A Field Guide to Retrofits in Occupied Buildings: Introduction

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As part of the CMHC Solutions Lab that created this Online Training Module, a Field Guide to Retrofits in Occupied Buildings was also created. This section provides an overview of the Field Guide.

The Field Guide is designed to assist property owners, residents and the construction industry with conducting a retrofit efficiently and effectively while tenants are in the building. It provides an overview of a typical residential high-rise retrofit construction project with residents remaining in place, from first concepts to post-construction evaluation.

The Field Guide provides owners with an understanding of what a retrofit might entail, designing projects to mitigate disruption to tenants, special considerations for construction in occupied suites, and a number of innovative approaches that can help make these projects successful.

For tenants, the Field Guide is a tool to help frame expectations and anticipate what might happen during construction. It will also help tenants understand their rights during construction, how they may be able to get involved to improve the outcomes for themselves and their communities, and how to understand the risk of renoviction. Different tools are identified to address concerns and risks at particular stages.

The guide is organized chronologically into five steps: