Throughout the construction project lifecycle, design changes increase in cost over time. Conversely, architecture and construction firms' ability to impact project costs decreases over time. Firms that discover and develop methods of reducing errors and omissions early-on so that late-project changes aren't required will reap the benefits of a tighter project budget and schedule.

Errors and omissions are issues that must be identified early in the construction project lifecycle. If a problem is overlooked, it can grow to have devastating results. Rectification of document errors can delay project completion and building occupancy. According to the document "Who pays for imperfect construction documents?" from the Oklahoma State University Physical Plant, "It is not unusual to see a 5-percent change in cost result in a 20-percent increase in construction schedule, especially when the change(s) occur on the project's critical path."

Litigation from errors and omissions is so common in the building industry that most architects, engineers and contractors carry Errors and Omissions Insurance, also known as Professional Liability Insurance. This is above and beyond the General Liability policy that their firms may already have. Typical allegations of professional liability claims for contractors include negligence in preparing the plans, drawings designs and specifications of a construction project.

Time is money, and there is no better example than on a building project. Research both performed and collected by the Océ team confirms that:

• The primary cause of construction mistakes, delays and rework is poor communication.
• The primary reason people use color in technical documentation is to improve communication
• Color can help reduce errors by up to 80%.
• Each incremental dollar invested in color printing can yield $4 in savings for a given project.

If architecture and construction firms wish to tighten budgets and shorten project timelines, risk mitigation must be made a top priority. However, securing Professional Liability Insurance isn't the only avenue that will supply a viable risk management solution. Architects and contractors would be wise to consider color wide format printing options to prevent potential liabilities before the costly errors occur.

Resource Center Home Printing Construction Documents in Color