Plan Review

Energetechs offers building plan review and analysis to ensure that the energy performance is optimized and the  fundamental elements of building science are covered in the design and construction phase. The earlier we become involved in the process, the more influence we can have on the end product. The design of the building is the single most important element affecting the resulting energy performance.  The plan review process will cover a minimum of the following categories: (Content referenced from Building Science Corporation)

1. Site Planning and Building Form- This component allows us to make recommendations relating to a number of items listed below:

Orientation/Placement
Hydrology
Landscaping/Vegetation
Massing
Micro-Climate/Wind Control

2. Massing consists of the following components

Natural Ventilation/Buffer Spaces
House Plan/Layout
Building Components
Daylighting/Solar Gain/Shading

3. Building Components

• Building Enclosure:
  • Structural System
  • Roof Assembly
  • Wall Assembly
  • Foundation Assembly
• Sub-Systems
  • Electrical/Power/Communication
  • Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
  • Plumbing
• Fit and Finish
  • Appliances
  • Fixtures
  • Furnishing
• Commissioning: Prior to occupancy, testing and inspections should be performed so that any problems can be fixed immediately (fix and tune); testing should include duct leakage, building enclosure leakage, air pressure relationships under all operating conditions, proper venting of all combustion appliances under all operating conditions, carbon monoxide output of all combustion appliances, and confirmation of airflow and refrigerant charge in the HVAC systems. Additionally, the homeowner/occupants should be educated about the correct operation and maintenance of the building and equipment.

Enclosure Performance Attributes

In any built facility the building enclosure must perform satisfactorily, i.e., each and every loading must be controlled or resisted (i.e., managed).  There are the physical functions as well as qualitative functions or attributes.  Ideally all of the attributes listed below need to be satisfied:

• constructability (or buildability)
• economic viability or cost over both the short and long term
• viewability including aesthetic, cultural and other visual expectations
• utility
• sustainability (renewable, non-toxic, etc)
• serviceability  (perform in service)
• safety in relation to life, health, injury, property, economic enterprise, and the environment
• productivity (in construction and installation)
• operability (for users)
• maintainability (for operators)
• repairability (for operators)
• durability
• convertibility in relation to modification, extension or conversion
• disposability (or dismantle-ability for re-use)

Contact Energetechs Today to help you evaluate the specific needs of your project and building goals. We can help you refine your goals, and make sure they are accomplished with real scientific data and a proven process to guarantee performance, comfort, durability, and healthy indoor air quality. Energetechs plan review process is smooth, educational and assured to produce results.

FAQ’s

How complete do my plans need to be before it is helpful to have them reviewed?
The earlier and less complete the better. Because site selection has an influence on so many items in construction, we would like to provide input on a number of items related to site selection. However, if you have a complete set of plans and a site already selected, we can work to make sure that the essential issues are addressed.

How much does plan review cost?
Plan review can cost as little as $200 for a basic meeting where we look at the building as a whole and make recommendations on how to improve upon the existing design. Comprehensive plan analysis and energy modeling fees range depending on the scope of work and complexity of the project. We prefer to provide a proposal for services on the more complex projects and in-depth analysis in order to clearly define what is provided for the proposed cost.

How long does plan review take?
Again, the complexity of design and our scope of work really determines the length of time it takes to analyze the plans. Simple buildings can be reviewed in a few hours, while building physics analysis, energy modeling, mechanical system selection and design can take weeks to perform. Please feel free to give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your specific needs.

CONTACT US – Energetechs, Inc., – ph.