Property managers and owners eventually face the need to restore their building façade. However, this becomes a far less daunting prospect when you understand what is involved in the building restoration process. Here we look at the scope of work for the typical building restoration and the five key stages involved.
1. Assessment
A complete assessment of your building envelope determines the scope of your restoration project. The assessment is a very involved process that can take three to four weeks. A restoration professional, preferably with engineering and construction knowledge, or a consulting engineer establishes the condition of your building envelope and provides a list of recommended repairs/replacements.
2. Initial Design
The assessment results provide the basis for the engineer’s initial schematic designs. This phase includes consultation with key stakeholders in the property, who consider the following:
- The materials
- Recommended project specifications and improvements
- The efficiency, safety, and aesthetics
- What the restoration will achieve
An initial design is usually delivered within a few weeks.
3. Detailed Design
The final plan outlines the details of the project and the needs that must be met, including:
- Structure: The building’s frame and structure must support all restorative materials and elements.
- Infiltration: Restoration must reduce water penetration, air infiltration, and condensation.
- Movement: Proper material use and application must support differential movement related to temperature variations, typical structural movement, etc.
- Energy efficiency: Thermal transfer-resistant materials and proper installation methods must improve energy efficiency.
- Noise reduction: Adding insulation and energy-efficient windows should reduce exterior noise and noise transmission.
- Fire prevention: Heat and smoke-resistant materials mitigate risks and positively impact insurance.
- Security: New secure doors and windows reduce the risk of crime.
- Maintenance: Low maintenance, highly durable materials improve restoration ROI.
- Execution: Scheduling and managing not just construction but the tendering process, services required, accessibility to materials, clearance for restoration teams, available tradespeople, etc., ensure smooth operation and efficient project execution.
- Site safety: A site safety plan outlines procedures to improve productivity and efficiencies. Working with COR™ certified construction companies like WellDone Inc. ensures the project is cost-efficient, avoids disruptions, and is completed safely.
- Aesthetics: All recommendations outlined in the plan must improve “curb appeal” to help maintain the property’s value and rentability/sellability.
- Budget: The combined recommendations for the restoration project cannot exceed the budget.
The detailed design phase tends to be more time-consuming, averaging one to three months.
4. Tendering
The tendering process invites qualified contractors to assess the project and submit bids. The proposals are reviewed by management and approved by the property owner(s). Tenders are legally binding documents helping to establish accountability and ensure the process is entirely transparent.
5. Construction/Execution
The construction team executes the plan, which involves the following types of restorative work:
- Brick/block and stonework replacement/repairs
- Tuckpointing repairs
- Masonry helical-ties installation
- Shelf-angle repairs
- Through-wall flashing
- Caulking and sealants
- Painting/ wall coating
- Metal refinishing
- Masonry and concrete sealers
- Balcony concrete rehabilitation
Project completion can be as short as a few days or weeks or take over a year, depending on the scope of work.
When you understand what to expect during a building restoration, the restoration moves forward efficiently with a clear understanding of the project deliverables. As a result, you are more likely to achieve your goals in a cost-effective, timely manner.
At WellDone Inc., we are a COR™ certified building restoration company. As a result, our customers see the cost savings of our efficiencies reflected in our highly competitive bids. If you would like more information about our building restoration services, speak to the experts at WellDone Inc., a building restoration company specializing in building improvements for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings throughout the GTA.