5 common misconceptions about commissioning

 

High-quality commissioning goes a long way when it comes to ensuring that every system is operating in accordance with construction documents and specifications. Right from reducing costs to making sure that the building meets all quality requirements and standards, commissioning offers significant advantages that make it vital for the success of every construction project. Thanks to the rising level of sophistication in buildings, tighter construction schedules, growing focus on energy efficiency and other factors, commissioning has assumed an even more prominent role in today’s fast-evolving construction industry.

Despite all the obvious benefits, commissioning, unfortunately, is often an afterthought in many construction projects. Let’s take a look at the five most common misconceptions that, at times, make builders ignore commissioning.

1)     1) Commissioning is unnecessary: Far from it! On the contrary, commissioning is a significant step in making sure that a building is constructed in a way that fulfills the expectations of the owner as well as the occupants. It can greatly improve the overall performance of the building. Also, it helps prevent many major issues by identifying and correcting problems in the initial stage.

2)     2) Commissioning is costly and time-consuming: There is no denying the fact that commissioning can involve some upfront costs. However, in the long run, it can help save money by identifying and correcting problems before they become huge and insurmountable issues. Also, it can result in lower energy bills over time by making the building more energy efficient. By using a reliable commissioning management software, the time and cost of commissioning can be further reduced.

3)     3) Commissioning is only for mechanical and electrical systems: Over the past two decades, the scope of commissioning has grown significantly. Today, it is not just restricted to mechanical and electrical systems but encompasses many additional building systems such as plumbing, fire protection, and control systems. Ultimately, the scope of commissioning varies from project to project and depends on the attributes of a particular project.

4)   4) Commissioning is only for new and large projects: While commissioning is more common in large construction projects that have big and complex buildings, it is useful in projects of all sizes and is equally important in small renovations. Many people associate commissioning with new projects. However, it can also be performed on existing buildings to improve their performance and make them more energy efficient. Also, commissioning is not just restricted to commercial buildings but can be applied to all types of buildings including residential and industrial buildings.

5)     5) Commissioning is a one-time event: Commissioning is a continuous process that occurs throughout the complete lifecycle of a building. The role and scope of commissioning extends beyond the initial commissioning during construction. It also covers ongoing commissioning to ensure that all the systems continue to operate as expected. It is a process that involves ongoing testing, monitoring, and maintenance to ensure that systems are operating at their optimal performance. 

Commissioning can save a building owner from many potential future risks and problems. It ensures that the facility continues to operate as intended. These days, most of the challenges associated with commissioning can be overcome by using a high-quality construction commissioning software.