If you are an Architect or you have engaged an Architect to prepare plans, there are many benefits to using a CASp to review your projects design and scope.

Many jurisdictions are asking Architects and owners to self certify that paths of travel are compliant as a part of the application process. Others are issuing boilerplate forms that the owner or Architect have to fill out to certify compliance by element. This responsibility becomes a liability unless measurements are taken in the field and records made of the existing conditions.

The scoping and technical requirements of California and Federal laws are complex and often misunderstood. We find that even major national retailers with newly constructed projects that are freshly permitted are building non-compliant facilities. The earlier in the process we are involved the better chance we have of steering the team to the right track. We notice in particular that reused standard detailing is out of date or is not clear and the construction crew does not end up building compliant elements. Angled car parking spaces, curb ramps and blended transitions, stairs and restroom designs are features that we see most often non-compliant.

We can help in a number of ways; red-lining plans, teaching staff (virtual, in-office or in-field), or even providing custom detailing. We have found that customized details showing parking and adjacent curb ramps are particularly popular as well as drafting or reviewing requests for unreasonable hardship exception.

If full compliance at an element is technically infeasible, a written finding along with a description of the finding and the compliance standard that is being substituted is required by the CBC. We can help guide you through this process and write these findings for submittal to the local jurisdiction.

When building plan check comments come in, we can help de-cypher how they apply to your project and draft responses and rebuttal letters if necessary.

During construction, we can review concrete formwork prior to pouring at site elements, fixture setting positions, detectable warnings etc. – the goal is to get it right the first time round and to save you money.