Kuegler Associates: Consulting Engineers - Designed Right = Built Right

When work begins on a commercial building, there are a significant number of regulations to meet and designs to uphold. If this process is approached carelessly, many developers may find that the owner is unhappy with the final design, or a major function of the building was overlooked.

This is why we offer commissions. This is a professional practice that ensures the final building meets the owner’s expectations through the Owner’s Project Requirements. When a building is commissioned, it usually results in less work for the crew due to this preemptive planning, as well as fewer change orders.

Why we offer commissioning

During the design phase owners can opt to include the Owner’s Project Requirements, which typically results in a faster completion time and lower energy costs for the lifetime of the building. This is a detailed processing that includes design professionals, project managers, commissioning providers, and, of course, the owner.

The most significant benefit comes from the reduced energy costs. By eliminating unnecessary costs during the design phase and focusing on electrical and mechanical HVAC layouts, owners can have complete control of the internals of their building, including the added benefit of documentation of the internal infrastructure. 

Commissioned buildings offer higher quality workplace environments due to the planning, and common problems like outlet locations or cold spots can be circumvented through the Owner’s Project Requirements. This also simplifies maintenance, as any repair crews can see directly into the internals of the structure without needing to put holes in walls.

Commissioning: the basics

For those interested in the commissioning process, it is straightforward. The plan is created by multiple teams, each of whom have distinct responsibilities, much like a typical construction project. Goals are then established along with the scope of work, budget, schedules, and plans. Setting guidelines before beginning is a crucial step and the largest benefit of this process.

Once these plans are set, we then establish the testing, inspection, staff training, and special testing plans. In order for this process to go smoothly, we need to know what to expect during inspections to avoid any nasty surprises once we begin construction.

After establishing these plans, we begin developing the documentation, including the Owner’s Project Requirements, functional tests, systems manuals, training documentation, and more. All of these documents will enable anyone who was not involved in this commissioning process to easily understand the goals and layout of the building. 

All of these steps will ultimately result in the finalized commissioning plan. This plan will guide the final construction and eliminate any unwanted setbacks during the building phase due to poor planning or lack of materials. 

Commissioning is not for everyone, and typically is not necessary for most projects. We offer it as a resource for our customers, but rest assured that it is only critical for larger structures and specific needs. If you are interested in commissioning, please be sure to contact us to get started.