Importance of a Commissioning Agent during the Construction Process

Featured \ MTI Monthly Blogs

Having a building commissioning agent on your construction project is crucial for ensuring the successful completion and operation of the building. Commissioning refers to the systematic process of verifying and documenting that all building systems perform according to the intended design and operational requirements. Here are some key reasons why having a building commissioning agent is important:

Quality Assurance: A commissioning agent acts as an independent third party who can ensure that the construction meets the required quality standards. They review design documents, conduct inspections, and perform tests to identify and resolve issues or deficiencies early on. This helps in avoiding costly rework or repairs later.
System Optimization: Commissioning agents thoroughly test and fine-tune building systems such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical, plumbing, and controls. They verify that these systems are properly installed, calibrated, and integrated, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
Occupant Comfort and Safety: By commissioning building systems, the agent ensures that they are functioning as intended and meeting the occupants' comfort and safety requirements. This includes proper temperature control, ventilation, lighting, acoustics, and fire protection. It contributes to a healthier and more productive indoor environment.
Energy Efficiency: Commissioning plays a vital role in maximizing energy efficiency in buildings. The agent identifies energy-saving opportunities, such as optimizing system controls, addressing air leaks, or recommending energy-efficient equipment. By fine-tuning systems, they can help reduce energy consumption and operating costs over the building's lifecycle.
Warranty Compliance: A commissioning agent reviews equipment warranties and ensures that the installation and startup procedures comply with manufacturers' requirements. This helps protect the owner's interests and can avoid potential warranty claims being denied due to improper installation or operation.
Smooth Project Handover: Commissioning agents work closely with contractors, architects, and engineers throughout the construction process. They help coordinate activities and facilitate effective communication among project stakeholders. This collaboration ensures a smooth project handover and minimizes delays.
Long-Term Benefits: Building commissioning provides long-term benefits by extending the lifespan of building systems and reducing the need for future repairs or replacements. It also helps in maintaining optimal performance over time, contributing to better operational efficiency and lower maintenance costs.

In summary, a building commissioning agent plays a critical role in ensuring that the construction project meets the intended design, performance, and operational requirements. Their involvement helps achieve high-quality, efficient, and safe buildings that provide optimal comfort and satisfaction for occupants while minimizing lifecycle costs for the owner.

Service Area: Building Commissioning

Tags: Building Commissioning \ facilities \ Facility Mangement \ Facilty Management \

‹‹ Previous

Next ››

Tips, Traps and FAQs

If your HVAC BMS controls have a bunch of outdated overrides in them, your burning money! HVAC overrides of heating and cooling valves cost building owners and operators $10,000's of dollars a year if left unchecked. Commissioning your BMS will save you money this year! Make it part of your Preventive Maintenance routine annually

Each year 100's-1000's of man hours are lost to construction companies because of pour or no, virtual drawing coordination. Reality Capture allows for existing buildings to be 3D Scanned and imported directly to AutoDesk so designers can create your new design based off correct and current conditions of the building environment. Saving the project$

Here is short video of MTI Test and Balance Engineer, Brian Venn discussing an Independent approach to TAB and why we are a proud member of AABC!

AABC - Independence Matters

Drones can be used for many different applications. Our inspections offer drone solutions for construction that can significantly reduce costs of many items. Specifically, they can eliminate the need for costly lifts in many circumstances. Drone use is a valuable option for construction companies. MTI offers different services for the construction.

Continued Commissioning is a process that works to improve how equipment in the building and systems function together. There are many variables that come into play, the age of the building or system being one and how the sequence of operation is managing the daily equipment routines.

MTI believes in Full Project Awareness and that is exactly what a 3D Scan provides. MTI has a state of the art Leica RTC360 3D reality capture solution. MTI will capture your environment in 3D. Export it into a manageable Point Cloud that is ready to be converted into a working RVT file.

Building Commissioning is the practice that ensures buildings are delivered according to the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR). Buildings that are properly commissioned typically have fewer change orders, tend to be more energy efficient, and have lower operation and maintenance cost. DO NOT Value Engineer Commissioning out of your next project

Symptoms of a building with an Air Balance issue:
Entry way doors "howl" and are difficult to open or won't remain closed. Odor issues in storage areas, break rooms or worse...bathrooms! Frost forms on window sills in the winter. High and Low Temperature areas in a building. Cooling problems in the summer – no matter how long the AC runs.

Change filters every six to eight months. Did you know that dirty air filters can lead to Dirty Air? Dirty air filled will allergens like pollen and mold can lead to sick time in the work place. Sick time means reduced productivity... do we need to go on? They also put wear and tear on your HVAC system meaning you will have to replace it earlier.

NEXT
Tip