For existing buildings, we provide all Prime Consultant services to oversee the restoration, renovation, and renewal of aged, failed, and or dysfunctional building envelope assemblies (walls, windows, roofs, waterproofing, etc.).
When dealing with existing buildings, we support our Client’s needs by developing suitable and appropriate renovation strategies that balance the various, and sometimes competing goals of a project – durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost. We do this by designing sustainable, environmentally responsible, durable building envelope restoration solutions while still meeting design requirements and Client expectations regarding function, aesthetics and cost.
Depending on the project, our level of involvement can vary widely. In some instances, we are only involved in providing localized assessment or specialized investigation services. For more significant renovation projects, our services will typically involve a full complement of services including but not necessarily limited to: project development (assessment, renewal strategies, budgets, information meetings with Owners etc.), complete design and specification development, tendering, quality assurance field review and testing during construction, and enhanced contract administration and project management services to suit the needs of any project.
Often we are asked “Why should I use an Engineering Consultant?” and here are our thoughts:
- Independent Expertise
We are an independent, third-party consultant working on behalf of and directly for our Clients. In this role we do our best to ensure that their goals and objectives are met as closely and as reasonably as possible, within the realities of existing building conditions, funding priorities, and a balance of short and long term goals.
When a Building Owner (Strata, Coop, or Single Owner) brings in contractors or product suppliers to evaluate a certain problem the recommendations may not be the most suitable to the building as there may an inherent bias – through no fault of the contractor or product supplier. For example is a window supplier the right person to ask whether or not you need new windows?
Within this reality, any party involved in the renovation and renewal process will have a vested interest or perceived bias. However, BCBS prides itself on first, accurately confirming the existing conditions of a building and then, developing appropriate, repair, renewal, or renovation strategies as may be deemed most appropriate. Importantly this process should also include the identification of valid options for consideration by the Client – there are always options even if some don’t make sense.
We are also trained and experienced in ensuring that all affected life-safety aspects of your building and repair or renovation work are appropriately designed and restored to meet applicable Code or other suitable industry standards. In this way current and future purchasers are better protected by having an independent third-party consultant involved depending on the complexities of your project.
Would you not want a third-party expert working to look out for your interests?
The process we move through, on your behalf, is a proven means of ensuring that the project executed truly meets the building and client needs and that the project can be much more efficiently executed – so that the funds spent are spent in the most prudent and appropriate manner.
Throughout these processes we also document all work recommended and completed. In this way a permanent record is provided that can be accessed at any time in the future – aiding current and future purchasers if and as may arise.
- Regulatory Requirements
The other key reality in the need for retaining an Engineering Professional relates to the various regulatory requirements according to the location of the work. Often the Authority Having Jurisdiction (i.e. your City, District, Municipality, etc) will require the involvement of a Registered Professional particularly where life safety or structural aspects of a building are involved – which covers most renovation work at the building envelope apart from perhaps minor maintenance or simple renewals such as roofing and painting work. Our experience and assurances are accepted in all recognized jurisdictions of practice and so we are able to meet all regulatory needs for your project.
For existing building renovations, repairs, and renewal we provide the following services. Related to these services we are also often involved with more focused renovation or renewal needs of a more selective nature – such as roof replacements, window or door replacements, or balcony renovation projects. Though these types of projects are related and will typically involve many of the processes outlined below they may also be provided on an independent basis as defined under our Supplementary Services section.