There may be situations on a job that require input from someone with expertise in things like structures, mechanical systems or hazardous materials. Knowing when and who to call is an important part of your work as a contractor.

INSPECTORS / BUILDING OFFICIALS

Any questions about building code regulations, property disputes or stages of inspection for construction work must be handled by municipal building officials. These employees of a town, city or rural region have training in codes and standards, and they provide feedback on construction and renovation plans to make sure that they adhere to applicable building codes. They are also called in to perform inspections at key stages of completion as a job progresses - you can find these inspection schedules in the index section of your local code or on the website of your municipality.

ENGINEERS / ARCHITECTS

When a situation happens that building code can't answer easily, you'll need to call in an engineer. Depending on the situation, you may have to choose a specific type of engineer:

• STRUCTURAL - To approve long beam spans, load bearing elements or strength of assemblies, a structural engineer will review plans and offer professional advice on material choices, sizes or arrangements to properly carry loads through roof, walls and foundations.
• GEOTECHNICAL - Determining the types and load capacities of soils, clays and stone on a construction site will be done by a geotechnical engineer. For example, if a foundation is planned for an area that is prone to flooding, a geotechnical engineer may be involved to design the most appropriate solution for load bearing or site drainage and backfill materials.
• CIVIL - Infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, sewers and storm drainage is the domain of civil engineers. Most municipalities will have a civil engineer on staff who looks after the maintenance and integrity of public infrastructure. If a client's property abuts onto public properties or right-of-way set backs, you may need to consult with a civil engineer if those areas are disturbed by your work.
• MECHANICAL - Air systems, water systems and electrical systems are part of the mechanicals of a building, and they may be designed or built by a mechanical engineer. If a large building is undergoing an energy retrofit, it may be necessary to bring in a mechanical engineer to design the most appropriate systems for heating, cooling and other necessities.
• ARCHITECTS - The overall design and aesthetic (how it looks) of a building will be the job of an architect. They are experts in determining the best use of space in a building and finding a visually appealing style for the structure, openings and finishes.

NOTE ABOUT ENGINEERS AND ARCHITECTS: You may hear the term, "stamped plans" when working in construction and renovation. This means that an engineer or architect has signed off or 'stamped' their approval, stating that they stand behind the design, structure and regulatory compliance of a building. The cost of hiring these professionals is validated by their authority to approve plans for construction or renovation / retrofit.

ANY TIME THERE IS A SITUATION OUTSIDE OF THE RULES DEFINED IN CODE, AN ARCHITECT OR ENGINEERS STAMP OF APPROVAL IS REQUIRED.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REMEDIATION

In older buildings and especially in renovation / retrofit situations, a contractor may run into hazardous materials or conditions due to moisture infiltration, pests or age of the building. The process of removing or repairing these materials is called remediation, and it requires specialized training.

Some examples of remediation in construction and renovation may include the following:

• Removal of metal elements like lead flashing and paints, galvanized pipes or knob-and-tube wiring;
• Removal of mineral elements like asbestos and vermiculite;
• Remediation of mold and/or rotted materials;
• Removal of rodents, insects and/or dropping from animals.

UTILITIES

The parts of a building which supply electricity, fuel for HVAC, water for drinking or drainage pipes for sewage are called UTILITIES. All of the trades associated with the installation, maintenance and repair of utilities are regulated, or in other words must be done by licensed Red Seal technicians or supervised apprentices in the trade.

Some of the regulated trades involved with bringing utilities into buildings are as follows:

• Electricians and Power Line Workers
• Plumbers and Radiant Heating System Technicians
• Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technicians (HVAC)
• Fuel Equipment Technicians
• Sheet Metal Workers
  
• Wastewater Operators (Municipal and Provincial)
• Potable or Drinking Water Operators (Municipal and Provincial)
• Heavy Equipment Operators
  
• Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
  

The regulations that govern utility trades may differ from province to province or in different territories. Generally, any trades work or installation that may have the capacity for seriously harming humans will be regulated, requiring years of training and certification.