Unfortunately, these situations very rarely end well for the sub that didn't
start install first...regardless of "specs" or contract wording.
The KEY is the G.C.'s on-site project manager, or field superintendent. If
they stink at project management, then you're going to end up wasting a lot
of time....If they are happy to sit back and let the sub's beat it
out....then, although it's necessary to document with letters,
documentation, etc......it's my experience that this rarely helps in the
end.
I'm sure your contract has provisions that you must meet certain schedules,
"field coordinate", etc.
Sometimes you can go higher up in the G.C.'s company (vice president, etc.)
IF you have prior standing relations with this G.C. If you don't, and they
aren't enforcing coordination, I'd be on the look-out for a plan of attack.
I would still document with pictures, dates, letters, etc...however, if the
course of the HVAC contractor remains the same, I would be looking to start
install in areas they are not working in as soon as possible. If you write
the letters and provide the documentation, give a small amount of time (week
or two) to see if it's having an affect.
Politely remind the HVAC sub in the meeting that you want to work with them
& PREFER to coordinate prior to installation...however, if they choose not
to coordinate before install, pre-fabricated piping will go up much quicker
than HVAC ductwork. You of course have to say this in a way that doesn't
make them feel "threatened" (with a smile on your face)....some people have
a knack for doing this.
No matter how nice of a guy you want to be, it's my experience that some
people just don't respond to anything except action.
You have to also realize that sometimes trunk HVAC runs MUST have precedence
considering their size, lowest structure, etc.. Maybe they have to install
certain trunk runs low regardless of coordination...the fact still remains
they should have told you this BEFORE doing it...it's only common courtesy.
Again, I'd try to work this out politically, but I wouldn't wait too
long....
And of course, we all know that it's NOT "industry standard" for sprinkler
piping to be above HVAC on a commercial project....there's no such thing as
'industry standard' when it comes to coordination...it's only the agreement
between parties on that project.
Nathan
Global Fire Engineering, Inc.
Tel: (813) 659-2700 | Fax: (813) 659-2727
[email protected]
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Brian Harris
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 10:02 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Renegade HVAC Contractor
I could use a little ammo for an upcoming coordination meeting I have on
Monday. We are working on a pretty big school and the HVAC sub (per the
spec) is suppose to be spearheading a set of coordination drawings that all
subs need to agree on and then sigh off on before "any work can be
fabricated or installed". These drawings still have not been completed and
are actually not even close to being done.
Here's where it gets good:
* He has already begun installing his duct and has actually completed
a couple wings. (without the approved coordination drawings)
* He wants to run all his ductwork 8" above ceiling throughout and
says sprinkler pipe needs to run above him, "that's industry standard" !!
* He says he's never heard of ductwork being run through the joist,
it's always the sprinkler lines that run up high. (this is in areas with
ceiling tiles)
I could go on and on but I think you get the point, what I would love to
have is some hard facts/references that I can provide at the meeting so this
doesn't turn into a bigger pissing contest than it already has. I don't dare
release our pipe for fab without the drawings being signed off but in the
mean time he is installing away!
Regards,
<http://www.firstdefensefire.com/>
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