Real-World Tips For Enhancing the Architect and Contractor Relationship

Real-World Tips For Enhancing the Architect and Contractor Relationship

While old-school roofing contractors might gripe that architects don't give the roofing industry enough credit, many roofers know that a good architect and contractor relationship can be very productive. Most senior architects are responsible for the entire building envelope, not to mention the plumbing and interior design. The design load is often enormous.

Even if architects are initially unresponsive to the roofing contractor's questions and requests, as long as the issues are documented, the roofing contractor will eventually get an audience with the design team.

Above all, it's critically important to nurture a good architect and contractor relationship whenever you're a part of a large design and building effort. Good communication between teams almost always enhances the quality of the roof design.

Tips for Productive Talks With an Architect

If there's a design professional involved in a new construction or rehab project, that often means the job is significant in size or complexity. The roofing contractor that's awarded this kind of job usually wins it by virtue of some good communication skills and experience on similar projects.

Even if a contractor has had previous experience with the same architectural firm, each new project presents a golden opportunity to build on the existing architect and contractor relationship. Here are some thoughts to consider.

Ask Questions First

The installing contractors are the primary audience for the architect's drawings and specifications. If you have a question about roofing details, scope or performance requirements, it's important to bring them up before work begins.

Anytime in the construction process is a good time for the roofing contractor to ask questions: pre-bid, after contract award, at coordination meetings, onsite at a mock-up or during installation.

Work From the Project Documents

If the roofing contractor is unsure of a detail, material or other project requirements, discuss it with the design team. If the roofing contractor needs to rely on other sources to fill in project information gaps, such as roofing manufacturer details or industry sources, get the architect's approval before proceeding.

Confirm that the architect has provided sufficient design wind pressures for the roofing contractor to bid and install a roof system with the correctly rated uplift capacity. Building codes require this information to be on the construction documents. If you are trying to figure this out after a bid, then ask more questions.

Suggest Solutions

The architect and roofing contractor are on the same team, and both are hired to make a great building. If you see a problem with the roof design, focus your questions on improving the project.

Here's how to ask an architect a question in a productive way:

1. Start by identifying the problem/concern.

2. Note the associated risks of the current design.

3. Provide a potential solution.

The roofing contractor may also want to include the roofing manufacturer in these conversations. The major manufacturers typically provide services prior to installation and during construction, and site visits by manufacturers happen regularly.

Changes to AIA Contract Documents

Keeping up to date on the latest construction contract documents can also go a long way to preserving a productive architect and contractor relationship.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recently issued new editions of its standard construction contract documents, including AIA A201 General Conditions.

The changes listed below are especially pertinent to roofing contractors:

  1. More Prominence to Insurance on the Part of the Property Owner: Based on these changes, if a fire started on a roof during construction, the property owner — not the roofing contractor — is required to pay for the damages to the roof and other parts of the building.
  2. Claims Arising During or in the Year After Construction: Claims must be submitted by the roofing contractor to the architect before proceeding with arbitration or litigation. Those who fail to follow these contract requirements may find their claims will not be considered.
  3. The Contractor and Subcontractor: Both are now required to designate one individual who will serve as each party's "representative" for the project.

Project development must be a collaborative effort between architect, builder and subcontractor, and the roofing contractor plays a key role in this process.

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