The end of a project can be so exciting! Paint is on the walls, equipment is installed and working, lights are illuminating spaces, and signage is going up. The final pieces are coming together, and soon the building will be ready for full operations.
Then the controls contractor begins finalizing graphics and system functions, and a problem surfaces. The design engineer is already on another project. The contractor is finishing punch list items. The controls contractor is spread thin. Everyone is working toward turnover, but now the team has to resolve an issue that could have been addressed much earlier.
How do we avoid this end-of-project hurdle?
- Start with the sequence of operations. During design, bring the design engineer and commissioning agent together to review how the systems are intended to operate. Make sure the sequence is complete and that the team understands what the equipment and controls are being asked to do.
- Verify the equipment can meet the requirements. Confirm that the HVAC equipment manufacturer can adhere to the specifications, sequence of operations, and controls requirements. This is an important step before equipment is purchased and installed.
- Get the controls team involved early in construction. During the first month, hold a sequence of operations meeting with the controls contractor, commissioning agent, and design engineer. Review the requirements together and identify missing information or issues while there is still time to make changes.
- Document and communicate early and often. Keep decisions, responsibilities, and outstanding items visible to the entire team. A question that is easy to resolve during design can become much more difficult when the building is nearly complete.
- Controls resources are tight across the construction industry right now. That makes early coordination even more important. The goal is to give the controls contractor, design engineer, and commissioning agent the information they need before the final weeks of construction.
A successful turnover starts long before the building is ready to turn on.