When is Building Forensics Necessary?
Building forensics plays a critical role in remediating issues within the built environment. It addresses underlying problems rather than treating surface symptoms. But it’s not something that many contractors are capable of doing.
Unlike traditional construction projects, the complexities involved in building forensics require an approach that combines engineering, architecture, and science, along with multiple trades working together in the field. Forensic experts possess the insight that can influence the long-term health and functionality of a property and the building envelope. This ultimately reduces unnecessary costs and future issues.
Watch the video below to learn why having a forensic specialist is crucial for managing the complexities and surprises of a forensic project.
Turnkey Solutions in Building Forensics
In building forensics, a truly comprehensive process covers everything from initial problem assessment to solution implementation. This seamless approach offers several advantages to clients:
A single point of contact
Minimized stress and confusion
Reduced need to manage multiple contacts and processes
A more efficient method for handling complex forensic projects
Despite these benefits, fully integrated turnkey services are not commonly offered, which burdens clients who must otherwise navigate multiple vendors. It’s why it’s important to do due diligence when selecting a firm for your project. An expert consulting service must be capable of providing full-scale building forensic solutions, as it dramatically streamlines project management and enhances overall satisfaction.
A General Contractor vs. a Forensic Specialist
Building forensics projects demand an attention to detail and adaptability that go beyond the skills typically required in general construction. Compared to traditional construction personnel, forensic specialists:
Proactively identify potential pitfalls. Specialists provide customized solutions that accommodate the unique requirements of each project. This expertise is particularly important in adapting workflows to the unforeseen challenges that often arise in forensic investigations, ensuring that no detail is overlooked.
Work in active, occupied areas. Flexibility is vital. These environments demand cooperation with facility teams to ensure minimal disruption, while also maintaining high standards of safety and efficacy. Effective communication helps in aligning goals and timelines among all stakeholders.
Do intricate planning. Due to the smaller scope and necessity for adaptability, forensic projects are different from regular construction. Specialists undertake detailed planning in order to execute these projects with minimal impact on a facility’s day-to-day operations.
A general contractor or subcontractor usually works on a large area of a building that is shut down completely during an ongoing renovation project. Meanwhile, a forensic specialist may work on a detailed repair of just windows on one elevation of a building. One room at a time is out of service while the rest of the rooms on that elevation remain operational.
How Forensic Consultants Deal with Surprises
A project can shift after repairs begin. Once walls are opened or building components removed, new factors related to existing conditions may be discovered. These can alter the proposed solution to a problem. Any surprises uncovered have the potential to disrupt the schedule if they are not mitigated immediately.
When unforeseen conditions arise in typical construction projects, the contractor submits a request for information to the architect, who then designs a solution for the affected building systems. This process works well but can take valuable time.
With forensic projects, a contractor may be working in a small area within an active facility, so they need an updated solution much more quickly. Building forensics specialists possess the experience needed to manage unexpected problems rapidly and inexpensively, including making alterations on the fly.
Forensic Engineering in Action
An example of how forensic consultants work is sanitary drainage piping. If piping needs to be replaced during a typical renovation project, a general contractor may take a wing plus all fixtures upstream of the piping offline.
A forensic specialist often has a different approach. They may replace smaller sections of that piping within a phased plan, allowing the areas around that section and the fixtures upstream to remain active throughout the project. This workflow allows the facility to maintain the majority of operations while the project is ongoing and saves significant operational downtime.
When You Need a Forensic Specialist
Not every project on a piece of real estate requires a forensic specialist. General contractors are a great fit for standard renovations or repairs with a well-defined scope of work.
Contact a forensic consultant like GHP if a project:
Combines multiple disciplines in the same space
Requires careful coordination of a phased plan
Has the potential for uncovering multiple and/or complex hidden conditions
Bringing in forensic engineering services is an important step for more complicated projects. That call can end up saving a building owner significant time and cost.