Retail Build-Out: 62 Issues Found
A comprehensive plan review of a retail build-out uncovered 62 issues—including electrical feeder and transformer conflicts, mechanical/electrical scope gaps, fire protection ETR vs new scope, and plumbing/legends conflicts—before construction.
The Project
A retail build-out project. InspectMind performed a comprehensive plan review across electrical, mechanical, fire protection, plumbing, and architectural disciplines, identifying transformer and feeder conflicts, MEP scope gaps (ERV vs electrical), fire protection ETR vs new sprinkler scope, and plumbing/legend conflicts before construction.
Critical Findings (3)
The Riser Diagram specifies #1/0 AWG conductors for Transformer T45 while the Transformer Schedule specifies #4 AWG. The circuit is fed by a 100A breaker. #4 AWG on a 100A breaker creates a fire hazard and code violation.
The Mechanical Level 3 Floor Plan shows a new Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV-1) in the northwest area with 120V, 1-Phase power required. The Electrical Third Floor Power Plan marks this area 'NOT IN SCOPE' and does not provide power.
The Architectural RCP notes Fire Protection as 'Existing to Remain' (ETR) in main project areas. The Fire Protection plan calls to 'PROVIDE' new quick-response sprinklers in these same locations.
Sample High Priority Findings (9 in sample)
Panel PP1 schedule shows total connected load 46.62 kVA. Panel PP1 is fed by transformer T45 per the Riser. The Transformer Schedule shows T45 capacity as 45 kVA. Connected load exceeds transformer capacity.
Section 3.1 specifies branch circuit wiring as Type MC cable for concealed spaces including above hung ceilings. Section 5.1 states 'ALL WIRING SHALL BE PLENUM RATED; NO EXCEPTIONS.' Type MC is not plenum-rated. The requirements conflict.
The HVAC Legend differentiates rectangular duct direction (solid X = UP, dashed X = DOWN) but spiral duct symbols appear identical for UP and DOWN. Contractors cannot determine routing direction from the plans.
FA0.1 spec note 1.4.3 requires plenum-rated Type FPLP in enclosed spaces; 1.4.4 requires THHN in exposed areas with EMT/RGS. The Voice Evacuation Fire Alarm Riser Diagram shows different wiring method, creating conflict.
The abbreviation list on A0.01 defines 'EXP' as 'EXTRUDED POLYSTYRENE BOARD (INSULATION)' and also as 'EXPOSED.' Both appear in the same abbreviations section.
The Fire Protection Legend defines the open circle symbol as 'SPRINKLER HEAD - PENDENT.' The Sprinkler Schedule on the same sheet defines the open circle (○) as 'UPRIGHT.' Upright and pendent have different orientations.
The Grease Interceptor Schedule specifies GI-1 (Schier GB3) with rated FLOW RATE 50 GPM but the COMMENTS column says 'PROVIDE 100 GPM FLOW RESTRICTION.' A 100 GPM restrictor on a 50 GPM interceptor could overload it.
Gas piping specs conflict for 2-1/2" through 4": one statement requires Schedule 50 and buttweld fittings; another requires Schedule 40 and press-style fittings. Schedule 40 vs 50 and buttweld vs press are not interchangeable.
Legend abbreviations EXHW and EXHWR definitions appear swapped or inconsistent between sheets, causing ambiguity for exhaust/vent labeling.
Issue Categories
Electrical
Electrical feeder, transformer, and panel coordination issues found during plan review
Mechanical
Mechanical scope and HVAC symbol coordination issues found during plan review
Fire Protection
Fire protection scope and sprinkler symbol conflicts found during plan review
Plumbing
Plumbing specification and grease interceptor conflicts found during plan review
Architectural
Architectural abbreviation and legend conflicts found during plan review
Value Delivered
"Catching transformer vs schedule and FP ETR vs new sprinkler conflicts before construction saved us from change orders and rework."
— Project Team, Retail Build-Out