the clearance remains unobstructed during use.

RFI draft: Please clarify if the cabinet doors at the ADA sink should be removed to provide a permanently open knee and toe clearance. If doors are required for a specific adaptable application, verify that fully retractable doors without spring-loaded/self-closing hinges are used so the clearance remains...

Summary: The FIRE ALARM SYSTEM DEVICES legend specifies a pull station with a 'LOCKING TYPE' protective cover (symbol 'F' with superscript 'K'). ADA Section 309.4 requires that operable parts be operable with one hand and not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. A locking cover requires a key to unlock, which forces the user to...

Why it matters: Fire alarm pull stations must remain fully accessible to all occupants to ensure life safety during an emergency. Requiring a key to access the pull station not only violates ADA operation limits but also creates a severe life-safety hazard by preventing immediate activation by general occupants.

Suggested next step: Please confirm if the locking pull station covers are intended strictly for restricted areas where specific occupancy exceptions apply (e.g., detention facilities). If they are in general public or standard occupant areas, please replace the 'LOCKING TYPE' covers with standard ADA-compliant, non-locking protective covers.

RFI draft: Please confirm if the locking pull station covers are intended strictly for restricted areas where specific occupancy exceptions apply (e.g., detention facilities). If they are in general public or standard occupant areas, please replace the 'LOCKING TYPE' covers with standard ADA-compliant,...

Summary: The demolition notes state that the contractor must ensure 'MINIMUM INTERFERENCE WITH EXISTING BUSINESS OPERATION', indicating the building is occupied during construction. Keynote 5 directs the removal and replacement of existing gypsum at 'STAIR B', which serves as an interior exit stairway. Keynote 6 directs the removal of the remaining...

Why it matters: Demolishing the fire-rated gypsum and vestibule structures without establishing temporary fire barriers exposes the occupied building's means of egress and elevator shafts to the construction zone. This compromises the shaft integrity, potentially allowing smoke and fire to spread rapidly between floors and into the required exit stairs,...

Suggested next step: Please provide details and requirements for temporary fire-rated partitions or adequate substitute provisions to maintain the 2-hour fire-resistance rating of the Stair B enclosure and the elevator shaft during the removal of the existing gypsum and vestibule structure, in compliance with IBC 3302.1 and 3310.2.

RFI draft: Please provide details and requirements for temporary fire-rated partitions or adequate substitute provisions to maintain the 2-hour fire-resistance rating of the Stair B enclosure and the elevator shaft during the removal of the existing gypsum and vestibule structure, in compliance with IBC...

Summary: The West Corridor (3168) and South Corridor (3154) dead-end at the southwest corner without connecting, creating single-direction exit access paths. The West Corridor terminates at LSC 3166, requiring occupants of approximately 15 adjacent perimeter rooms to travel north along a single path over 10 structural grids to reach a cross corridor....

Why it matters: Dead-end corridors that exceed code limits create severe life safety hazards by trapping occupants during a fire. If smoke or fire blocks the single path to the core, occupants have no alternative egress route. This will result in immediate failure during permit review and require architectural redesign to create a continuous egress loop or the...

Suggested next step: Please redesign the corridor layout to eliminate the dead ends at the southwest corner (e.g., by establishing a connecting corridor between the West and South Corridors) to ensure all dead-end segments comply with the 50-foot limit per IBC Section 1020.5.

RFI draft: Please redesign the corridor layout to eliminate the dead ends at the southwest corner (e.g., by establishing a connecting corridor between the West and South Corridors) to ensure all dead-end segments comply with the 50-foot limit per IBC Section 1020.5.

Summary: The 'ELEVATOR CABS TYP' elevation specifies to 'WRAP EXISTING ELEVATOR DOORS WITH DI-NOC'. IBC Section 3002.1.1 requires openings in hoistway enclosures to be protected as required in Chapter 7, and Section 716.1 mandates that these opening protectives be installed in accordance with NFPA 80. Field-applying a combustible vinyl wrap (such as 3M...

Why it matters: Voiding the fire rating of the elevator hoistway doors compromises the integrity of the fire-rated shaft enclosure, creating a severe fire and smoke spread hazard between floors. This will result in failed fire and life safety inspections and require the costly removal of the wrap and potential replacement or re-certification of the doors.

Suggested next step: Remove the requirement to wrap the existing elevator doors with DI-NOC. To maintain the required fire rating, specify that any finish modifications must be approved by the door manufacturer and performed by an approved labeling agency, or proceed with the electrostatic paint alternate (if permitted by the door's listing).

RFI draft: Remove the requirement to wrap the existing elevator doors with DI-NOC. To maintain the required fire rating, specify that any finish modifications must be approved by the door manufacturer and performed by an approved labeling agency, or proceed with the electrostatic paint alternate (if...

Summary: The Demolition Plan instructs the contractor to remove existing drywall and grid ceilings in open areas while explicitly directing that 'SPRINKLER MAIN, PIPING AND HEADS ARE TO REMAIN AS LOCATED.' The building will remain occupied during construction, requiring minimum interference with 'EXISTING BUSINESS OPERATION.' Removing the ceiling but...

Why it matters: Under IEBC Sections 703.1 and 1501.3, fire protection systems must be maintained during alterations. An ineffective sprinkler system poses a severe life safety risk to occupants and workers. Without adequate substitute provisions (e.g., turning heads upright or installing temporary heat collectors), this design will likely result in a failed...

Suggested next step: Please clarify if temporary heat collectors should be installed above the existing sprinkler heads, or if the heads should be temporarily turned upright to the deck while the ceiling is removed, to maintain functional fire protection during the occupied renovation.

RFI draft: Please clarify if temporary heat collectors should be installed above the existing sprinkler heads, or if the heads should be temporarily turned upright to the deck while the ceiling is removed, to maintain functional fire protection during the occupied renovation.

Summary: The drawing notes allow the owner to relocate sprinkler heads up to 5 feet from the locations shown on the shop drawings. However, the fire code requires that construction documents for fire protection systems be submitted for review and approval prior to installation, and any deviations from the design standards must be noted and approved.

Why it matters: Arbitrary relocation of sprinkler heads without recalculating hydraulic performance and verifying coverage limits can result in impaired fire protection and non-compliant spacing. If heads are installed in unapproved locations that deviate from the approved plans, the fire code official may fail the inspection, causing costly redesign,...

Suggested next step: Please remove or revise the note to clarify that any relocation of sprinkler heads must be evaluated by the fire protection engineer and submitted to the fire code official for approval prior to installation.

RFI draft: Please remove or revise the note to clarify that any relocation of sprinkler heads must be evaluated by the fire protection engineer and submitted to the fire code official for approval prior to installation.

Summary: The mechanical plan shows condensing units 32-CU-1 and 31-CU-1 to be installed on an exterior wall-mounted rack on the 32nd floor. IMC Section 306.1 requires all HVAC equipment to have a level working space of at least 30 inches by 30 inches in front of the control side for safe inspection and service. A wall-mounted rack on the exterior of a...

Why it matters: Without a dedicated service platform, maintenance personnel cannot safely access the control side of these condensing units, posing a severe fall hazard. This non-compliant installation will fail mechanical inspection and requires either relocating the units to a compliant area, such as a roof or an indoor machinery room, or adding structural...

Suggested next step: Please clarify how the required 30-inch by 30-inch level working space per IMC 306.1 will be provided for condensing units 32-CU-1 and 31-CU-1. We recommend either relocating the units to an accessible machinery room or roof, or providing coordinated architectural/structural details for an exterior service platform with required guards.

RFI draft: Please clarify how the required 30-inch by 30-inch level working space per IMC 306.1 will be provided for condensing units 32-CU-1 and 31-CU-1. We recommend either relocating the units to an accessible machinery room or roof, or providing coordinated architectural/structural details for an...

Summary: The 'HANGER SCHEDULE' specifies maximum horizontal support spans that exceed the allowable code limits. For 'COPPER TUBING', the schedule specifies spans from 9'-0' up to 12'-0' for sizes 2 1/2' through 4'. For 'STEEL PIPE', the schedule specifies spans from 14'-0' up to 19'-0' for sizes 4' through 10'. IMC Table 305.4 restricts the maximum...

Why it matters: Installing pipe supports at spacing intervals greater than the code maximums can lead to inadequate structural support, pipe sagging, excessive stress on joints, and potential system failure. This will result in failed inspections and require the installation of additional supports throughout the piping system during construction.

Suggested next step: Please revise the Hanger Schedule to reduce the maximum horizontal support spacing for copper tubing (sizes 2 1/2' to 4') to 8 feet, and for steel pipe (sizes 4' to 10') to 12 feet, to comply with the maximum allowable spacing established in IMC Table 305.4.

RFI draft: Please revise the Hanger Schedule to reduce the maximum horizontal support spacing for copper tubing (sizes 2 1/2' to 4') to 8 feet, and for steel pipe (sizes 4' to 10') to 12 feet, to comply with the maximum allowable spacing established in IMC Table 305.4.

Summary: The Plumbing notes in Section 15400 specify that sewer piping shall be supported 'NOT LESS THAN 5-FOOT APART'. By defining a minimum distance ('not less than') rather than a maximum distance ('not more than') between supports, the instruction mathematically prohibits supports closer than 5 feet and forces excessively long unsupported spans....

Why it matters: If a contractor strictly follows this note, they will space pipe hangers or trench supports at intervals greater than 5 feet. For cast-iron soil pipe and buried sewer lines, inadequate support spacing will inevitably lead to pipe sagging, joint separation, and loss of the required slope, ultimately causing structural failure and severe drainage...

Suggested next step: Please revise the 'WASTE AND VENT' plumbing note in Section 15400 to specify a maximum support interval (e.g., 'NOT MORE THAN 5-FOOT APART') for above-ground piping to prevent sagging, and clarify that buried sewer piping must be provided with continuous load-bearing support per IPC 306.1.

RFI draft: Please revise the 'WASTE AND VENT' plumbing note in Section 15400 to specify a maximum support interval (e.g., 'NOT MORE THAN 5-FOOT APART') for above-ground piping to prevent sagging, and clarify that buried sewer piping must be provided with continuous load-bearing support per IPC 306.1.

Summary: Reference Note 6 directs the installation of four circuits that are handle-tied together at the panelboard. By connecting these breakers with a handle tie, they function as a single simultaneous disconnecting means, effectively grouping them into a single multi-pole branch circuit. However, the note specifies routing three of the ungrounded...

Why it matters: Splitting the conductors of a single grouped or multiwire branch circuit into separate metallic raceways can lead to inductive heating due to unbalanced magnetic fields. Additionally, it creates a severe safety hazard during maintenance: a single handle-tied disconnect will control conductors physically located in multiple different conduits,...

Suggested next step: Please clarify if the four circuits should be routed within a single, appropriately sized raceway to comply with NEC 300.3(B), or if the handle tie requirement should be removed so they operate as entirely independent branch circuits in separate conduits.

RFI draft: Please clarify if the four circuits should be routed within a single, appropriately sized raceway to comply with NEC 300.3(B), or if the handle tie requirement should be removed so they operate as entirely independent branch circuits in separate conduits.

Summary: The Circulating Pump Schedule specifies a '120.00' motor horsepower for pumps 31-CP-1 and 32-CP-1, which operate at 2 GPM / 15 FT head and are powered by a 115V, 1-phase circuit. A 120 HP rating is physically impossible for these operating conditions and standard 1-phase electrical systems. This appears to be a typographical error, likely...

Why it matters: If not corrected, this error will cause confusion for electrical designers and contractors attempting to size the branch circuit conductors and overcurrent protection, leading to RFI delays since a 120 HP, 115V single-phase circuit cannot be built.

Suggested next step: Please confirm the correct motor horsepower or wattage rating for circulating pumps 31-CP-1 and 32-CP-1, and update the schedule to remove the erroneous '120.00' HP value.

RFI draft: Please confirm the correct motor horsepower or wattage rating for circulating pumps 31-CP-1 and 32-CP-1, and update the schedule to remove the erroneous '120.00' HP value.

Summary: The architectural detail for 'MIRROR OR MIRROR AND SHELF' specifies a maximum height of 40 inches to the bottom of the glass for mirrors that are 'NOT ABOVE SINK' (labeled MR). However, ADA code Section 603.3 explicitly requires that mirrors not located above lavatories or countertops must be installed with the bottom edge of the reflecting...

Why it matters: Installing standalone mirrors at 40 inches instead of the required 35 inches will violate ADA accessibility requirements, resulting in a failed inspection. The contractor would be forced to remount the mirrors and patch the wall finishes, causing rework, additional costs, and potential schedule delays for obtaining the certificate of occupancy.

Suggested next step: Please revise the mounting height detail for mirrors 'NOT ABOVE SINK' (MR) to indicate a maximum height of 35 inches to the bottom edge of the reflecting surface, ensuring compliance with ADA Section 603.3.

RFI draft: Please revise the mounting height detail for mirrors 'NOT ABOVE SINK' (MR) to indicate a maximum height of 35 inches to the bottom edge of the reflecting surface, ensuring compliance with ADA Section 603.3.

Summary: The plumbing calculations require 3 drinking fountains. However, a drawing note states that the provided drinking fountains include a '(1) BOTTLE FILLER' and a '(1) COUNTERTOP FILTERED WATER DISPENSER'. Under ADA Section 211.2, no fewer than two drinking fountains must be provided. Additionally, ADA Section 602.6 requires drinking fountain...

Why it matters: Treating a bottle filler and a countertop dispenser as the required drinking fountains will result in a failure during ADA inspection, as the facility will lack the legally mandated accessible drinking fountains. Adding actual drinking fountains late in construction requires new water lines, sanitary drains, and potentially wall reframing,...

Suggested next step: Please clarify if the required drinking fountain count can be satisfied with a bottle filler and countertop dispenser, or if dedicated ADA-compliant drinking fountains (one wheelchair-accessible and one standing-height) must be added to the design to comply with ADA Section 211.2 and 602.6.

RFI draft: Please clarify if the required drinking fountain count can be satisfied with a bottle filler and countertop dispenser, or if dedicated ADA-compliant drinking fountains (one wheelchair-accessible and one standing-height) must be added to the design to comply with ADA Section 211.2 and 602.6.