Real estate development can be very profitable, especially in markets like New York City. However, the Big Apple is also characterized by having some of the most demanding building codes in the world, combined with the highest construction costs. New construction is delayed if their designs are not in compliance, and owners of existing buildings face significant penalties for failing to meet code requirements on upgrades and renovations.
New York building codes are updated every few years and local ordinances are frequently published to resolve issues that cannot wait until the next version of the code. Given the technical complexity and broad scope of building codes and laws in New York, the best recommendation for developers is to rely on experienced engineering professionals.
Engineering companies offer services such as project design, consultancy, construction administration and commissioning. These services simplify real estate development and management, ensuring occupant safety and high building performance.
Planning a new construction project or major renovation?
Design Services
While design services are primarily associated with new projects, they are also required in renovations and upgrades of existing buildings. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems must meet customer needs at the lowest possible cost of ownership while still being code compliant.
Unless you submit a project up to code, the New York City Department of Buildings will not issue a work permit and proceeding without the permit is against the law. Additionally, the design approval process can only be completed by Registered Architects or Professional Engineers, called Registered Design Professionals.
An effective way to speed up a project is to get DOB project approval as quickly as possible, preferably on the first try. However, this is only possible if you work with experienced engineers who are familiar with New York codes.
Building codes set minimum performance requirements for buildings, but exceeding these requirements usually pays off. A prime example is the New York Energy Code: new construction and major renovations must meet its minimum performance level, but you can get an excellent return on investment with energy efficiency measures that exceed the code.
Consulting
Owners can hire consultants for a professional assessment of any aspect of the building's performance. Consulting services are as varied as a building's needs, and here are some examples of assistance that can be provided:
- Energy Efficiency: Identify viable measures to reduce electricity and gas bills.
- HVAC: Improving temperature and humidity control, reducing noise and vibrations by selecting the best equipment upgrades.
- Compliance: Checking whether a building meets local laws and building codes.
- Fire Protection: Assessment of automatic sprinklers and other fire protection measures to ensure indoor areas are safe for occupants.
In engineering consultancy, the experience of the professionals who provide the service is very valuable. Unlike design, which is regulated by standards and codes, consultancy is open and there are no publications to guide the process. Of course, any measures and upgrades proposed during the consultancy service will need to be designed and constructed in accordance with code.
Construction Administration
During new construction and major building modifications, the owner often does not have the technical staff or time to manage the entire process. In these cases, an engineering firm may be hired to oversee the project and provide a neutral professional view.
The company that prepares the project is the most suitable for managing the work, as the work is carried out based on its own projects. Although design and supervision can also be carried out by different companies, the process is less efficient – the supervising company must spend more time familiarizing itself with the project documents.
Construction administration is complex and each project is unique, but there is a common goal: ensuring the project is completed on time and on budget while meeting the specifications of the approved design documents.
Commissioning
Even when a project is designed for superior performance, building systems may have been incorrectly configured during the construction process. A loss of performance also occurs over time as components wear out and control systems may be adjusted.
The main objective of commissioning is to ensure that the actual building systems operate as specified in the project specifications.
- When the word “commissioning” is used in isolation, it typically refers to the process of checking the building system after new construction or major renovation.
- Retro-commissioning applies when a building has never been commissioned before or has not been commissioned for a long time.
- Recommissioning applies when a building is subject to the commissioning process at regular intervals.
Regular commissioning is strongly recommended as it can improve building performance without major capital expenditure. Existing equipment is adjusted and calibrated, with only small expenses, such as repairs and replacement of parts.
Final Recommendations
Engineering services can maintain your building's performance at optimal levels throughout the life of the project. For this reason, these services can be considered an investment in your property. Also keep in mind that a proactive approach is more cost-effective than problem solving: improving building performance from the design stage is easier than improving an existing property, and preventive maintenance is cheaper than repairing equipment. after breaking down.
New York local laws make some engineering services mandatory for buildings that meet certain conditions. For example, if your property is covered by Local Law 87 of the Bigger and Greener Buildings Plan, you must perform energy audits and commissioning at intervals no longer than 10 years.
