What Takes Precedence in Canada?

I'm having a little trouble here. Which specs are you referring to?

Normally, The room data sheet is the more exact design. However legally, which ever one is stamped by the Building Inspector is the only approved design.

If they are both approved and there is a conflict, it should be resolved by the designer before proceeding.

This may require a small change to one of drawings and then the change is submitted to the building inspector, and the modified drawing would be provided to you. This happens often, and allowance is built into the permit process usually without additional cost.

He still hasn't said what specs, so I don't know if he is referring to a detail drawing or component specs, or if he is in fact speaking of legal/code specs?

cr3

I know...

Whatever specs he is talking about, he still should bring the conflict back to the designers or owner, and have it resolved. If he follows one or the other, he could later find out that he followed the wrong one.

Depending on the cost of re-doing it, it could lead to financial problems for someone and personal conflict on assuming responsibility. Best resolve the problem first with clear lines of communication.

This way he will know which one the owner sees as taking precedence or which one needs to be modified. If we recommend one way or the other, and the owner (man with the money) or the building inspector is not happy; then someone will lose money unnecessarily.

Agreed. Conflict bad. Resolve good. No answer no build.

Why me talking like this?

cr3

It appears the contractor and the owner have a difference of opinion, the contractor says that the room data sheets take precendence and the designer says that the room data sheets must be read in conjunction with the specs. The specs indicate that a smoke detector is to be installed in the electrical room but the room data sheet does not indicate so.??? What do you say?

Forgive me as I am still a little unclear. It sounds like spec is being used synonymously with code.

This is a government contract. Though the national building code is the standard to which the building is being constructed the facility has requirements that the end user deems necessary. Therefor the room data sheets are important. What is your area of expertise? C Rummel3:

Did I imply I had an area of expertise? My mistake.

Did a little building design work (drafting) not much to speak of.

I am the Quality Manager and a Salesman for a precision machining and plating company in Texas.

Legal Construction Contract Documents.

Whichever spec is right will take precedence...

Follow the above advice and take the problem back to the original designer(s) and get the points resolved.

Thank you all for your responses . I especialy would like to thanks Graebeard for his thorough explanation.

Not to sound like a tool but....seriously?

I would suggest that applicable codes take precedence over Legal Contracts or Designer Specifications, although all participants need to be aware of any conflicts. Think of it this way - the Codes are "laws" prepared by knowledgeable experts in the field, the designers are stating their wishes while the contracts are put together by lawyers. When all's said and done, the building/electrical inspectors will be using the codes to determine whether or not the building can be commissioned.