The Importance of a Detailed Site Inspection
Dive into my thoughts on engineering, projects, and the lessons I've learned along the way.
Laureate M
5/8/20241 min read
On a recent project, a detailed site inspection proved to be the most critical part of the entire scope. While the system appeared straightforward based on drawings and reports, the conditions on site told a very different story.
Operational constraints, limited access, and years of undocumented alterations meant that assumptions could not be relied upon. Before any work began, time was spent tracing ductwork, verifying equipment schedules, checking control sequences, and confirming actual operating pressures and airflow. These inspections revealed issues that were not immediately visible, including incorrect configurations and airflow imbalances affecting system performance.
By approaching the project methodically and validating each system component, the root causes of the problems were identified rather than just treating symptoms. Corrective actions were implemented in a controlled and logical manner, resulting in improved system stability, better energy efficiency, and restored confidence from the client.
This experience reinforced a key lesson in projects: a detailed site inspection is not a delay to the project—it is the foundation that ensures technical accuracy, reliable outcomes, and long-term system performance.