Coordination With Architects and Engineers
Coordination with architects and engineers is a critical part of regulated residential construction and renovation projects. This coordination ensures that design intent, structural requirements, building codes, and permitting standards are aligned before construction begins and throughout the project lifecycle. MDI Custom Homes is a licensed general building contractor specializing in residential projects that require permitting, inspections, and coordinated oversight across multiple trades. Our work is centered on code compliance, structural responsibility, and proper approvals—ensuring each project is planned, executed, and finalized in accordance with local building requirements.
For projects involving permits, structural changes, or engineered systems, this coordination is typically managed by a licensed general contractor.
What Does Coordination With Architects and Engineers Mean?
Coordination refers to the process of aligning architectural design, engineering requirements, and construction execution into a single, buildable plan.
Architects and engineers are responsible for design and technical specifications. The general contractor is responsible for ensuring those documents are constructible, code-compliant, and suitable for permit review and inspection.
Effective coordination prevents conflicts between drawings, structural requirements, and real-world construction conditions.
When Are Architects or Engineers Required?
Architect or engineer involvement is commonly required for projects that include:
Additions or expansions
Foundation alterations
Roof structure changes
Floor system modifications
Wind, seismic, or flood-related compliance
Local building departments often mandate sealed drawings from licensed professionals before permits are approved.
The Role of the General Contractor in Coordination
For permitted or regulated projects, the licensed general contractor typically coordinates communication between architects, engineers, and the building department.
This includes:
Identifying conflicts or omissions before permit submission
Coordinating revisions required by plan reviewers
Aligning structural details with field conditions
The contractor serves as the point of accountability once construction begins.
Why Coordination Matters Before Permits Are Submitted
Poor coordination before permit submission often leads to:
Delays in permit approval
Conflicting inspection requirements
Field changes that increase cost
Construction delays after work has started
Proper coordination improves permit review efficiency and reduces revisions during inspections.
Coordination During Construction
Coordination does not end once permits are issued. During construction, coordination may include:
Clarifying engineering details for inspectors
Addressing field conditions that differ from plans
Requesting engineer clarifications or revisions when required
Ensuring inspections align with approved documents
This ongoing coordination helps keep construction moving without compliance issues.
How Coordination Supports Inspections
Inspectors rely on approved plans and engineering documents to verify compliance. Proper coordination ensures that:
Construction matches permitted drawings
Structural elements are built as designed
Inspection questions can be answered quickly
Corrections can be resolved without delays
Well-coordinated projects typically pass inspections more smoothly.
Coordination With Architects and Engineers at MDI Custom Homes
MDI Custom Homes coordinates with architects and engineers as part of its managed renovation and construction process.
For projects that require permits, MDI Custom Homes coordinates architectural and engineering documentation, pulls permits under its general contractor license, and manages required inspections through final approval.
This coordination helps reduce delays, improve compliance, and support successful project outcomes.
Summary
Coordination with architects and engineers is essential for projects involving permits, structural work, or regulated construction. It aligns design, engineering, permitting, and construction into a unified process.
For permitted renovation and construction projects, this coordination is a core responsibility of the licensed general contractor managing the work.
