01Design deliverables
- Are there construction drawings, not just rendersAt minimum: plans and elevations, structural node details, material callouts, a power layout and a complete dimension chain. If it shows only a few key dimensions and no node details, it is still a developed render
- Who drew the construction drawingsThe design firm, the build contractor or a third-party structural engineer — the responsibility is completely different. If the same party designs and builds, there is no third-party check
- Are the render dimensions realAsk "what area and height does this design correspond to?" If they cannot answer, the render and reality are disconnected
02Structure and compliance
- Who is responsible for structural calculationsAbove-certain-height structures, two-storey structures and long-span cantilevers usually require a structural calculation report issued by a qualified engineer. Ask whether it is needed, who issues it, who pays and how long it takes
- Have they built in this venue beforeHeight limits, rigging rules and drawing submission deadlines vary widely between venues. Someone who has done it can answer immediately; someone who has not gives a string of vague answers
- Who prepares the submission documentsStand drawings, structural drawings, power declaration, fire-rating certificates for materials, worker lists and permits, insurance. Submission deadlines are usually hard
03On site and handover
- How are move-in and move-out scheduledAsk how many labour hours and people are needed, what happens if time runs short, and how overtime is charged
- Is there a dedicated on-site project managerA temporary crew and an on-site project manager are two different things. When something goes wrong you need someone who can make decisions
- Are acceptance criteria written into the contract"Build to drawings, acceptance on completion" means nothing. Specify what is checked item by item, how long rectification takes, and what happens if it is not put right
- Who responds if something fails during the showLights out, screen black, structure creaking. Ask whether someone is on duty, how fast they can arrive, whether spares are on site and whether it is covered by the contract
04How to use this checklist
Don't send all ten questions at once. You will get a beautifully written generic reply.
Suggested approach
Pick three or four points that are genuine risks for your project, ask them in person or by phone, and watch how quickly and specifically they answer.
| How they answer | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| With specific numbers, venue names and dates | They have probably really done it |
| Everything is "no problem", "all fine", "leave it to us" | Look for other evidence |
| They say "it depends" and explain why | Usually professional |
| They clearly cannot answer but bluff anyway | Red flag |
CaseRelated projects
German venue approval and electrical safety standards
Overseas delivery · Local build coordination