IFC Document Review: The Complete Checklist

Why does IFC document review matter?

Issued for Construction (IFC) documents represent the final set of drawings and specifications that contractors will build from. Once IFC documents are released, every error, omission, and coordination conflict becomes exponentially more expensive to resolve. According to the Construction Industry Institute, the cost of fixing an error increases by 10x with each project phase, a $500 fix during design becomes $5,000 during construction and $50,000 after occupancy.

Despite this, a 2024 survey of 200 general contractors found that only 38% conduct systematic IFC reviews across all disciplines before mobilization. The remaining 62% rely on individual trade contractors to catch issues relevant to their scope, an approach that misses the cross-discipline conflicts responsible for the majority of field problems.

What should an architectural IFC review check?

Architectural drawings form the foundation of the document set. Errors here cascade into every other discipline. Key items to verify:

• Drawing consistency: Floor plans, elevations, sections, and details all tell the same story. Dimensions match across views, room numbers are consistent, and door/window schedules align with plan callouts.
• Code compliance: Occupancy classifications are noted, egress paths are dimensioned and comply with width requirements, fire-rated assemblies are properly detailed, and accessibility requirements are met at all public areas.
• Door and hardware schedules: Every door on the plans appears in the schedule with correct fire rating, hardware set, frame type, and operation. Hardware sets match the specification.
• Finish schedules: Room finish designations match the finish schedule, transitions between finish types are detailed, and moisture-sensitive finishes are properly backed with appropriate substrate.
• Detail completeness: Every reference bubble on the plans points to a detail that exists. Head, jamb, and sill conditions are detailed at all window types. Flashing and waterproofing details are complete at all envelope penetrations.
• Sheet index and drawing list: Every sheet listed in the index exists in the set, and the set doesn't contain sheets not listed in the index. See our guide on sheet organization for best practices.

What should a structural IFC review check?

Structural documents must coordinate precisely with architectural layouts and MEP requirements. Critical review items include:

• Column grid alignment: Structural column grid matches architectural plans exactly. Column sizes don't encroach into finished spaces or conflict with partition layouts.
• Floor openings and penetrations: All architectural floor openings (stairs, elevators, chases) are shown on structural plans with proper reinforcement details.
• Loading criteria: Design loads match the structural narrative and are appropriate for the intended occupancy. Special loading conditions (mechanical equipment, file rooms, assembly spaces) are accounted for.
• Foundation coordination: Foundation plan coordinates with civil site plan for utility locations. Pile or caisson locations don't conflict with underground utilities.
• Embed and connection details: Structural embeds for MEP hangers, equipment supports, and architectural attachments are located and detailed. Connection types are specified.
• Expansion and control joints: Joint locations coordinate with architectural finishes above. Joint spacing meets design criteria for the structural system.

What should an MEP IFC review check?

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems must coordinate with each other, with the structure, and with the architecture. This is where the majority of coordination conflicts hide:

• Equipment schedules vs. plans: Every piece of equipment shown on plans matches the schedule for capacity, voltage, and connection requirements. Equipment tag numbers are consistent across plans, schedules, and specifications.
• Electrical panel schedules: Panel capacity matches connected loads with appropriate spare capacity. Circuit assignments don't exceed panel bus ratings. Emergency and normal power sources are properly identified.
• Plumbing fixture coordination: Fixture locations on plumbing plans match architectural floor plans. Chase sizes accommodate waste and vent piping. Water heater sizing supports fixture count calculations.
• HVAC duct routing: Ductwork fits within available ceiling space. Return air paths are defined. Fire/smoke dampers are shown at all rated assembly penetrations. Diffuser locations coordinate with reflected ceiling plans.
• Fire protection coverage: Sprinkler coverage meets NFPA 13 requirements for the occupancy. Heads are located per spacing rules and adjusted for obstructions. Standpipe connections and FDC locations are shown.
• Electrical room access: Working clearances per NEC 110.26 are maintained. Panel boards are accessible with required clear space. Emergency egress from electrical rooms is provided per code.

What should a civil IFC review check?

Civil drawings establish the foundation for everything above grade. Critical items to verify before site work begins:

• Grading and drainage: Finished grade elevations provide positive drainage away from the building at all locations. Stormwater management meets local requirements. Detention/retention sizing calculations are included.
• Utility connections: Water, sewer, gas, electric, and telecom service locations are coordinated with the building's mechanical and electrical rooms. Invert elevations allow gravity flow where required.
• Paving and striping: Parking counts meet zoning requirements. ADA-accessible routes from parking to building entrances are properly graded and detailed. Fire lane widths and turning radii accommodate the jurisdiction's apparatus.
• Erosion control: SWPPP requirements are addressed. Construction phasing aligns with erosion control measures. Permanent stormwater BMPs are detailed.

How does Helonic work through an IFC checklist on a large set?

Manually working through an IFC checklist across a 200-sheet drawing set can take a team of reviewers over a week. Helonic's AI-powered analysis automates the most time-consuming aspects of IFC review, cross-referencing schedules with plans, checking dimensional consistency, flagging missing details, and identifying cross-discipline conflicts.

Upload your IFC set and Helonic processes it in minutes, generating a prioritized list of issues organized by discipline and severity. Your team can then focus their expertise on evaluating the flagged issues rather than hunting for them, turning a week-long review into a day-long exercise.

IFC Document Review FAQ