REVIEW OF CONSTRUCTION

DOCUMENTS

Name: MAGALSO, SOYEN Course Name: QUANTITY SURVEYING

Student Number: 23020292 Instructor’s Name: Engr. VENERANDO D. MABANO JR.

Date Submission: March 20, 2025

The construction of this five-storey academic and administrative building is a significant

investment in the educational infrastructure of Davao de Oro State College (DDOSC). With

thirty classrooms and dedicated administrative spaces, the facility is designed to enhance the

learning environment for students while providing efficient workspaces for faculty and staff. As

the college continues to expand, the additional classrooms will help accommodate the increasing

number of enrollees, ensuring that students have access to modern, well-equipped spaces for their

academic activities. The project reflects the institution's commitment to improving the quality of

education by creating a conducive and sustainable learning environment.

This project is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways

(DPWH), which ensures that the construction adheres to national standards for safety, durability,

and functionality. Beyond its academic functions, the building also serves as a strategic

infrastructure upgrade for the Main Compostela Campus, supporting long-term institutional

growth. Designed to meet modern construction standards, the facility is expected to be

structurally resilient and environmentally sustainable, incorporating durable materials and

energy-efficient systems. The project aligns with national goals for higher education development,

particularly in enhancing access to quality education in rural areas like Davao de Oro. By

investing in this new structure, Davao de Oro State College strengthens its role as a key

educational institution in the region, fostering community development and producing well-trained

graduates equipped for future challenges.

Summary of Construction Documents for Construction of a Five-Storey Thirty- Classroom

Administrative/Academic

I. DRAWINGS

The drawings consisted of architectural, structural, electrical, and plumbing plans, providing

a detailed visual representation of the building's design. The architectural drawings outlined the

layout, elevations, and sections of the building, ensuring proper space planning. The structural

drawings detailed the foundation, beams, columns, and reinforcement requirements, ensuring the

building’s stability. The electrical drawings covered power distribution, lighting, and other

essential electrical components, while the plumbing plans illustrated water supply, drainage, and

sanitary systems.

II. SPECIFICATIONS

The specifications document outlined the required materials, workmanship standards, and

construction methodologies. It provided precise details on the quality of materials, such as concrete

strength, steel reinforcement, finishing materials, and installation procedures, ensuring that

construction met safety and durability standards.

III. BILL OF QUANTITIES (BOQ)

The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) listed all materials, labor, and equipment required for the

project, along with their estimated costs. This document played a vital role in budgeting and cost

control, ensuring accurate financial planning and preventing unnecessary expenses.

The Bill of Quantities (BOQ) provided a detailed breakdown of the project’s estimated

costs, covering various construction components:

 Earthworks – excavation, backfilling, and site preparation.

 Concrete Works – reinforced concrete for foundations, columns, beams, slabs, and

staircases.

 Masonry Works – concrete hollow blocks (CHB) for walls, plastering, and mortar

application.

 Steel Works – reinforcement bars, steel trusses, and framing.

 Electrical Works – wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, lighting, and electrical panels.

 Plumbing Works – pipes, fixtures, drainage systems, and sanitary installations.

IV. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

The contract documents included agreements between the Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH) and the contractor, outlining project scope, timeline, responsibilities, payment

terms, and legal obligations. These documents also contained general and special conditions,

change order procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms, ensuring a clear framework for

project execution and accountability.

During the review of the construction documents for the Davao de Oro State College -

Five-Storey, Thirty-Classroom Administrative/Academic Building project, several issues and

discrepancies were identified across the drawings, specifications, Bill of Quantities (BOQ), and

contract documents. These findings highlight areas that may require clarification or adjustment to

ensure the smooth execution of the project.

Discrepancies Between Drawings and BOQ

One of the primary issues found was inconsistencies between the architectural and structural

drawings and the Bill of Quantities (BOQ):

 The BOQ listed different material quantities than what was reflected in the drawings,

particularly in the concrete works and reinforcement steel sections. The drawings showed

additional columns and beams that were not accounted for in the BOQ, which could lead

to budgeting issues or material shortages during construction.

 The finishing works section in the BOQ did not fully match the architectural drawings,

especially regarding flooring and ceiling materials. The BOQ specified ceramic tiles for all

floors, but the drawings indicated a mix of ceramic and vinyl flooring in certain areas.

 The electrical BOQ lacked detailed cost allocations for power distribution panels and

grounding systems, which were present in the electrical drawings but not sufficiently

detailed in the cost estimates.

Missing or Unclear Details in Drawings and Specifications

Some drawings and specifications contained missing or ambiguous details:

 The plumbing layout did not clearly indicate pipe diameters for wastewater and stormwater

drainage systems. While the BOQ allocated materials, the specific pipe sizes and types

were not consistently referenced in the specifications.

 The door and window schedules in the architectural drawings were incomplete. Some

rooms were missing clear notations on the type of doors (solid core vs. hollow core) and

window dimensions.
  The steel reinforcement details in the structural drawings were vague in certain areas,

particularly in the slab reinforcement layout, where bar sizes and spacing were missing for

some sections.

Unclear or Ambiguous Specifications

Some specifications were found to be unclear or contradictory:

 The concrete mix specifications varied between documents. The BOQ mentioned Class A

concrete (1:2:4 ratio) for general structural components, while the structural specifications

required Class AA concrete (1:1.5:3) for columns and beams, leading to possible confusion

in procurement and execution.

 The painting specification lacked details on the required number of coats and primer type,

which could affect material estimation and application quality.

 The electrical wiring specifications did not specify the required wire gauge for lighting

circuits versus power outlets, which is crucial for safety and compliance with electrical

standards.

Contractual and Scope Clarifications

 The contract documents did not explicitly define responsibility for unforeseen site

conditions. If unexpected soil conditions or underground utilities are encountered, there is

no clear allocation of responsibility for additional costs or necessary design modifications.

 There was no clear timeline or sequencing of work phases in the contract documents, which

could lead to scheduling conflicts between subcontractors.

 The warranty and defect liability clauses were vague regarding the maintenance period for

various building components, particularly for plumbing and electrical systems.

Based on the review of the construction documents for the Davao de Oro State College -

Five-Storey, Thirty-Classroom Administrative/Academic Building project, several

recommendations are proposed to improve clarity, consistency, and overall project execution.

These recommendations aim to minimize errors, enhance coordination, and ensure that the

construction proceeds smoothly without unnecessary delays or cost overruns.

Reconciliation of the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) with Drawings

 Conduct a thorough cross-check between the BOQ and the architectural, structural,

electrical, and plumbing drawings to ensure that all listed materials and quantities align

with the actual design requirements.

 Update the BOQ to include missing components, such as reinforcement details, electrical

panels, and specific flooring materials, to prevent material shortages and cost

discrepancies.

 Provide a detailed breakdown of labor, equipment, and material costs for each work

category to enhance cost transparency and avoid budgeting conflicts.

Clarification and Standardization of Specifications

 Revise the concrete mix specifications to ensure consistency between the structural

drawings and specifications document, explicitly defining the mix ratio for each structural

component (e.g., beams, columns, slabs).

 Specify the number of coats and type of primer required for painting works to standardize

material procurement and application procedures.

 Include exact wire gauge specifications for different electrical circuits (e.g., lighting,

outlets, air conditioning) to ensure compliance with safety standards and proper load

distribution.

Enhancement of Technical Drawings

 Update plumbing drawings to clearly indicate pipe diameters, material types, and slope

requirements to avoid ambiguities during installation.

 Complete the door and window schedules, specifying material types, dimensions, and

locking mechanisms to prevent installation inconsistencies.

placement to avoid errors in steel fabrication and placement.

Improvement of Contractual Clarity

 Clearly define responsibility for unforeseen site conditions, such as subsoil variations or

unidentified underground utilities, to establish accountability and minimize potential

disputes.

 Incorporate a detailed construction schedule with specific milestones and sequencing of

work phases to ensure proper coordination among subcontractors and suppliers.

 Strengthen the warranty and defect liability clauses by specifying the duration and scope

of maintenance responsibilities for structural, plumbing, and electrical components.

Impact of Construction Methods and Materials on Project Cost

The selection of construction methods and materials for the Davao de Oro State College - Five-

Storey, Thirty-Classroom Administrative/Academic Building project significantly influences the

overall cost. Key cost factors include:

 Concrete and Steel Reinforcement Costs: The use of Class AA concrete (1:1.5:3 mix) for

structural components such as columns and beams ensure durability but increases material

costs compared to Class A concrete. Additionally, high-strength reinforcement bars add to

the expense but provide greater structural integrity.

 Finishing Materials: The choice of ceramic tiles over vinyl flooring for certain areas raises

costs due to material pricing and labor intensity. Similarly, high-quality paint finishes and

ceiling materials contribute to increased expenses.

 Electrical and Plumbing Systems: The use of copper wiring and PVC pipes for electrical

and plumbing installations affects overall costs, with copper being a premium material due

to its conductivity and longevity. The specification of multiple power distribution panels

also adds to the budget.

 Labor and Equipment Costs: The requirement for skilled labor for reinforcement

installation, tile setting, and electrical works further impacts project expenditures. Heavy

equipment rental for excavation and structural works is another major cost driver.

Potential Cost-Saving Measures

To optimize the project budget without compromising quality, the following cost-saving strategies

can be considered:

 Alternative Materials: Using Class A concrete (1:2:4 mix) for non-load-bearing elements

such as partitions and minor structural components can reduce cement consumption.

Additionally, vinyl flooring in low-traffic areas can be a cost-effective alternative to

ceramic tiles.

 Efficient Procurement Strategies: Bulk purchasing of materials such as cement, steel bars,

and tiles directly from manufacturers can lower costs through volume discounts.

Establishing long-term contracts with suppliers may also lead to better pricing.
 Optimized Structural Design: Conducting a value engineering assessment to refine the

structural layout and reduce excessive reinforcement can minimize material waste while

maintaining strength and safety standards.

 Energy-Efficient Electrical Systems: Installing LED lighting and energy-efficient fixtures

can reduce long-term operational costs for the facility, justifying the initial investment in

costlier but efficient systems.

 Labor Management: Implementing a well-structured construction schedule to avoid

overtime and reduce idle labor hours can significantly improve cost efficiency.
RISK ANALYSIS

Identified Risks

Based on the review of the construction documents for the Davao de Oro State College - Five-

Storey, Thirty-Classroom Administrative/Academic Building, several risks have been identified

that could impact the project’s timeline, budget, and overall success:

 Design Errors and Ambiguities: Inconsistencies between the BOQ and drawings,

particularly in material specifications and reinforcement details, could lead to procurement

delays and construction errors.

 Material Cost Fluctuations: The project heavily relies on cement, steel reinforcement, and

electrical materials, which are subject to market price variations, potentially increasing

costs.

 Construction Delays: The absence of a detailed phased construction schedule in the

contract documents may lead to miscoordination between trades, delaying project

milestones.

 Unforeseen Site Conditions: Potential subsurface issues such as weak soil conditions or

unaccounted underground utilities could require design modifications and additional costs.

 Contractual Disputes: Ambiguous responsibilities in the contract documents regarding

unforeseen circumstances, defect liabilities, and maintenance obligations could result in

legal disputes.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

To minimize the risks identified, the following mitigation measures are recommended:

 Document Reconciliation: Conduct a comprehensive cross-checking of all construction

documents before issuing the Notice to Proceed (NTP) to resolve discrepancies and clarify

specifications.

 Material Procurement Strategy: Implement bulk purchasing agreements and price

escalation clauses in supplier contracts to mitigate cost fluctuations.

incorporate buffer periods to account for unforeseen delays, ensuring better project

management.

 Geotechnical Assessments: Conduct pre-construction soil investigations to identify

potential underground issues early and avoid costly design modifications later.

 Clearer Contract Terms: Revise the contract to explicitly define liability responsibilities,

change order procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms to prevent legal conflicts.
CONCLUSION

The assessment of the construction documents for the Davao de Oro State College - Five-

Storey, Thirty-Classroom Administrative/Academic Building highlights the importance of

thorough documentation review to preemptively address potential challenges in the project. The

identified issues, such as inconsistencies between the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and design

drawings, ambiguous material specifications, and the absence of a comprehensive construction

schedule, indicate areas where improvements are necessary to ensure smooth project execution.

To address these challenges, the project team is encouraged to reconcile the BOQ with

design drawings, clarify material and construction specifications, and establish a detailed project

timeline. Additionally, implementing cost management strategies and risk mitigation techniques,

such as soil testing and conflict resolution mechanisms, will further safeguard the project against

unforeseen obstacles.

In conclusion, a well-structured and detail-oriented approach is critical to preventing delays

and cost overruns while maintaining high-quality standards. By addressing these discrepancies and

adopting the proposed recommendations, the project can proceed with greater clarity, enhanced

coordination, and an increased likelihood of timely and successful completion.

1. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Standard Specifications for Public

Works and Highways, 2019 Edition.

2. National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP), Presidential Decree No. 1096.

3. Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP), 7th Edition.

4. Philippine Electrical Code (PEC), 2017 Edition.

5. Plumbing Code of the Philippines, Revised Edition.

6. Project Contract Documents and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for the Davao de Oro State

College Construction Project.

7. Construction Drawings and Technical Specifications for the Five-Storey, Thirty-

Classroom Administrative/Academic Building.

8. Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) by the Department of Labor and

Employment (DOLE), Philippines.