SUPERSTSRUCTURES’ work includes the restoration of masonry, stone, concrete, terra cotta, steel, and numerous other materials. But you could say (conceptually at least) that paper is primary to our practice.

Why? Because successful restoration projects address all restoration issues systematically, on paper (or in pixels), before a contractor begins work on the building.

So, our latest topic in Restoration 101 is “getting it right on paper,” the importance of producing construction documents (CDs) that satisfy the “Four C’s”—they’re correct, complete, clear, and concise.

Well-crafted CDs should include the whole truth and nothing but the truth, i.e., all relevant information, and only relevant information. They should clearly indicate the type, quantity, and location of the work that needs to be performed. Each piece of information required by the contractor should be provided in a consistent location and format.

It may be tempting to say, “we’ll wait until the contractor is on board, and figure it out in the field.” Getting it right on paper heads off this impulse, which can be inefficient and costly. Getting it right on paper is essential to getting it right in the field.