Welcome to part two of our blog series on Building Renewal in British Columbia. Over a number of posts, we are discussing this emerging industry. We are looking at how the industry differs from construction and restoration. Who are the stakeholders? How to plan and budget for a building renewal project and ultimately, how to choose a contractor.
By the end of this series, you’ll have the knowledge and tools you need to properly tender your building renewal project and enjoy the benefits of an updated, more durable, and energy-efficient building. We hope to enjoy the series and find the information helpful.
Building renewal is a complex process. Building owners work closely with building renewal experts like engineers, consultants, inspectors, and contractors to protect their real estate assets and to ensure that the renewal process is carried out smoothly.
Primary Stakeholders: Building Owners and Strata Members
The primary stakeholder for any building renewal project is the building owner. Individual owners and in many cases, strata members typically identify when renewal is necessary and initiate the procedure. Owners collaborate closely with all parties involved in the renewal process, including engineers, consultants, and contractors, during a project.
Property Managers and Building Managers
In British Columbia, a property manager is in charge of managing a building’s operations, including maintenance, tenanting, repairs, and finances. Property Managers work with owners to identify areas that require renovation. Managers also typically help to formulate a building renewal strategy. Typically, a property manager will have access and experience with a wide range of experts in the renewal industry.
A building manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a building. In the context of building renewal, a building manager would typically work with the contractors and tenants on communications and logistics.
Engineers and Consultants
Building envelope engineering and consulting are crucial for ensuring that structures set for renewal are secure before the work commences and that the specified repairs are long-lasting and energy-efficient.
Certain engineers specialize in building envelopes, which typically comprise walls, windows, roofs, flashings, and balconies. Other engineering firms focus on Building Science for both exterior and interior areas and substrates.
Engineers and consultants are essential in the planning, specifying and scoping phase of a project. They provide specifications and scopes for work related to structural repairs, building systems and materials. They work to specify systems and materials to ensure that the building envelope is properly renewed and that work completed is within British Columbia building standards and codes.
Inspection Agencies
Inspectors and Inspection agencies are responsible for ensuring that the building renewal process is completed on spec and scope. Inspectors typically follow specifications written by engineers and review the contractors work as the project progresses.
Inspectors are not necessarily involved on all renewal projects. In some cases, engineers act as the owner’s representatives and work directly with contractors as the work progresses.
Building Renewal Contractors and Subcontractors
Arguably, contractors have the most critical role in a building renewal. It is the contractors job to ensure any project is completed on time, within the budget and according to specification. Specialized contractors bring unique and practical experience to the table that aids owners and engineers with material and systems selection, logistics and project schedules. Building Renewal Contractors and their sub trades are typically focused on maintaining building envelopes and interior building common areas. Many renewal contractors and their technicians acquire specialized certifications like swing-stage rigging and level 3 rope access for high-rise envelope work. Contractors and sub trades often obtain specific substrate repair certificates for concrete, stucco and specialized coatings for membranes, sealants and waterproofing.
Material Suppliers
Material suppliers are a valuable resource for specifying the right products for a renewal project
There are expectational suppliers for both exterior and interior projects. Including companies that manufacture and distribute coatings and paints for waterproofing, membranes, traffic coatings and sealants. Concrete suppliers offer a wide array of products including concrete that cures at varying rates and strengths for applications like ceilings, cold joints, walls and floors.
On the interior side, paint and coatings suppliers carry systems like wall protection and epoxies. Products specific to commercial applications that minimize maintenance, save money and increase building’s usability. Drywall suppliers carry an array of products including unique muds, textures and plasters to repair and renew virtually any drywall substrate.
All of these suppliers offer technical expertise which help owners, engineers and contractors choose the right product to ensure a durable project.
WCP can help on you next Building Renewal Project!
Are you a building owner or manager in need of building renewal services in British Columbia? Wolfgang Commercial Painters, also known as WCP, is a top rated renewal and commercial painting contractor with over 20 years experience and 4000 projects completed. Our projects include high-rise envelope renewals, interior common re-models and large scale exterior and interior commercial painting
Our team of expert project managers and technicians are committed to working closely with key stakeholders to develop customized solutions that meet a buildings unique needs and budget.
If you have any questions about your next Building Renewal and Commercial Painting Project we can be reached at [email protected] or 604.420.5552.
Contact Wolfgang Commercial Painters today to get started!
