Perspectives A Quarterly Information Source from Benchmark

Perspectives
A Quarterly Information Source from Benchmark, Inc.
Volume 58 April 2007

The Role of a Full-time Consultant

by Tom Updegraff, RRO

Ever ask yourself the following: Why do I need full-time construction observation on my roofing project? Many think that if they paid a consulting firm to specify a new roof, and a contractor is installing the roof, they don’t need anyone overseeing their project.

For many owners who have never used the services of a roof consulting firm, and have never had any roofing related problems, this may be a reasonable question.

For others who have had roofs fail or roofing related problems, this question has probably already been answered.

The role of a full-time consultant is that of a liaison, a problem solver, an observer, an enforcer and a recorder. They are the eyes and ears of the client on the roof.

As a liaison, the consultant helps to facilitate conversations that may arise between the roofing contractor and the owner’s representative, or between the contractor and the specifier. This helps to ensure good communication, clarification of the details and a smoother running project.

As a problem solver, the consultant helps to resolve issues that arise. On any given roofing project, there are unforeseen circumstances that arise. This can range from wet insulation on a reroofing project, unforeseen damage to the roof deck, to a detail that will not work as intended. The consultant is on site to expedite solutions correctly and in the best interests of the client.

An an observer, the consultant is on site from the time of material delivery to the final inspection. The consultant inspects the premises for damage prior to construction start to ensure the roofing contractor is accountable for any damage incurred, inspects all materials delivered to the job site, and ensures safety and interior protection are in place prior to tear-off. In addition to inspections prior to the commencement of the project, the consultant examines materials, safety, conditions and workmanship on a daily basis.

As an enforcer, the consultant ensures compliance of safety, verifies correct materials are being used on site, confirms proper fastening procedures are in place, verifies asphalt temperatures, oversees workmanship and every aspect of the roof project. In addition to proper installation of materials, the consultant also ensures that wet insulation is removed, damaged roof decking is repaired or replaced and proper nailers are installed. With the repair/replacement of materials comes unit costing. The consultant is on site to keep an accurate count of additional materials used on the project and quantifies this number in a daily job report so there are no surprises at the end of the project. This attention to detail benefits both the client and the contractor.

As a recorder, the consultant records all activities, conversations and issues encountered on a daily basis. The Daily Report addresses weather, hours worked, size of crew, keeps track of rain days, and any issues encountered and how they were resolved. Unit cost accounting is recorded to ensure the extra cost incurred is both accurate and total budget numbers are not exceeded. This report is then given to both the client and the roofing contractor on a daily basis.

Ultimately, trust is built with the roofers and with the client when a full-time consultant is overseeing a reroofing project. The role of a full-time consultant is not meant to be an adversarial relationship with the roofers, but one simply to ensure compliance. When consultants offer solutions to problems so the project does not get delayed, everyone wins. The helps to keep the project on schedule and on budget.

So if you ever find yourself asking why you need full-time construction observation, and how you can justify the expense, remember that you’re paying for peace of mind. The benefits of having a full-time consultant on site during roofing include a project completed on time, on budget, with little or no interruptions to the operations of the facility, and ensurance that safety requirements are complied with. Rigorous construction observation is the strongest line of defense against poor quality work.