Verbal or written communication can be misinterpreted. But a drawing—like the “blueprint” below—could have made the difference in delivering a better pizza.

The drawing conveys critical information that text alone does not. Not only does it delineate the optimal distribution of pepperoni, but it clearly illustrates the ideal pie in plan, section, and a slice detail.

Successful projects in our field of exterior restoration address issues systematically on paper (or in pixels), before a contractor begins work on the building. Construction Documents should satisfy the “five C’s”— correct, complete, clear, concise, and consistent. Well-crafted CDs include the whole truth and nothing but the truth, i.e., all relevant information, and only relevant information required by the contractor, in a consistent format.

It may be tempting to say, “we’ll figure it out in the field,” but getting it right on paper heads off this impulse, which can result in costly change orders and schedule delays.

And when it comes to pizza, maybe it should be the six C’s—correct, complete, clear, concise, consistent, and crust.