Supervision Disclaimer in Construction
When I Had to Stop Supervision
In my career as a civil engineer, I have supervised many construction projects — from small homes to multi-storey buildings. I always make one thing very clear: a building’s safety depends entirely on following the approved RCC design and structural drawings without unauthorized changes.
Recently, I had an experience that tested this principle. I was supervising the construction of a residential building. During my site visits, I noticed that the work on the ground was not matching the approved structural design. Beams, columns, and reinforcements were being placed differently from what the drawings specified.
I gave repeated instructions to correct the work and explained why the approved design had to be followed. Unfortunately, the on-site team continued with their own method, ignoring the technical guidance I provided. At that point, I knew I had to make a tough decision.
Why I Stepped Back from Supervision
As supervising engineers, we carry a legal and moral responsibility for the safety and stability of the buildings we approve. If the construction is not as per design, any future problems — cracks, structural failures, or even collapse — could wrongly be blamed on us.
So, I issued a formal Disclaimer of Structural Responsibility. In simple words, this is a written statement saying that:
- The construction is not being carried out as per the approved drawings.
- Site instructions and technical advice are not being followed.
- I will not be responsible for any future problems related to structural safety or quality.
By doing this, I officially recorded that I am no longer linked to the project’s structural responsibility.
What a Disclaimer Means in Construction
A disclaimer in construction is a formal notice from an engineer or architect that they are withdrawing supervision due to unsafe practices or deviations from approved plans. It protects the professional from legal and financial liability in case the building develops problems later.(Click Here to Download: Supervision Disclaimer Format)
When Should a Disclaimer Be Issued?
From my experience, disclaimers are necessary when:
- Construction is changed without the supervising professional’s approval.
- The contractor ignores repeated site instructions.
- Materials used are substandard compared to the approved specifications.
- Structural members like beams, slabs, or foundations are altered from the approved design.
Why This Step Was Necessary
Some might ask — why not just stay on the project and keep trying to fix the work? The truth is, once the execution team refuses to follow approved plans, the engineer loses control over the quality and safety of the work. Continuing supervision in such cases is risky, because the engineer’s name remains on record as if everything was done correctly.
By issuing a disclaimer, I protected myself from future disputes, legal trouble, and damage to my professional reputation.
Lessons Learned from This Incident
- Always keep written records of instructions given at site.
- Visit the site regularly and compare the work with approved drawings.
- If major deviations occur, immediately send a written notice to correct them.
- If deviations continue, issue a formal disclaimer to protect your responsibility.
- Maintain clear communication between all parties — client, contractor, and engineer.
It's not that easy
While stepping back from supervision is never easy, sometimes it is the only safe and professional choice. A building may be someone’s dream home, but safety should never be compromised. As engineers, our duty is not only to design and supervise, but also to refuse association with unsafe construction practices.
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