FAQ

Common Terms Used During the Process

Plan Check:

A “plan check” is a process where a jurisdiction examines permit applications and building plans. Plan checks can occur over-the-counter or through submittals which are processed differently in varying jurisdictions and can take varying amounts of time.

During a plan check, someone called a “plan reviewer” looks over the designs to make sure they follow safety rules. They review everything from the drawings to the materials being used.

The reviewer gives feedback on the plans. They might ask for changes, like using a different material if something poses a safety risk, such as a fire hazard.

After the initial check and feedback are given to the applicant, there’s usually a follow-up check. This is to ensure all the feedback has been addressed. When everything meets safety standards, the plan gets approved, fees are paid, and a permit for construction is issued.

Submittal:

A submittal refers to the written and/or physical information provided by the contractor to the client. This information is submitted to the client and their design team for approval of equipment, materials, etc. before they are fabricated and delivered to the project. Submittals can be presented in various formats, such as shop drawings, cut sheets on equipment, and material samples. Submittals are required primarily to verify that the correct products and quantities will be installed on the project in compliance with the design documents/contract documents.

Permit: 

A permit is a document issued by a local government when an individual or company wants to build a new structure or engage in construction on an existing structure for expansion or repair. Permits will be required for multiple trades such as, plumbing, and electrical.

When you file an application for a building permit, the corresponding government agency reviews the application to make sure the proposed changes comply with all federal, state and local zoning laws, land use standards and construction ordinances. Building permits also allow officials to ensure the proposed project complies with accessibility standards and any other applicable legal requirements. 

Closeout Package: 

The comprehensive closeout package encompasses the entire project journey, from inception to completion. Within this package, you will find a formal closeout letter confirming the successful conclusion of the project, along with duplicates of the contracts you’ve signed with us.

The closeout is also beneficial as it has all the plans used to execute the project, permits and warranties from the subcontractors used.

Design Build:

In design-build construction, an owner engages in a unified contract that encompasses both architectural design services and the physical construction of the project. This approach simplifies collaboration, communication, and coordination by centralizing the process. Throughout the building journey, the owner liaises with a sole contact point for queries and collaborative input. This contract may involve the owner with either the architect or the contractor; notably, at Garrett Construction both the architect and contractor are part of a singular design-build firm, contracted by the owner to execute the entire project.

MEP’s: 

M- Mechanical, E- Electrical and P- Plumbing. An MEP Plan shows all of the visible electrical equipment, components and fixtures in the structure, mechanical ducting, plumbing mains, and important terminals. This can also include items like meters, panels, transformers, outlets, data jacks, and lights.

COI: 

A certificate of insurance (COI) is issued by an insurance company or broker and verifies the existence of an insurance policy. Small business owners and contractors typically require a COI that grants protection against liability for workplace accidents or injuries to conduct business.

Certificate of Occupancy: 

The Certificate of Occupancy or COO is processed once all final inspections have been signed off.  The final inspection process starts as soon as construction is nearing completion, and all equipment has been installed. It typically takes about a week of performing inspections to receive all of the sign offs we need. Once all final inspections have been singed off, then you will be cleared to open for business. You will not have to wait for the COO to be released to open.