For Reference Only

Interesting thread and interesting points of view

Based on my discipline (Civil Engineering) drawings for information can be provided as part of tender contracts in the form of an information pack. Drawings contained in the information pack would not be a works requirement - ie the contractor wouldn't construct from the information drawings. However the information pack could contain useful information that might identify site specific issues - services from historical records, site investigation etc...

Generally speaking these drawings would clearly state the basis from where the information was collected from and any other limitations such as the drawings accuracy. These drawings may also contain a stamp "For Information Only" which in my opinion would be similar to "For Reference Only"

Yes, interesting indeed. Before this topic, never in a hundred years would I have thought someone might interpret a drawing with a "For Reference Only" stamp as a valid and accurate construction document.

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In the Architectural trades, the first set of published drawings issued outside the office carries a huge red stamp about 3" x 5" stating "Bid Set". That label is accepted as meaning "These drawings don't necessarily show all the filigree and furbelow, but they'll get you by. Besides, you're all going to add 55% anyway, unless you re in India where you will underbid by 55%."

The Bid Set probably gets re-plotted as is, and sent to the local building gods, and they are stamped "For Permit Issue."

There may be subsequent addendums and revisions, but they would be sent to one sub contractor at a time in response to a request for Information(RFI). These additional sets may indeed have more information and may be incomplete in some way. These drawings would be labeled "Not For Construction".

Then one glorious day, the "Approved for Construction" stamp goes on along with signatures of two architects and four engineers. Dollars to doughnuts, they still ain't right. It don't matter. This is where the Wizards we know as The Trades make it work anyway.

How many episodes of that reality documentary about building demolition have we seen where the Boss is standing there looking up at one 5 story tall column full of smoking holes midst an otherwise completely flat pile of dust. "Dang, there's more meat in 'at one 'an I thought!

I have never seen any drawings labeled "For Reference Only" but I do get what it is intended to mean.

I have to go now. I have to go dig out my lexicon, thesaurus, and dictionary. I feel the need to find out why there's an entire section in the library labeled "Reference Material". Wait, on second thought that section has always proven to be a little bit suspect, hasn't it? You know, with that Columbus thing and all.

In the Architectural trades, the first set of published drawings issued outside the office carries a huge red stamp about 3" x 5" stating "Bid Set". That label is accepted as meaning "These drawings don't necessarily show all the filigree and furbelow, but they'll get you by. Besides, you're all going to add 55% anyway, unless you re in India where you will underbid by 55%."

 

I have never seen any drawings labeled "For Reference Only" but I do get what it is intended to mean.

 

I have to go now. I have to go dig out my lexicon, thesaurus, and dictionary. I feel the need to find out why there's an entire section in the library labeled "Reference Material". Wait, on second thought that section has always proven to be a little bit suspect, hasn't it? You know, with that Columbus thing and all.

Dana, there you go again waxing poetic, furbelow, yet another etymological foray to Paris.

I thought you had made that one up, and when I went looking for the definition, I was reasonably sure it would

link to a porn site featuring individuals sans pants or skirts, but no (I am happy to report), thanks for sharing.

Dana, there you go again waxing poetic, furbelow, yet another etymological foray to Paris.

I thought you had made that one up, and when I went looking for the definition, I was reasonably sure it would

link to a porn site featuring individuals sans pants or skirts, but no (I am happy to report), thanks for sharing.

Fur Below

I didn't click that

Dana, there you go again waxing poetic, furbelow, yet another etymological foray to Paris.

Oh, my. I am so sorry for all this.

Back to our regularly scheduled program.