What Is Building Services?

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Engineering is a highly demanding field that branches into various specialties, including building services engineering; it is concerned with the systems and components you find in a building. On the other hand, building services deal with the systems installed in the building to make it functional, safe, comfortable, and efficient.

Buildings are made to serve a purpose; they must provide shelter from the sun, rain, and wind or from heat and cold; they should also provide a comfortable and healthy environment where people can work and live. Building services engineers are the people that handle the task of ensuring the building is functional. They use scientific principles to design and maintain buildings.

Building Service Engineers

Building service engineers are in charge of designing and installing the working components of a building ranging from plumbing to lighting. They mostly work on commercial buildings such as offices, sports stadiums, schools, and retail centers. Building service engineers use their engineering and problem-solving skills to create innovative and eco-friendly designs.

Building services engineers should possess proper communication skills and work well with a team. They work hand-in-hand with different professionals, including contractors, electricians, architects, plumbers, and construction workers. They also have good technology and computer skills because modern engineering services rely on computers for their design software and modeling/drawing programs.

Responsibilities of a Building Service Engineer

The basic responsibilities of a building service engineer include;

  • Visiting building sites
  • Consulting with clients and contractors on their needs and budgets
  • Designing unique systems for each building
  • Negotiating contracts
  • Laying out ventilation systems, energy sources, pipes, etc.
  • Overseeing or installing building components
  • Selecting high-quality building materials
  • Using modeling software and CAD to create drawings, plans, and diagrams
  • Testing system to ensure they’re working
  • Coming up with energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions
  • Maintaining, repairing, and making necessary replacements as needed
  • Writing reports and giving presentations
  • Ensuring all equipment and systems meet safety, health, and environmental codes
  • Researching new systems and tech

A building service engineer should always consider health and safety, cost, and accountability in every task they take. For the best results, hire a reputable construction company that offers building services, NYC, and engineering design services, NYC.

As the world is becoming more concerned with green and sustainable energy, a building service engineer should be able to install features such as low-carbon tech, daylight-controlled lighting systems, occupancy sensors, and water-saving fixtures. Some building services engineers specialize solely in renewable or sustainable energy. Other areas of specialization include

  • Electrical engineering which concerns the electrical components of the building such as communication lines, switchboards, automation, lighting, alarm systems, and fire protection.
  • Public health which involves water supply, sanitation, sewage, drainage, healthy tech, and indoor air quality.
  • Mechanical engineering involves the management of gas, electricity, ventilation, heating, escalators, air conditioning, and elevators.
  • Some building service engineers specialize in façade engineering, which involves the appearance of the building, the materials used during construction, and the energy-efficient features of the building that may affect the sustainability and comfort inside the building.

Building Condition Surveys

Building service engineers also perform building condition surveys. Investors interested in commercial properties are open to all types of flaws when purchasing an existing building. Before purchasing, building, or renovating a building, it is important to conduct a building condition survey. The survey highlights any issues to ensure informed decisions are made and priorities set straight.

The survey is primarily conducted for industrial and commercial projects; it is vital to conduct the survey as it evaluates the building’s structure, architecture, plumbing, electrical works, water management, code compliance, and safety. The survey provides a clear understanding of the building’s present condition for anyone interested in purchasing the building. Finding issues such as cracked walls or sloping floors will call the attention of the owner to possible problems. The process begins with a visual inspection, usually done by an engineer or architect.

However, if you have decided to build instead of buy, ensure you contact a construction company that offers engineering design services; they help you visualize your goal and work towards achieving your dream building.