Field measurements are essential during construction and remodeling projects to ensure that each component fits within the space as intended. Contractors rely on architectural drawings, but these can cause problems if not installed precisely. Manufacturers perform field measurements to build components that fit the space accurately. Tools such as laser-based measuring devices and tape measures are used to take measurements in the field.
During construction and remodeling projects, contractors often perform a field survey of the site at several points during project planning. A field measurement ensures that each element or component fits within the space as intended and improves the overall accuracy of the installation. The field measurement process also reduces problems and conflicts between various parts of a project and alerts contractors to potential problems early in the program so they can take steps to remedy these problems.
In the average construction project, contractors rely on architectural drawings developed by designers and engineers. In most cases, these drawings are schematic. While they show the relationship between the various walls and furnishings, they are not intended to be a precise representation of where each building component should be located. Even drawings with fairly accurate measurements listed can cause problems if contractors install walls or other objects even a few millimeters out of line. Sometimes design additions or changes don’t even show on drawings, which can lead to costly problems for subsequent installers.
To understand how a field measurement works, imagine a restaurant manager planning to renovate a kitchen. After the contractor builds new walls and installs floors and ceilings, the cabinet installers can come in to install the specified cabinets. If every element of the project plans has not been installed perfectly, the cabinets may not fit in the designated space. In this situation, the contractor would have to order new cabinets and conflicts would arise over who would pay this extra cost.
Instead of relying on drawings, the cabinet manufacturer will instead perform a field measurement before making the cabinets. He waits until all applicable fixtures have been installed nearby, then enters to measure the kitchen’s actual dimensions. Using these measurements, he builds cabinets that will fit the space as it is now, now as the designers planned it to be before the project began. A similar process occurs prior to door installation, furniture manufacturing, and the selection of other important building equipment or components.
Contractors and manufacturers rely on a number of different tools to help them take measurements in the field. Many use laser-based measuring devices and laser levels to verify not only measurements but also the accuracy of an installation. Others work with a simple tape measure, while some may even require surveying tools on large-scale projects. Plumb weights and other similar tools also allow workers to measure the alignment of objects.
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