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FIRE PROTECTION - SCOPE ITEMS

FIRE PROTECTION - FIELD & QC ITEMS

PLUMBING - SCOPE ITEMS

PLUMBING - FIELD & QC ITEMS

HVAC - SCOPE ITEMS

HVAC - FIELD & QC ITEMS

 

FIRE PROTECTION - SCOPE ITEMS

  1. If design-build system, be sure that any and all design revisions are immediately routed to subcontractor for system impacts.
  2. Submit for permit as soon as possible.
  3. Start MEP sleeving and coordination as soon as possible.
  4. Preference in garage areas is for galvanized pipe and fittings.  Black steel can be priced also, recommend that it is painted.
  5. Confirm if sprinkler protection is required for balconies or mansard areas.
  6. Include protection at trash chutes.
  7. Fire Marshall may require stand pipe to be brought up with vertical structure, temporary fire pump may be required also.
  8. Have subcontractor verify street pressure for design of fire pump and piping.
  9. CPVC piping is not permitted in areas without ceilings, unconditioned spaces, and as limited by the local Fire Marshall.
  10. If soffits are added, or change in size, due to MEP coordination, the head count may increase.
  11. Coordinate who furnishes DDCV (site or fire protection), and buy underground from the DDCV to the building by fire protection sub.
  12. If fire pump is diesel, clarify who owns fuel and vent piping (plumber or fire protection) and furnish and installation of remote fuel fill port.
  13. Firestopping to be uniform across all trades.  Specify product that is CPVC compatible and carries a Class 1 W rating (water tested).  We’ve had success with the STI family of products.
  14. Coordinate voltage of fire pump and jockey pump with electrical plans.
  15. Buy hose valve cabinets from fire protection subcontractor.  Verify finish and provide rough opening dimensions to framing subcontractor.

FIRE PROTECTION - FIELD & QC ITEMS

  1. Verify that CPVC material is delivered in black, opaque wrapping or bags (material cannot be subject to UV) and is stored away from traffic. 
  2. Coordinate head heights with ceiling types and interior design drawings.
  3. Coordinate sidewall heads with crown molding.
  4. Fire watch may be required to energize the building with permanent power prior to having a fully operational and monitored system.  Verify with local municipality.
  5. Bring Fire Inspector out to site as soon as possible and as required for inspections.
  6. Do not permit low voltage cabling or other elements to come in contact with CPVC.
  7. Sprinkler heads must be protected when installed and free from paint, drywall mud, rust, tape, caulk or other foreign matter.
    1. Sprinkler heads cannot typically be cleaned and a majority of the time will need to be replaced if not properly protected from overspray. This should be reviewed prior to final payment to the painting subcontractor.
  8. Verify location and size of hose valve cabinets.  Verify mounting height with Architect, Fire Marshall and ADA/FHA regulations as required.  4” maximum projection for objects greater than 27” above floor.
  9. Verify sprinkler heads are centered in corridors, hallways, etc.

PLUMBING - SCOPE ITEMS

  1. Start MEP sleeving and coordination as soon as possible, followed by underground and garage ceiling coordination.
  2. Coordinate sewer and water connections with civil, final connection by plumber (includes excavation).
  3. Buy multi-level / two stage drains with adjustable drain bodies on all elevated decks that will receive topping slab with pavers or other hardscape, and at all elevated planters.
    1. Buy rock and filter fabric at drains from paver sub, follow ICPI recommendations.
    2. Notify Owner that maintenance of elevated deck drains is required in order to keep waterproofing and other warranties intact.
  4. Coordinate with irrigation subcontractor who provides water feed to each elevated planter.  It may be advantageous for plumber to bring water feed to each planter to allow for easier coordination of sleeving.
  5. Buy pool shower(s), and verify location between Architectural, Plumbing, and Swimming Pool drawings.  Coordinate location of shower drain.
  6. Provide drain and water feed to pool, spa and water features.  Coordinate point of demarcation with pool contractor.
  7. Cast iron drainage and vent piping should always be used on condo projects due to noise considerations.
  8. With Owner, Engineer and AHJ approval, CPVC domestic water piping in the units is acceptable.  On condo projects, mains and risers should be copper, but this is a typical VE item.    
  9. Include ice machine feed line to refrigerators along with connections to and installation of dishwasher and washing machines.  Verify if wall box is required at all connections; fire rated box is required in fire rated walls.
  10. Verify if garbage disposals are furnished by plumber or in appliance package (buy with cord attached by supplier).
  11. Coordinate if plumber or countertop sub furnishes undermount sinks (countertop sub typically installs).
  12. On condominium projects, plumbing subcontractor to provide full 3-year warranty per Florida Statute 718.203.
  13. Coordinate who owns generator exhaust piping and insulation.
  14. Coordinate who owns fuel piping to generator and fire pump (typically plumber).
  15. Verify if residential units include hot water recirculating lines or not.  This is potential VE.
  16. Apartment units typically have water sub-meters.  Coordinate with Owner who furnishes, plumber will normally install.
  17. Firestopping to be uniform across all trades.  Specify product that is CPVC compatible and carries a Class 1 W rating (water tested).  We’ve had success with the STI family of products.
  18. Include trash chute wash down connection.
  19. Coordinate who owns condensate piping (typically plumber), and final connection (typically HVAC).
  20. Include temporary hose bib(s) on elevated floors and for site improvements.  Include temporary pumps and RPZ as required.
  21. Coordinate type and responsibility for shower pans, build mock-up.
  22. Verify Owner requirement for hose bibs (garage areas, on grade area, trash rooms, pool decks, etc).
  23. Verify with AHJ if riser cleanouts are required at every floor, or just at base of stack.
  24. Verify pipe insulation requirements of each system.
  25. Buy testing of all water lines to 1.5 times working pressure for a period of 4 hours.  Require documentation be submitted upon completion.
  26. Verify the bottom elevation of any piping in garage.
  27. Verify quantity and location of PRV’s.
  28. Buy furnish and install of all condensate piping from plumber, including rooftop condensate piping runs, traps and final connection at AHU by HVAC subcontractor.​​​​​​​

PLUMBING - FIELD & QC ITEMS

  1. Verify that all piping is per specifications, grade, schedule type, brand and manufacturer (this is particularly important with CPVC).
  2. In the schedule, provide additional time on the first elevated deck with units for sleeve rough-in and verification (possibly 2 to 3 days depending on size and number of sleeves).  Duration can be reduced on upper floors, or typical floors.
  3. Verify location of access panel for Jacuzzi tub, if not integral with the tub.
  4. Push for periodic inspections by engineer of record (all MEP trades).
  5. Verify that mixing valves fit in wall cavity.
  6. Verify that sinks fit (especially vanity sinks due to 21” deep vanity cabinets).
  7. Verify location and height of shower heads.
  8. Verify layout of bathrooms meet ADA or FHA, as applicable.
    1. Toilet centerline to be 18” from wall or tub face and 15” from edge of countertop.
    2. If drop-in sink is provided, dimension from finish floor to top of sink is 34”.
  9. Verify installation height of the water closet supply line (what height is the base?).
  10. Verify tub is protected during construction.

HVAC - SCOPE ITEMS

  1. Does municipality charge for sub permit?
  2. Buy composite drawing from HVAC subcontractor, which consists of all MEP coordination plans combined on to one drawing.
  3. Verify who owns cooling tower support beams (poured concrete or galvanized steel).
  4. Buy all rooftop curbs, stands, etc. from mechanical subcontractor.  Include vibration isolation curbs and stands with pads if penthouse units are located directly below.
  5. Verify finish on louvers.  Kynar is best and must be used when in coastal environment, especially on condominiums.
  6. All louvers shall be impact rated.
  7. In coastal environment (within 5 miles from ocean or intracoastal), all roof top equipment should have corrosion coating that passes 10,000 hour salt spray test performed in accordance with ASTM B-117.
  8. Buy all stainless steel fasteners and hardware on all roof top and exterior elements.
  9. All stainless steel construction on cooling tower is preferred for condo projects.
  10. Buy x-vent wall caps for dryer/bath exhaust and buy caulking from HVAC subcontractor (primary bead), finish bead by painter.  Dow corning will perform pull test for free to verify compatibility with x-vent.
  11. Verify if dryer booster fans are required.  If so, access panel will be required along with power.  Obtain unit pricing.
  12. Typically test and balance is by independent firm for building and all life safety systems.  Each typical unit is balanced by subcontractor, then similar units are comfort balanced to match.
  13. Include make-up air and exhaust of pool/spa equipment rooms.
  14. Buy furnish and install of energy management system from HVAC subcontractor (includes all wiring).
  15. Coordinate who owns conduit, cabling, panels and devices for carbon monoxide system in parking garages.
  16. Buy furnish of access panels and motor starters from HVAC subcontractor (installed by others, unless access panels are located in ductwork).
  17. Buy traps and final connection of condensate at AHU by HVAC.
  18. Buy complete stairway and elevator shaft pressurization system including all conduits and wiring.
  19. Firestopping to be uniform across all trades.  Specify product that is CPVC compatible and carries a Class 1 W rating (water tested).  We’ve had success with the STI family of products.
  20. On condominium projects, buy 3-year warranty per Florida Statute 718.203 for common areas.  Mechanical units serving only one unit are exempt.
  21. HVAC subcontractor typically furnishes and installs generator shroud.
  22. Coordinate who owns exhaust piping to generator and fire pump.  Is insulation required?
  23. Buy smoke control / smoke evacuation testing on an overtime basis.
  24. Include water tight seal of all ductwork at exterior wall locations, or buy from another trade.
  25. Rooftop stands for condensing units will need NOA or engineering.  Verify attachment method, typical application is ¾” mini drop-in anchor or embeds, coordinate with post tension cables on PT roof slabs.
    1. Verify roof insulation thickness prior to ordering AC stands in order to verify leg height.  18” required from top of roof to bottom of unit.
  26. Coordinate if disconnects are factory installed, or by electrician.
  27. Verify that structural drawings show locations of rooftop equipment.
  28. Buy 24-hour response time to warranty issues from HVAC subcontractor.​​​​​​​

HVAC - FIELD & QC ITEMS

  1. Review locations of dryer/toilet wall exhaust and identify conflicts with masonry filled cells, tie columns, and/or concrete.  Perform mock-up and water test to verify no water intrusion.
    1. Also coordinate location of dryer/toilet exhaust vents with window / slider openings for horizontal separation requirements.  Building layout may require a variance or clarification from the building official.
    2. Note:  Adding bends in dryer exhaust could result in the need for a booster fan.
  2. Push for periodic inspections by the engineer of record (all MEP trades).
  3. Coordinate above ceiling MEP’s with reflected ceiling plan.  Ductwork dimensions shown are inside dimensions, be sure to add for insulation based on project specs.
  4. Identify location of access panels with owner and design team to verify no conflicts with FF&E.  Get locations approved prior to framing, and have panels on site for the framer.
  5. On condominiums, the CFM’s on the final test and balance report must match the plans, or the plans should be changed.
  6. Coordinate roof piping, equipment, etc. with the path of egress.  Stairs may be required over piping runs.
    1. The insulation used on the refrigerant lines must be coated to protect from UV (verify with cut sheet).
  7. The 2010 FBC requires smoke control systems to be tested by a special inspector.
    1. Allow enough time for the completion of all MEPF systems and test and balance prior to the final testing by the smoke control special inspector, time to address any issues, time for preparation of the report, and time for the AHJ/Fire Department to review and approve.  This will range between 60 to 90 days depending on the size of the building and the systems involved.
  8. Allow for after-hours testing of smoke control / smoke evacuation systems.  All windows and doors must be closed and fire alarm testing cannot be ongoing.
  9. Build a mock-up of the water heater / AHU closet if units are stacked.  Check air handlers for proper clearance (4” on all four sides), and the AHU must be able to be removed from the room / closet without demolition (e.g. the top of the AHU must be lower than the door opening).
  10. Layout all rooftop AC stands and curbs on formed deck prior to pouring to ensure no conflicts with post tension cables.