Building Science Consulting
Consulting Services
I provide building science consulting services for new and existing buildings, in addition to plan reviews for homes in the design stage. Building science is the broader understanding of how architecture is intertwined with applied physics, engineering, chemistry, and health, in order to create durable, safe, comfortable, and healthful buildings that will last for many generations. Every aesthetic decision has technical implications, and every technical decision has aesthetic implications. Oftentimes, we use building science principles to address problems in existing structures, such as water damage and rot, mold, condensation, and poor indoor air quality. Please reach out to request a plan and spec review, get assistance in the design of the building envelope and the development of construction details, arrange an existing building assessment, or request general project consulting. Due to the number of requests I receive for a "quick call" or consultation, I have had to implement a 10-hour minimum project scope to keep things manageable on my end. If you have a simple question, please review the free articles and videos available on my website and on YouTube.
Architectural Plan Reviews
Good buildings start with good design. A comprehensive review of the architectural plans and specifications prior to construction can identify potential problems, missing details, discontinuities in the control layers, and product specification errors, reducing the risk of future building failures. Not all plan sets are adequately or properly detailed, requiring the contractor or builder to issue requests for information or make risky assumptions that can lead to costly errors.
Existing Building Assessments
Problems with an existing home? In a building assessment, I will review photos of the existing building, along with any architectural plans, specifications, and other documents on file to determine what went wrong and how the problems can be properly addressed and remediated, compiling the information, construction detail drawings, and diagrams into a final report that may be used as a reference for the contractor or for litigation. If the assessment is to be prepared and used for legal purposes, it must be explicitly stated in the consultation request.
Building Envelope + Detail Development
The building envelope provides the environmental separation between the interior conditioned space and the exterior environment. It is imperative to nail down the construction details in order to effectively manage water, provide air tightness, prevent condensation, and improve thermal performance while simultaneously allowing the building to properly dry out. I can assist with the design of the building envelope and the development of construction details that are tuned to your specific project, site conditions, budget, and climate zone to maximize long-term durability and performance, while reducing your risk as a building owner or design professional.
Product Specification
Major factors that can determine the success or failure of a building are the products and components that are specified by the design professional or selected by the contractor. Product specification should never be an afterthought in the construction process but should be integrated into the design phase. Features such as wet cup and dry cup vapor permeance, heat and ultraviolet light resistance, and material compatibilities have an enormous impact on product selection and the durability of the building as a whole. I can confidently assist you in specifying the most suitable products for your building application.
*Note that final deliverables are NOT in the Master Spec format developed by CSI.