Page 280 - Urban Construction Project Management

Renovation and Demolition

12 (I thought this was a structurally sound building.)

INTRODUCTION

One of the most difficult projects to work on is a major renovation of an existing building
(see Exhibit 12-1, renovation flowchart). Drawings that have been developed for the
project are usually accomplished without the full benefit of knowing what is behind the
walls and ceilings. When dealing with older buildings (50 to 100+ years old) the existing
drawings are usually not available. Thus, the design team who has to prepare the con-
struction documents for a renovation project has to base their design on visual observa-
tions. Latent conditions would not be known until demolition was initiated. Probes of
various components of the structure are taken to try to find out more about the structural
elements of the building. This is usually a difficult undertaking. In some cases, the con-
sultants may have to x-ray or boroscope some sections of the building to determine the
critical components of the structure.

Whatever information is indicated on the drawings, the project manager (PM) reviewing
this type of project has to be cautious in evaluating the scope. The PM may have to con-
sider other resources to assist in the review of the project. These may include:

1. Local building department documents
2. Local archives
3. Local historical societies
4. Old newspaper articles
5. Local library

PREPARATION OF COSTS

As in other type of projects, but more so with a renovation, a site visit is mandatory.
When walking through the project prior to submitting a cost, the site visit checklist in
Exhibit 12-2 should be followed.
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