Advice
To address the risk of cost escalation, secure a price early from the manufacturer.
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Advice
For clients that are unable to pursue DB or CM delivery models (which are said to be more suited to mass timber projects), a combination of pre-construction contractor consultation and DBB helps.
Advice
Cost premiums with mass timber are offset by the more rapid construction process with pre-fabricated construction.
Advice
Mass timber helps address client’s sustainability targets.
Advice
Fire departments are an overlooked stakeholder.
Advice
Not all contractors are equally familiar with mass timber requirements but many are eager to gain experience. Pre-qualification for mass timber experience should be undertaken as a selection criteria.
Advice
CLT requires significant pre-construction coordination, for example with modelling. Either hire a specialty firm or specify that the General Contractor (or sub contractors) model and coordinate CLT and MEP.
Advice
Specs should outline General Contractor responsibility for 1) coordinating CLT delivery and storage; and 2) providing 3rd party moisture testing.
Advice
Specs should request written description of moisture protection protocol (submitted prior to CLT delivery), describing protection implementation plan for each stage: — delivery — storage — installation (roof & floor panels) — after installation (walls) — ongoing moisture protection measures until exterior envelope is watertight — remedial measures for panels damaged and/or stained during installation
Advice
Architectural specs must outline the methodology and responsibility of MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) coordination and modelling.
Advice
It is advantageous for the architect to have experience with CLT (but not as critical as for the structural engineer).
Advice
The structural engineer must have experience with CLT: this is vital to project success.
Advice
The project must have comprehensive architectural and structural specs. Assume the proponents have no experience, which will ensure that everything is spelled out.
Advice
CLT requires MEP coordination and modelling, which is an expense to the owner if done during the design phase.