| C O L A N G E L O A S S O C I A T E S A R C H I T E C T S Consulting Services |
| In addition to design related services, Colangelo Associates Architects is well versed and experienced in a wide array of Architectural Consulting Services. These services have included construction administration, feasibility studies, zoning analysis, introduction of new building technologies, building envelope management, facade rehabilitation, analysis of built conditions, and serving as expert witnesses. Our firm is committed to the vision that an architect can serve a client beyond the basic architectural design services. Below are some case studies of consulting services we have provided to our clients. |
Reroofing Project for a Condominium Building in Larchmont, NY
This six story building was built in 1986 with 30,000 square feet of a traditional multi-ply
built-up roofing system. After years of constant and fruitless patching in an attempt to stop
chronic leaks, the Board of Managers decided to contact Colangelo Associates Architects as
they knew that the roof needed to be replaced, but they not know what options were
available. After surveying the existing roof, our office studied multiple flat roofing solutions
and determined that a new spray polyurethane foam roof (SPF) would be preferable over
membrane roofing systems such as EPDM and TPO. The SPF system we specified would
be able to adhere to the existing roofing and create a leakproof and homogeneous roof that
would also contribute to reduced utility bills through a reduction in energy usage. The SPF
system would also come with a renewable warranty in order to provide the owners with
peace of mind and would be the least disruptive during installation. Based on SPF roofing
not requiring the removal of the existing roof, it came in at a much lower price than EPDM
and TPO roofing systems. Thanks to our services, the owners were able to save hundreds
of thousands of dollars both in initial and long term costs since SPF roofing does not have to
be removed and replaced every twenty years like EPDM and TPO and requires less intensive
maintenance over the life of the roof.
This six story building was built in 1986 with 30,000 square feet of a traditional multi-ply
built-up roofing system. After years of constant and fruitless patching in an attempt to stop
chronic leaks, the Board of Managers decided to contact Colangelo Associates Architects as
they knew that the roof needed to be replaced, but they not know what options were
available. After surveying the existing roof, our office studied multiple flat roofing solutions
and determined that a new spray polyurethane foam roof (SPF) would be preferable over
membrane roofing systems such as EPDM and TPO. The SPF system we specified would
be able to adhere to the existing roofing and create a leakproof and homogeneous roof that
would also contribute to reduced utility bills through a reduction in energy usage. The SPF
system would also come with a renewable warranty in order to provide the owners with
peace of mind and would be the least disruptive during installation. Based on SPF roofing
not requiring the removal of the existing roof, it came in at a much lower price than EPDM
and TPO roofing systems. Thanks to our services, the owners were able to save hundreds
of thousands of dollars both in initial and long term costs since SPF roofing does not have to
be removed and replaced every twenty years like EPDM and TPO and requires less intensive
maintenance over the life of the roof.
Facade Rehabilitation for a Condominium Building in Stamford, CT
This fifteen year old brick-clad building was experiencing significant moisture problems.
These problems were resulting in damage to the structure and were creating potentially
unsafe living conditions for the residents. Due to a lack of upkeep, the building had lost its
curb appeal. Partnering with Risoli Planning and Engineering of Riverside, CT, our office
began an investigation of what was causing the moisture infiltration and what had been
damaged as a result of exposure. Both invasive and noninvasive inspections were
undertaken. Some sections of brick were removed in order to see what was happening
against the wall structure. Infrared scans were also conducted using special cameras in
order to see where the moisture had migrated to without having to remove the entire exterior
finish. After the inspection, the source of the leaks was believed to be leaks in the roof
around some of the vent pipes. Spalling of the brick veneer had resulted in bricks falling off
the face of the building after cracking. The mortar was also severely cracked in several
areas and exposed structural steel had corroded. All of this was caused by moisture
infiltration. In order to avoid the exorbitant expense of removing and replacing the entire
brick facade, our office recommended a new stucco finish with a reinforced underlayment
that would reinforce the brick, prevent future spalling, and give the building a fresh new look.
This fifteen year old brick-clad building was experiencing significant moisture problems.
These problems were resulting in damage to the structure and were creating potentially
unsafe living conditions for the residents. Due to a lack of upkeep, the building had lost its
curb appeal. Partnering with Risoli Planning and Engineering of Riverside, CT, our office
began an investigation of what was causing the moisture infiltration and what had been
damaged as a result of exposure. Both invasive and noninvasive inspections were
undertaken. Some sections of brick were removed in order to see what was happening
against the wall structure. Infrared scans were also conducted using special cameras in
order to see where the moisture had migrated to without having to remove the entire exterior
finish. After the inspection, the source of the leaks was believed to be leaks in the roof
around some of the vent pipes. Spalling of the brick veneer had resulted in bricks falling off
the face of the building after cracking. The mortar was also severely cracked in several
areas and exposed structural steel had corroded. All of this was caused by moisture
infiltration. In order to avoid the exorbitant expense of removing and replacing the entire
brick facade, our office recommended a new stucco finish with a reinforced underlayment
that would reinforce the brick, prevent future spalling, and give the building a fresh new look.
Representation for Arbitration for Single Family Residence in Millbrook, NY
In this case, we represented a well known fashion designer in arbitration over a house
construction gone wrong. Soon after a new cedar shingle roof had been installed, leaks
began appearing throughout the house resulting in significant damage to the property. The
client had misgivings about the previous work that had been done and retained our firm to
determine if construction errors were to blame. We undertook a thorough building
inspection which revealed many critical errors in the roof and wall assembly for the main
house on this 320 acre country estate. We presented our findings to the client and the
arbiter as part of our services. After our client won in arbitration, we designed and specified
a new roof and drainage system that would mitigate all of the existing moisture issues while
also preventing future problems. Cedar roofs often have a propensity for leaking, so careful
detailing and first rate materials and workmanship were essential for the successful outcome
of this project. From there we went about retaining the services a top notch contractor who
could provide the type of high quality workmanship that both the owner and our office
required. We then supervised the repairs and construction process in order to ensure that
the previous problems were eliminated and would not reappear at a later date. The
arbitration award was used to cover the total repair and construction costs.
In this case, we represented a well known fashion designer in arbitration over a house
construction gone wrong. Soon after a new cedar shingle roof had been installed, leaks
began appearing throughout the house resulting in significant damage to the property. The
client had misgivings about the previous work that had been done and retained our firm to
determine if construction errors were to blame. We undertook a thorough building
inspection which revealed many critical errors in the roof and wall assembly for the main
house on this 320 acre country estate. We presented our findings to the client and the
arbiter as part of our services. After our client won in arbitration, we designed and specified
a new roof and drainage system that would mitigate all of the existing moisture issues while
also preventing future problems. Cedar roofs often have a propensity for leaking, so careful
detailing and first rate materials and workmanship were essential for the successful outcome
of this project. From there we went about retaining the services a top notch contractor who
could provide the type of high quality workmanship that both the owner and our office
required. We then supervised the repairs and construction process in order to ensure that
the previous problems were eliminated and would not reappear at a later date. The
arbitration award was used to cover the total repair and construction costs.
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Construction Quality Control & Administration for a Renovation in Stamford, CT
A challenging and complete renovation of a fifty year old house in Stamford, CT was falling
greatly behind schedule causing monetary and time related hardships. Our firm was asked to
go in and help to expedite the construction efforts as a service to the homeowner who was
out of the country. Daily field visits, as well as frequent meetings and conference calls,
were used to keep a watchful eye n the progress. Detailed field reports, daily punch lists,
and an ongoing schedule analysis helped to get construction back on track and to properly
manage expectations moving forward. Hundreds of digital photographs were taken in order
to document progress, as well as areas that needed special attention or reconsideration.
Several details and finishes were also discussed and drawn up in order answer any questions
that the builder or homeowner might have. A great deal of time was also spent coordinating
the efforts of subcontractors as unforseen conditions in the existing portions of the house
required changes to be made so that everyone knew what the desired final product was and
how we would get to that point Through vigilant follow up and meticulous documentation, a
project that felt at times like it would never result in a finished house, finally became a fully
operational and welcoming home. At the end of the process, even the builder acknowledged
that the house would not have been the same had it not been for our ongoing services.
A challenging and complete renovation of a fifty year old house in Stamford, CT was falling
greatly behind schedule causing monetary and time related hardships. Our firm was asked to
go in and help to expedite the construction efforts as a service to the homeowner who was
out of the country. Daily field visits, as well as frequent meetings and conference calls,
were used to keep a watchful eye n the progress. Detailed field reports, daily punch lists,
and an ongoing schedule analysis helped to get construction back on track and to properly
manage expectations moving forward. Hundreds of digital photographs were taken in order
to document progress, as well as areas that needed special attention or reconsideration.
Several details and finishes were also discussed and drawn up in order answer any questions
that the builder or homeowner might have. A great deal of time was also spent coordinating
the efforts of subcontractors as unforseen conditions in the existing portions of the house
required changes to be made so that everyone knew what the desired final product was and
how we would get to that point Through vigilant follow up and meticulous documentation, a
project that felt at times like it would never result in a finished house, finally became a fully
operational and welcoming home. At the end of the process, even the builder acknowledged
that the house would not have been the same had it not been for our ongoing services.
