Blueprint Detective: Construction Plan Error Checklist
Prevent costly mistakes before breaking ground in El Salvador
Why This Checklist Matters:
Building in a foreign country means navigating unfamiliar building codes, materials, and practices. This checklist helps you identify the most common and costly errors that foreign investors face when building in El Salvador.
How to Use: Review this checklist before approving construction plans. Use these questions when discussing plans with your architect or contractor. If you find multiple issues, consider getting a professional plan review.
Common Construction Plan Errors
Review your plans for these frequent issues that lead to costly fixes during construction:
System Interferences
HVAC and Lighting Conflicts - Check if supply/return air grilles overlap with light fixtures
Fire Protection System Clashes - Verify sprinkler heads don't interfere with lighting, HVAC, or structural elements
Plumbing vs. Structural Elements - Ensure plumbing lines don't intersect with beams or critical structural components
Electrical Outlet Positioning - Check that outlets aren't placed where cabinets or fixed furniture will go
Alignment & Spacing Issues
Ceiling Element Alignment - Check if lights, grilles, and other ceiling elements are properly centered and aligned
Wall-Ceiling Interference - Verify that ceiling elements aren't positioned too close to walls
Door Swing Clearances - Ensure doors have proper clearance and don't interfere with fixtures or furniture
Window Placement vs. Interior Elements - Check that windows don't conflict with interior wall placement or electrical components
Critical Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Use these questions to evaluate how thoroughly your contractor has reviewed the integration of all building systems:
"Has a ceiling coordination plan been created that shows all elements (lighting, HVAC, sprinklers) in relation to each other?"
Why it matters: Without this plan, elements are installed in isolation, leading to conflicts that require costly fixes.
"How have you ensured that the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems don't interfere with each other?"
Why it matters: System interference is one of the most common and expensive issues to fix during construction.
"What process do you use to center and align ceiling elements like lights and air grilles?"
Why it matters: Proper alignment is both functional and aesthetic; misalignment looks unprofessional and may affect system performance.
Red Flags in Your Construction Plans
Watch for these warning signs that indicate your plans may need professional review:
No ceiling coordination drawings included
Plans should show how ceiling elements relate to each other
HVAC and lighting layouts created separately
These systems should be designed together to avoid conflicts
Lack of specific measurements for fixtures and elements
Precise measurements prevent installation problems
Materials specified without climate considerations
Materials should be appropriate for El Salvador's climate
Need Professional Plan Review?
If you found multiple issues using this checklist, it's time to get professional help.