ESTIMATING

Almost all renovation work done on campus begins with the Facilities Engineering Estimator. Requests vary from $50.00 to hundreds of thousands of dollars; from a bookshelf or painting a wall to huge renovations. This work is estimated and sent to the requesting individual or department for approval prior to being implemented.

Estimates, sometimes called 'ballpark', 'budget' or 'order of magnitude', are meant to be fair and reasonable and include everything deemed to be required for the project based on the information provided, considering the visible conditions of the site. This includes allowances for meeting all code and regulation (building, fire, electrical, plumbing, barrier free, lab safety, etc) requirements as well as the best standards of materials and trade practices in the industry.

Very few estimates are done over the phone or by email- in fact, almost all require a meeting between the Facilities Management Estimator and the requesting party to review the site and discuss the needs and parameters. This allows for clarity and adjustments to be made by both sides to ensure the most successful project possible. In many cases, basic designs are done to better establish the full scope of work.

What happens next? Your estimate request will be assigned a work order number for tracking and correspondence purposes within F&E. A detailed written package is then prepared and sent to the requesting party for approval. If the proposal receives approval, a signed response is returned along with account number.

The Estimator is also involved in establishing preliminary budgets for capital projects such as major renovations, additions or new buildings.

To contact the Estimator, Greg Ackland, call ext. 80324 or email: gackland@uwo.ca.

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ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

With an on staff architect, 2 architectural technologists and several CAD stations, the Architectural Services Group handles the bulk of design work for all renovations on campus. Offering support and information to this group, F&E also employs a mechanical engineer and technologist, electrical engineer and technologists as well as an interior/furnishings decorator and coordinator- each of whom provide design expertise in their fields.

Architectural Services transforms the text and sketches of an approved estimate into drawings and specifications, which are then used by construction trades to implement the work.

In addition to the needs of the requesting party, this group must also ensure the compliance to all codes, regulations and University standards in their designs. Examples include: Ontario Building Code, Nation Fire Code, Electrical and Plumbing Codes, Barrier Free Accessibility, Security and Lab Design Standards.

Architectural Services is also the keeper of drawings, specifications and other data related to all projects completed on campus. They are the central database for information related to: Campus Maps, Campus Utilities, Barrier Free Accessibility Map, Building Floor Plans and Property Lines.

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