When the drawings and the specifications disagree
The door hardware supplier calls to ask which set goes on doors 104, 105, 211 and 212 before releasing the order. The door schedule on A-801 says set 4, a keyed storeroom lock. Section 08 71 00 lists the same doors under set 9, electrified locks for card access, and no electrical sheet shows power to them.
Do not choose between them yourself. Read the contract's order-of-precedence clause, send an RFI that quotes both documents, and order or build the disputed item only once the answer is in writing. Conflicts appear because different people write schedules and specifications and revise them at different times. The standard US federal construction clause, for example, lets specifications govern drawings, but sends any discrepancy in the figures, drawings or specifications to the contracting officer for a written decision; an adjustment made without one is at the contractor's own risk and expense.
Contracts rank documents differently. The City of Winnipeg's general conditions let specifications govern drawings, later drawings govern earlier ones, larger scales govern smaller and figured dimensions govern scaled ones on the same drawing, and require an RFI whenever the contract appears contradictory. Indiana's transportation department ranks its plans above its standard specifications, though below its unique special provisions.
- Hold only what the conflict touches, in writing, and let the rest proceed.
- Check what came later: addenda, revised sheets and earlier RFI answers may settle it.
- Read your precedence clause for this case.
- Quote both documents word for word in one RFI, with both attached; the method is in RFIs that get answered.
- Say what each reading needs and costs, propose the one your clause points to, and ask the consultant to confirm it.
- Check the answer before anyone builds it: if it adds work, see when an answer changes the work.
Common mistakes
- Building the cheaper reading and planning to argue later.
- Settling it with the trade foreman, who is not the design authority.
- Assuming the specifications always govern, as on the last contract.
Checklist
When two documents disagree
- Only the affected items on hold
- Later addenda, revisions and RFI answers checked
- Your precedence clause read for this case
- Both documents quoted in one RFI, with a proposed answer
- The answer checked for a change before building
Check your understanding
A 1:5 detail shows a 125 mm curb, the 1:100 plan shows 100 mm, and your contract says larger scales govern. Do you still send an RFI?
