Having worked in the Roofing and Waterproofing consulting business since 1987, I have been involved with all types of projects involving roofing systems, waterproofing membranes, Exterior wall systems, etc. You could fill a book with the projects and multitude of systems that have been used on them. The following will serve to outline the method, manner and function followed from the beginning to the end of a new project from early Design through to completion of Construction.

D 7 typically becomes involved with new projects through one of the following entities:

1.An Architect contacts us based upon previous work history or knowledge of our company through other sources;
2.A Developer contacts us based upon our relationship with this company, the Architect has recommended us or a General Contractor has “dropped” our name.
3.The client or Owner has used our company in the past and requests that we work with the Design team on the project.

These are some of the more straightforward ways, there are more, but for the sake of this blog I am only listing the most common ways.

With all three, we would first develop a proposal to the “client”. In the 3 cases listed above, the client could be any one of the entities. We would typically be contracted with the Architect or the Developer/Owner, however we have been contracted at times with or through the General Contractor. Once the proposal is finalized an accepted, we can start our work on the project.

Over the years, I have developed a strategy that seems to work for our company. I have been successful in bringing many projects to completion with numerous clients, so if it isn’t broke why fix it? The first meeting with the Architect should be held early in the process of Design. This means soon after Schematic or early in Design Development (or DD for short). We do not want to be reviewing a completed set of construction documents (CD’s) when we are hired to do Design.

With the first meeting, we are trying to establish a thorough understanding of the building type, construction materials and methods. What is the exterior skin? Is there below grade parking? What are the structural elements; concrete, steel? With this information, we can begin to narrow the types of systems that would be considered on the project. Are their LEED requirements? What about Green Roofing or recyclable issues with products? These are some of the many questions that we go through. During this meeting, we review each plan, level and section/elevation of the building. We want to know what decks, roofing areas and walls of the building are going to look like.

We need to know how the building is going to be used, where the traffic is located around and in the building. What are the materials that will make up the finishes around and on the building? Will planters, pools, ramps, fountain, etc., be part of the design? As you can see there are a myriad of questions that need to be answered. If you have been through this you know that many of these are answered and are on the DD plans. However, they may be still in Conceptual stage only. Your questions and answers that may come out of a discussion could change the finish or landscape design. So we feel it is best to review and ask the question versus finding out later that your waterproofing design won’t work with the materials being proposed for use on the project. Ask away I say. I encourage everybody to take lots of notes for the file. We refer to the notes again and again during the discussion that ensues.

Our first work product is typically a Design Narrative. This can and is typically included in the Design information that the client/developer receives. It includes an Overview of the Systems recommended, along with the description of the materials followed by the pros for choosing the system for the location that is also indicated on the Overview. We follow that up with the Design Development Specifications and basic details depicting the systems and related components.

Once this has been done, we will then be into a pricing exercise which means that further discussion about the means and methods will be required. As part of any project, there are stages of development throughout. There are milestones like 50% Design Development, 100% and so on. During this DD phase we will provide outline specs that are further developed with more and exact information as the program for the building(s) is developed. Once the 100% Construction Documents are issued all of the information must be cross checked and referenced throughout the project documents, including drawings and specifications.

Now comes the fun part. When a General Contractor has been selected (usually late in the CD phase of development) he will have identified the critical subcontractors to get contracted for work early. There are many, like Shoring, Steel and Concrete that need to be on board early. In my experience, Roofing and Waterproofing subcontractors are important to sign up early in the project as well. That means that our documents and information must be ready and be correct in order to let a contract. This means the GC and Sub will typically put us through the paces with RFI (Request for Information) and RFC (Request for Clarification) related to either the system selection or the details for the project. Questions like “how many inches of overlap is required?” and “can we use reinforcing fabric in lieu of the uncured neoprene?” You can imagine the type and number of questions. They mean well and we understand, however it is almost always due to the one big question that is asked at this point…..”How can we save more money?” When the Sub and the GC don’t ask these questions or when D 7 is not allowed to review the scope of work for the subcontractors related to roofing and waterproofing; it usually spells trouble. The assumptions that are made are many and we get the old standard…. .” The manufacturer doesn’t require that!” So when we point out the specs and details do, they want to do it in a way that isn’t what was in the contract documents.

Now when the project gets moving and the work is going to begin, D 7 will typically be involved in the CA (Construction Administration) of a project. What this means is that D 7 will be reviewing submittals, shop drawings and RFI’s that relate to our scope of work, meaning what was listed in our proposal. That is what will limit our involvement from items such as Curtain wall, etc. Which were not outlined in our proposal and contract. This way we don’t over step our area of expertise. Along with the items listed above, D 7 provides and runs the meetings that are held like Pre-Waterproofing Conference or Roofing Conference. We will document the meeting and provide the minutes to the client, GC, subs and others involved. In addition we will review mock ups of work involving waterproofing. Our meetings at the site occur throughout the installation of waterproofing or roofing to document (take a snap shot) of the ongoing work. We will review the work, discuss any changes or items of concern with appropriate parties. Each and every meeting that we are involved with or any time we are onsite, D 7 will issue a report with photographs or provide some form of documentation like details a field report or meeting summary. This historical document usually becomes valuable at some point later in the project. At the end of each installation, D 7 will provide punch list information and complete a Final Review prior to acceptance by the client, etc.

During a larger project we may have 20 to 50 meetings along with the other items listed. Smaller projects may only require 10 to 15, but it depends on the size of project and client’s requirements/request. That leads me to the last of what we provide for a project. When a client wants more than the occasional visit to the site or periodic review we provide a Quality Assurance Observer (QAO). This is a trained Field observer that works for D 7 full time and is sentenced to death on a project for sometimes months and even years. I am just kidding about the sentencing, but many of our guys have been on projects for more than 1 year and become part of the landscape in a way.

Our QAO’s are trained through in house training as well as ongoing RCI (Roof Consultants Institute) classes and certifications such as RRO (Registered Roof Observers). This is one way of making sure our guys have the knowledge and experience to do the job. D 7 is proud to say that we have the most RRO’s on staff of any consultant in Southern California and possibly all of California. Our expertise in this field is not outweighed by any competitor. The QAO’s job is simple; Observe and Document the daily activity and application of the roofing or waterproofing installation. When the contractor is performing this work, we are there to observe. If and when the work is not performed in the manner required by the Contract Documents, we then inform the appropriate parties immediately to seek resolution.

With all of the information that transpires above, it is amazing at times that all the roofing and waterproofing is installed and functions without any issues. But that is the goal. Not that installing doors isn’t difficult or a light switch isn’t important, but if the roofing or waterproofing isn’t working, it isn’t just fixed or changed. It becomes a major issue on a project. That is why we take such an active interest in what we do. We want to be successful every time. We need to be successful each and every time! There is no room for error. At least that is what I have found out after 22 years of doing this type of work.

I would love to hear about your experiences with designing a project. As you can see on our website www.d7consulting.com we have a variety of projects ongoing at this time. Please review our current project list and let me know if you have any questions. Until next time. Joe