Re-certification for change-of-use of building

[LarryFine]

In the old-but-gutted building I've asked a few questions about recently, that was commercial, but will now be mixed commercial/residential, the city is requiring a certification because of change-of-use.

They say that any existing electrical equipment to be re-used must be examined by an electrical engineer, even though I am doing all of the drawings for plan review to obtain the electrtical permit.

The equipment to be re-used is a gas-furnace-and-AC system that is remaining in the commercial space, and a wall-pack on the back of the building, also powered by the commercial-space panel.

The archtect insists that his notes on the plans state no change of use, and the owner states that the building was already a mixed-use building, but the city says the last CO was for commercial only.

The client and I differ in opinion about who should foot the cost of this certification. In my opinion, this is something that should have been addressed and settled with the original building permit.

The city will not even accept my permit and plans for review without this certification, unless the architect and owner can get this straightened out. As always, I'd appreciate any input you may have.

 

[celtic]

I

The client and I differ in opinion about who should foot the cost of this certification. In my opinion, this is something that should have been addressed and settled with the original building permit.

Is there any mention of this certication or examination of existing equipment in the scope and/or notes and/or the contract and/or print?

You may have to get out the magnifing glass and "reserve" some time for this to be reviewed....or...if you are talking about 1 typical wall pack (100 - 175W) ~ it might be cheaper to just change it?
Is the panel also to be re-used (and I assume the associated feed)?
How the HVAC certification falls on the EC eludes me.

 

[LarryFine]

Is there any mention of this certication or examination of existing equipment in the scope and/or notes and/or the contract and/or print?

None. This is the first time I've ever been presented with this.

The plans merely label the unit as "existing HVAC" and I was verbally told it was to remain. I figured on simply rerouting the supply to the new panel location.

Nothing else is being re-used except this HVAC system and the wall-pack.

 

[celtic]

The city will not even accept my permit and plans for review without this certification, unless the architect and owner can get this straightened out.

Tough spot.

I really don't have answer other than "It's not my job". As lame as that sounds, you never agreed to any certifications ~ although the city is requiring it. It sounds like "someone" was unaware that the city would require these documented evaluations and "someone" doesn't want to pay for it. However, "someone" must pay for it in order for the project to move forward.

In your estimation (like, right now) what would you assume (yup, bad word):
A - Cost for an EE certify this equipment
B - Cost for YOU to replace this equipment

Which option could you live with to get this thing moving forward?
Between the three of you (EC, arch, owner) would 1/3 of cost be agreeable?

Probably not what you want hear, but it looks likes it's headed this way....but let THEM come to you with their "first offer"...you know what I mean?

 

[LarryFine]

In your estimation (like, right now) what would you assume (yup, bad word):
A - Cost for an EE certify this equipment
B - Cost for YOU to replace this equipment

A - I have no idea, but I happen to already know the EE the architect recommended.

B- A furnace, A/C system, and the existing (and perfectly okay) supply lines? No way!

Which option could you live with to get this thing moving forward?
Between the three of you (EC, arch, owner) would 1/3 of cost be agreeable?

Not really. I've already made more compromise than I cared to.

 

[celtic]

I've already made more compromise than I cared to.

I completely understand....

....but let THEM come to you with their "first offer"...you know what I mean?

You can say the most by saying the least when they approach you:
NO

Followed with no explanation for your response...NO...to every inquiry.

It may put the project in jeopardy and may jeopordize your option to work with these folks again rolleyes.

I agree with you....but I see where this is headed.

 

[LarryFine]

Okay, update:

The owner talked to the city people today. If we remove the wiring (not equipment), then we don't need to have the engineer do the inspection. However, they do want to see the wiring removed. I hope they don't mean we have to remove the EMT, also.

Politics!

 

[celtic]

Well I'm glad to see my advice was able to solve this situation:roll:

j/k

Now might be a good time for you to talk to the AHJ and see if the EMT is at issue ~ also serves to double check the owners comments