It is sometimes hard for an Owner, Architect, or Construction Manager to know whether the design documentation recieved as part of the "Construction Documents" is truly enough information to proper bid if not build the project. There are varying degrees of imformation recieved from systems consultants and designers. At a minimum the following items must be clear:
 
1. Proper specifications need to be drafted with clear delineations between the work scope of the systems contractor and other trades such as electricians, millworkers, and carpenters.
 
2. A good description of the intent of the installation that the layperson can understand.
 
3. A clear specification of the means and methods for installation of the basic infrastructure; properly including cable trays, conduits, grounding, wiring best practices.
 
4. Plans that clearly show where devices and equipment should be installed and how. Check these documents against other Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural documents to see whether your consultant is paying attention.
 
5. A clear equipment list. If the layperson cannot understand what equipment is spec-ed, you could bet most contractors will not know either.
 
6. Risers or schematics showing how the equipment is interconnected
 
7. Details of how equipment is to be mounted including conceptual hardware. It remains to be seen how two lines on a drawing clearly depict how a projector, screen, speaker or other device is going to be hung from a structure.
 
8. Be wary of a drawing that doesn't look or follow the same format as others in the set. Unfortunately there is a common practice of requesting a manufacturer to create design documents. Often the manufacturer has their own best interest in mind and is too detached from the project to truly know what needs to be shown.
 
Adherence to the items listed above is important in order to get the end product you are looking for and more importantly not escalate the costs and construction time. As a Design Consultant, North American Theatrix incorporates this set of values into our documentation because we evolved from the contracting community. We understand that clear, comprehensive documentation reduces the bid cost. Less money is added to deal with the unknowns, change orders are minimal, and the Owner is assured they are getting the product they are paying for.