Renovation of a Building - House
Friday, 18 December 2015.
Renovation of a house or an apartment is a usual practice in our days in order to acquire a "new home" or "new business premises".
In order the owner to proceed to renovation of a property, bids are selected from general contractors and the most economic and reliable tender is chosen for the job.
In order the owner to proceed to renovation of a property, bids are selected from general contractors and the most economic and reliable tender is chosen for the job.
Unfortunately it is common practice that there is neither technical description to identify precisely the subject of the renovation, neither the description of materials which must be used. Therefore the bids are not comparable especially when the renovation is complex involving changes of the interior layout by demolishing walls and integrating rooms for better ergonomic layout of the old building and adapting it to the modern needs of the owner, accommodating all new amenities. When various crafts ship are required, such as plumber, electrician, marble and tile layer, plasterer, brick layer, carpenter, change of windows, etc, the assistance of a an engineer consultant might be found helpful.
By not identifying the basic two factors of construction which are detailed study and specification of material to be used, the relation of the owner and the contractor is relying in good faith, not enough for the on time and within budget conclusion of the project.
As an engineer who has been involved in construction of multistory apartment buildings, vacation real estate, public works, renovation of buildings etc. I believe that the safest and most secure way for an owner to handle a renovation is by employing an experienced professional such as an engineer who knows the subject, in order to guide him to the necessary works to be done, suggesting scientifically and technically proper solutions, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Off course the final decision is the owners.
The engineer's job is to complete a study of all required works to be done, make measurements of all quantities and specify all material to be used. Then offers can be done which are comparable and finally the most adequate bitter can proceed with the works. The engineer will follow the project to completion as a project manager.
The owner this way has one responsible professional to whom he talks, someone to be advised from, someone who is responsible for the project and protect his interests.
The engineer, project manager, who is known to the material suppliers, can achieve discounts that will not only compensate for his fee but save at the overall cost.
Beyond that the owner declares to the general contractor that there is an engineer (project manager) who checks the quantities and quality of material used as specified, as well as safety and quality of work.
The project manager will prevent any waste of material and man hours by programming all activities on site, to the most efficient extent, so the time schedule is followed and the budget is kept.
By not identifying the basic two factors of construction which are detailed study and specification of material to be used, the relation of the owner and the contractor is relying in good faith, not enough for the on time and within budget conclusion of the project.
As an engineer who has been involved in construction of multistory apartment buildings, vacation real estate, public works, renovation of buildings etc. I believe that the safest and most secure way for an owner to handle a renovation is by employing an experienced professional such as an engineer who knows the subject, in order to guide him to the necessary works to be done, suggesting scientifically and technically proper solutions, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Off course the final decision is the owners.
The engineer's job is to complete a study of all required works to be done, make measurements of all quantities and specify all material to be used. Then offers can be done which are comparable and finally the most adequate bitter can proceed with the works. The engineer will follow the project to completion as a project manager.
The owner this way has one responsible professional to whom he talks, someone to be advised from, someone who is responsible for the project and protect his interests.
The engineer, project manager, who is known to the material suppliers, can achieve discounts that will not only compensate for his fee but save at the overall cost.
Beyond that the owner declares to the general contractor that there is an engineer (project manager) who checks the quantities and quality of material used as specified, as well as safety and quality of work.
The project manager will prevent any waste of material and man hours by programming all activities on site, to the most efficient extent, so the time schedule is followed and the budget is kept.
