Building Services Engineering: After Design, During Construction

Building services engineers aim to provide a safe environment which is comfortable for building occupants and suitable for any processes happening within buildings. But often the finished building does not perform as building services engineers had intended; for example, the end–users are not comfortable in their environment, the building operator is not happy with the maintainability, flexibility or energy consumption, or it fails to satisfactorily support the processes happening within. So, even when the design is seemingly complete, it does not necessarily mean the construction phase will proceed smoothly and clients will be handed their ideal building. Building Services Engineering: after design, during construction focuses on the design–construction interface and how the design intent is handled through the construction stage to handover and on into the defects liability period, perhaps when fit–outs or the first re–configuration are happening. The author gives practical and relevant information for those involved with the design of building services engineering systems. In particular she recognises the idiosyncrasies and distinct features of building services engineering which are not specifically covered in general texts on construction management. Part One sets the scene by describing the stakeholders involved in the construction phase who are involved with translating the building services engineering design into the finished installation. Part Two focuses specifically on the potential processes and duties building services engineers may be involved with during construction and the initial post–construction period. Examples are used throughout to reinforce the text and at the end of chapter there are feedback questions to help with the learning process; responses for these are discussed on the book’s website. The guidance here is tried–and–tested on the author’s training with BSRIA, CIBSE and within her own workplace and the book is an essential resource for students as well as for practicing building services engineers frustrated that all their efforts to deliver the best design are subsequently scuppered.

Preface

About the Author

Introduction

Part One – Stakeholders and procedures during construction

1. The client team

2. The design team

3. The construction team

4. Enforcing Authorities

5. Public utility services providers

6. Non–structural stakeholders

Part Two Processes

7. Contract management

8. Post contract design changes

9. Examining construction documentation

10. Examining the physical installation

11. Handover and post construction

12. Reporting and advisory roles

Index