Discussion on the process for “design changes” and relevant regulations
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Hello, everyone on this forum! Design changes are extremely common in engineering projects, yet the methods and processes used by different projects and organizations vary **slightly** from one another. The construction engineer textbooks stipulate this, as shown in the screenshot: However, it is common to encounter changes caused by the construction party or the site itself (including the owner or supervisor), that is, changes that are not resulting from design errors or unreasonable designs. In such cases, it is usual to contact the design firm and ask them to issue a change order. Some reliable parties are even able to send a fax, while others simply use QQ or phone calls – there are all kinds of ways. As for signatures and stamps from the supervising party or the construction company, those have never been provided. I’d like to ask everyone: what is the process for design changes in your teams? Also, where does the provision on design changes in the constructor’s textbook originate from? What is the standard? I searched for a long time but couldn’t find the source. I would appreciate it if any members who know the source could let me know. Thank you so much!
Problems are identified during on-site construction; the project team resolves them and submits modification suggestions for design approval. It’s more or less like that, I guess.
Generally, there are quite a number of design changes throughout a project. Reputable organizations and design firms manage these changes in accordance with relevant standards and unified design regulations. However, in many companies that do not follow such standards, speed is the top priority. Moreover, some small design agencies have numerous design errors; some of these issues can be resolved simply by a phone call or an email. Although this approach does not comply with standards, it is efficient
When the contractor proposes a change, it first sends a project communication letter to the owner or the management party; after discussion among all parties involved, the design party is informed via phone or email. Once the design party approves the change after reviewing it, it issues a drawing revision order or change order.
Is it enough to inform the designer by phone? Really?
According to the relevant regulations, a written approval document from the design unit is required; since it is an approval, there must necessarily have been an application before such approval is given. A telephone notification certainly cannot serve as written documentation, let alone fulfill the approval procedures, right?
Phone notifications are only for minor changes that do not affect safety; major changes must be communicated in writing
Design change management falls under the scope of project management by the project owner. There are no specific standards for project management by project owners in China; in practice, the scope of work for engineering supervision in this country corresponds to that of project management by the project owner. The GB50319 – Code for Engineering Supervision specifies the procedures for handling design changes.
We require written notification for all design changes; phone notifications to the design party are not acceptable. Design is paramount; I won’t make any changes without written notice: lol