Quick Summary
- Comprehensive QA checklist covering structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection
- Focus on inter-discipline coordination—where most costly errors originate
- Use at 50% CD, 90% CD, and before permit submission
- Pairs with AI review for comprehensive coverage
Engineering firms face a unique challenge: the work of multiple disciplines must coordinate seamlessly, yet each discipline often reviews only their own documents. This checklist provides a systematic approach to engineering QA/QC that catches coordination issues before they become expensive field problems.
How to Use This Checklist
This checklist is designed for use at key project milestones:
- 50% CD: Focus on coordination fundamentals—grids, routing corridors, major equipment locations
- 90% CD: Full checklist review with emphasis on details, schedules, and specification alignment
- Pre-Permit: Final verification with focus on code compliance items
- Pre-Bid: Constructability and clarity review
Assign specific sections to discipline leads, but conduct coordination review as a team. The interfaces between disciplines are where issues hide.
Structural Engineering QA Checklist
Structural
General Coordination
- Grid lines match architectural plans
- Column locations align with enclosures
- Floor-to-floor heights match sections
- Slab depressions coordinated
- Expansion joints coordinated
- Building outline matches footprint
Load Path & Design
- Gravity load path continuous roof-to-foundation
- Lateral load path defined and continuous
- Member sizes consistent plans-to-details
- Connection details for unique conditions
- Moment/braced frame locations shown
- Special inspections noted
MEP Coordination
- Mechanical equipment loads accounted for
- Rooftop equipment supports shown
- MEP penetrations identified and reinforced
- Slab penetrations coordinated
- Vibration isolation addressed
Foundation
- Foundation plan matches column layout
- Geotechnical recommendations incorporated
- Footing sizes dimensioned
- Slab-on-grade details complete
- Elevator pit coordinated
Mechanical (HVAC) QA Checklist
Mechanical/HVAC
Equipment
- Equipment schedule complete
- Locations match schedules
- Room sizes adequate with clearances
- Service access provided
- Weights coordinated with structural
- Electrical requirements listed
Ductwork
- Duct sizes consistent with schedule
- Routing fits ceiling space
- Avoids structural conflicts
- Fire/smoke dampers at rated assemblies
- Access doors provided
- Diffusers coordinated with ceilings
Piping
- CHW/HW piping sized and routed
- Refrigerant runs reasonable length
- Condensate drains routed
- Insulation requirements noted
Controls
- Sequence of operations provided
- Control points and sensors shown
- BMS integration specified
Electrical QA Checklist
Electrical
Power Distribution
- Single line matches panel schedules
- Panel schedules complete
- Panel locations shown
- Service entrance sized
- Emergency power sized
- Transfer switches specified
Coordination with MEP
- Mechanical equipment has electrical connections
- Motor HP matches M-to-E
- VFD requirements coordinated
- Plumbing equipment powered
Lighting
- Layout coordinated with ceiling plan
- Emergency lighting adequate
- Exit signs match egress
- Controls specified
- LPD compliance shown
Low Voltage
- Fire alarm coverage shown
- Telecom/data shown
- Security addressed
Plumbing QA Checklist
Plumbing
Fixtures
- Fixture counts meet code
- Schedule complete with specs
- Locations match architectural
- Accessible fixtures specified
Piping Systems
- Water service sized
- Hot water system shown
- Sanitary routing shown
- Vent system complete
- Storm drainage shown
- Grease interceptor where required
Coordination
- Piping avoids structural conflicts
- Floor drains coordinated
- Penetrations identified
- Water heater clearances verified
Fire Protection QA Checklist
Fire Protection
Sprinkler System
- Coverage by hazard classification
- Riser locations coordinated
- FDC accessible
- Head types appropriate
- Obstructions addressed
Fire Alarm
- Device locations shown
- Notification coverage adequate
- Smoke detectors per code
- FACP location identified
- Annunciator at entrance
Fire Separations
- Rated walls identified
- Penetrations detailed
- Fire dampers at ducts
- Firestopping specified
Inter-Discipline Coordination Review
This is the most critical review—conduct with all discipline leads present:
Critical Coordination Points
- Ceiling cavity adequate for all systems
- Structural penetrations identified
- Rated penetrations have firestopping
- Equipment rooms sized for all systems
- Shaft sizes accommodate services
- Electrical capacity matches mechanical needs
- Floor penetrations coordinated
Augmenting With AI Review
This checklist provides systematic human review. Pair it with AI-powered review for comprehensive coverage:
- AI handles volume: Checking every dimension, every reference, every cross-discipline interface
- Humans handle judgment: Evaluating design intent, constructability, project-specific requirements
- Together: More thorough coverage than either alone
Complete Your QA/QC Process
Run AI review alongside your manual checklist. AI catches the systematic coordination issues that are easy to miss across hundreds of sheets.
Conclusion
Systematic QA/QC isn't glamorous, but it's essential. Every issue caught during review is one that won't become an expensive field problem. Use this checklist at every major milestone, conduct coordination review as a team, and augment with AI for comprehensive coverage.
Your firm's reputation depends on delivering coordinated, buildable documents. This checklist helps you do exactly that.