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How to create a clash detection report

Document coordination problems in a way that actually gets them fixed

Finding clashes is only half the job. The other half is documenting them so clearly that they actually get resolved. A good clash report is easy to understand, easy to act on, and easy to track. Here's how to put one together.

1

Set Up a Consistent Structure

Using the same format every time makes reports easier to use and track over time:

Header
Project name, report date, revision number, who wrote it
Executive Summary
Total clashes, broken down by severity and discipline
Clash Details
Individual clash documentation (see below)
Resolution Tracking
Status of clashes from previous reports
Appendix
Referenced drawings, notes on methodology
2

Include Everything Someone Needs to Fix It

Each clash entry should have enough detail that someone can find and resolve it without asking you questions:

What to include for each clash

Clash ID: A unique identifier like MECH-STRUC-001

Location: Grid lines, floor level, room or area name

Element 1: Description, size, elevation, which discipline

Element 2: Description, size, elevation, which discipline

Clash Type: Hard clash, soft clash (clearance issue), or 4D (sequencing)

Severity: Critical, major, or minor

Drawing Reference: Sheet numbers where these elements show up

Screenshot: A visual showing exactly where the conflict is

3

Prioritize by Severity

Not every clash is equally urgent. Sort them so the important ones get attention first:

Critical
Can't be built as designed. Needs an immediate design change. Major cost or schedule impact if not resolved.
Major
Will require significant rework. Work can proceed for now, but must be resolved before affected areas start.
Minor
Can be worked out in the field with minor adjustment. Document it, but it's low priority.
4

Assign an Owner to Every Clash

Clashes without owners don't get fixed. Make sure each one has someone responsible:

  1. Name the primary discipline responsible for fixing it
  2. Note any other disciplines that need to be involved
  3. Set a target resolution date based on how severe it is
  4. Identify who can approve the solution
  5. Flag any cost implications that need owner sign-off
5

Add Pictures

A picture really is worth a thousand words when it comes to clash reports. For each clash:

Include a screenshot of the plan view showing exactly where it is
Add markup highlighting the conflicting elements
Include a section or 3D view if you have one
Add dimension annotations showing why it's a conflict
6

Track Where Each Clash Stands

Keep a running status for every clash you've identified:

New
Just found, waiting for someone to look at it
Assigned
Someone owns it, they're working on a solution
Proposed
Solution proposed, waiting for approval
Approved
Solution approved, waiting for updated drawings
Resolved
Updated drawings issued, clash is gone
Closed
Verified fixed in the latest drawing set
7

Report on a Regular Schedule

Regular reports keep the pressure on to get things resolved:

Issue a new report after each major drawing milestone
Update status weekly during active coordination phases
Include a clash summary in your regular coordination meeting agenda, our guide on how to prepare for a coordination meeting covers this
Escalate any critical clashes that sit unresolved too long
Archive resolved clashes but keep them for project history

Use this alongside coordination meeting prep to keep clash resolutions moving between design updates.

Keep exploring

Related guides for clash detection, MEP coordination, and meeting prep.

How to Find Clashes in 2D Drawings

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How to Prepare for a Coordination Meeting

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MEP Coordination Best Practices

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Pricing and Rollout

Estimate the cost and value of report automation at scale.

Generate reports automatically

Helonic automatically creates clash detection reports from your drawings, complete with locations, screenshots, and severity classifications. Spend less time writing reports and more time fixing problems.