Describe the overall design of your suggested building. Your response should include floor area, number of
floors, floor-to-floor height, provision for automobile parking, and project site area configuration.
Specify your location and climate.
What is the governing building code in your location? Who is the governing agency?
Describe the impact that your location and climate might have on the building’s design and construction
process decisions.
Research similar commercial buildings that have been constructed near your community. What was the total
cost associated with these construction projects? Use these costs to estimate the various component costs of
this commercial building.
Foundation
Describe the foundation that is most appropriate.
What functions does this foundation serve for this commercial building?
What are the challenges associated with building this foundation for this structure?
What is the estimated cost for the foundation that you have recommended? Explain your rationale for your
estimate.
Framing Material
Identify the framing material and structural system that you think would be most appropriate for this structure.
What are the construction advantages for your recommendation?
What is the estimated cost for the framing material that you have recommended? Explain your rationale for
your estimate.
Mechanical Systems
What are the necessary mechanical systems for this structure? Describe the functions of each. Your responses
should be specific to commercial and condominium spaces.
What are the equipment options available for these systems?
Which distribution system do you recommend? Why? What are the advantages of your recommendation?
What are the inspection requirements for these systems?
What alternate control systems can be used to provide energy efficiency in this commercial building?
What is the estimated cost for the systems that you have recommended? Explain your rationale for your
estimate.
Electrical Systems
What are the necessary electrical systems for this structure? Describe the functions of each. Your responses
should be specific to commercial and condominium spaces.
What are the inspection requirements for these systems?
What alternate control systems can be used to provide energy efficiency in this commercial building?
What is the estimated cost for the systems that you have recommended? Explain your rationale for your
estimate.
Plumbing Systems
What are the necessary plumbing systems for this structure? Explain the purposes of these systems. Your
responses should be specific to commercial and condominium spaces.
What are the inspection requirements for these systems?
What alternate control, maintenance, and sustainability systems can be used to maximize efficiency in this
commercial building?
Sample Solution
