Building/Site Evaluation
Understanding whether a building can handle our client’s vision is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to a new construction project. Evaluating a prospective space is a team effort that involves everyone from the construction, design, and engineering teams to facility staff, real estate brokers, owners’ reps, and consultants. As builders, our role is to inspect the quality of existing systems and structure to determine if the facility is a potential fit for our client’s goals.
Building evaluation typically includes:
- Completing the existing building’s municipal code violations report
- Reviewing existing vertical transportation
- Reviewing maintenance records of MEPs for fire protection systems
- Reviewing structural systems
- Checking power availability to emergency systems
- Investigating for hazardous conditions and materials
- Evaluating safety and environmental safety-related items
- Checking energy efficiency, utilities, and accessibility
- Assessing millwork and interior finishes
- Investigating moisture protection components, waterproofing systems, and fireproofing
- Evaluating the landscape, irrigation systems, exterior façade, and roof conditions
We also come up with a Life Cycle and Sustainability Analysis (LCA) to help our clients understand the building’s operating costs and any conditions that can impact the building through its useful life—including a full equipment investigation. The building evaluation process is critical to the success of any project, but perhaps more importantly, a thorough assessment can lead to cost savings for owners and their tenants long after the project has been completed.