My OperaMonday, September 24, 2012 5:28:50 PM
Design-Build HVAC – Contractor Experience verses 3rd party Design Consultants & Engineers.
It is not my desire to downplay education or certification. I merely find that my many years of commercial experience in designing and Installing a variety of systems gives me and the firm I represent a distinct ability perform successful projects without being a PE, (Professional Engineer) or retaining one for our design-build work. The state of Oregon does not require an engineer's stamp for plan review and design of mechanical systems which are simple or complex.
In our current economy we are commonly seeing the following:
Today we often find that consulting firms are not spending the resources needed for thorough surveys of existing building systems and conditions. Too often they do not coordinate design well with other trades and architectural features. They many times lack familiarity with current products and innovations. Sometimes they lack understanding of the new efficiency codes and the definitions. They frequently publish irrelevant “boiler plate” specifications which are left-overs from other projects. In this economy we see them under-budgeting many projects. Causing many projects to be abandon or put out for re-bid. Their services are not inexpensive. They usually ask for their fee up front. They can slow down the pre-construction process. Because they are not the installing contractor, it is common for them to over-design in an attempt to ensure that they will not be responsible for a particular design flaw. Again because they are not the installing contractor, they often become adversarial instead of being part of the team with a goal of success.
It is not my desire to downplay education or certification. I merely find that my many years of commercial experience in designing and Installing a variety of systems gives me and the firm I represent a distinct ability perform successful projects without being a PE, (Professional Engineer) or retaining one for our design-build work. The state of Oregon does not require an engineer's stamp for plan review and design of mechanical systems which are simple or complex.
In our current economy we are commonly seeing the following:
Today we often find that consulting firms are not spending the resources needed for thorough surveys of existing building systems and conditions. Too often they do not coordinate design well with other trades and architectural features. They many times lack familiarity with current products and innovations. Sometimes they lack understanding of the new efficiency codes and the definitions. They frequently publish irrelevant “boiler plate” specifications which are left-overs from other projects. In this economy we see them under-budgeting many projects. Causing many projects to be abandon or put out for re-bid. Their services are not inexpensive. They usually ask for their fee up front. They can slow down the pre-construction process. Because they are not the installing contractor, it is common for them to over-design in an attempt to ensure that they will not be responsible for a particular design flaw. Again because they are not the installing contractor, they often become adversarial instead of being part of the team with a goal of success.
