Lessons Learned from the Site: Smarter LGS Detailing for Better Builds!

“Experience is the best teacher — but only if we learn from it.”

1. Frame Size Matters – Don’t Overlook Transport Constraints 

• Truss heights hit up to 3m and lengths extended to 10m – something that could change based on client and transport feasibility. 
• Wall frames also touched 3m in height and 5m in length – be sure to check if it fits the truck before detailing. 
• Roof overhangs? Review them early to ensure they’re compatible with transport or you’ll risk on-site chaos. 

Tip: Always check transport feasibility during quoting and in RFI#1

2. Splitting Tall Walls – Think Before You Frame

• External walls taller than 3m should be split during design. 
• Confirm site handling options – are cranes available, or will it be lifted manually?

Don’t assume! Discuss early to avoid rework and surprises on-site. 

3. Design Features for Roof Panels & Coordination with MEP for Wall Cutouts

• Before locking in the wall layout, always confirm plumbing cutouts and vent pipe locations with the client, especially in WET areas.
• If these aren’t aligned early, it can cause major trouble onsite — including last-minute frame cutting.

For Roof Frame like overhangs:

• Rafters should be designed as doublers (to add strength).
• Rafters must be perpendicular to the wall.
• Noggings should run parallel to maintain overhang stability and simplify installation.

These small details make a big difference for smooth execution.

4. Confirm Transport & Lifting Method Early

• Every frame size should be checked for transport in RFI#1.
• Clarify lifting access – Is there a crane or only manpower?

5. Large Trusses – Assess or Be Stressed 

For long trusses that might need splitting: 

• Evaluate engineering requirements early – if a truss fails, it’s not on us, it’s an engineering issue.
• Consider onsite assembly time, weight, and transport limitations in your quote.
• Flag “suspect trusses” during quoting with buffer for iterations.

Smart Detailing = Fewer Site Surprises

6. Quote Smart – Define Scope Clearly

• Don’t quote blind. Wait for all necessary drawings and details.
• Add buffer for unknowns and clarifications.
• Clearly state we follow the provided architectural and structural drawings. If things change later — that’s a variation.

7. Variation Handling – Get it in Writing

• Raise a variation immediately for any change that occurs after quoting.
• Pause all work on the affected section until written client approval is received (or the variation is rejected).
• If there’s a delay — pick up the phone and speak directly with the client. Clear communication is key to minimizing disruptions.
• To alert the client that a change has happened, and that there is a delay in the program.

Remember:

“Nothing speaks louder than an invoice and documented delay.”

8. Our Design Suggestions – Add Value and Help Your Client Cut Costs

If we propose design improvements (e.g., optimizing the LGS frame layout), they should be quoted as added value.

When working off client-supplied drawings, and we identify missing details or unclear sections:

• We can submit proposals for improvement.
• If this was clarified in the quote, it is already within our scope — no need to raise it as a variation.

Smart detailing isn’t just about execution — it’s also about helping our clients save time and money.

9. Client-Driven Design Changes – That’s a Variation Too 

Any change the client makes for ease of installation or cost saving must be quoted as a variation. 

LGS Project Checklist (for Detailers & PMs)  

Confirm frame size limits (wall/truss) with client 
Review transport feasibility and crane availability 
Request complete architectural, structural, and MEP drawings 
Identify special features (cutouts, splits, overhangs) early 
Define scope clearly – design vs. detailing only 
Include buffer time for potential RFI clarifications 
Document all design and client-driven changes 
Conduct internal reviews before client submission 
Flag and assess suspect trusses during quoting

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’re a detailer, project manager, or fabricator, I hope this blog helps you:

• Spot issues early
• Avoid costly site changes
• Deliver smoother, smarter LGS solutions

More Coming Soon 

We’ll continue sharing more real-world LGS insights, including: 

• “Can You Spot the Problem?” detailer challenges 

• Cost-saving ideas we’ve implemented 

Stay tuned — and let us know if there’s a specific LGS topic you’d like us to cover!