Buildings

Building science proves to be key in reducing liability risk and warranty costs and in increasing the bottom line

RALEIGH - Builders nationwide are reducing risk and improving profits as part of a collaborative process with building science experts at Raleigh-based Advanced Energy. The assessment process being used allows builders to build a better house faster while cutting production costs.

The nonprofit’s assessment begins with identifying areas of the construction process that can produce potential liabilities after the house is completed. It also includes evaluating designs, scopes and the construction process at all stages.

"Every house has risk and potential liabilities," says John Tooley, an Advanced Energy senior building scientist known nationally for his solutions to the building industry. "The key is learning how to build in prevention to minimize that risk."

The assessment usually takes about one week and goes beyond standard inspection. It is performed without disrupting construction and produces an actionable and measurable report that can immediately help resolve existing problems and, more importantly, prevent new ones from occurring.

“Our work with Advanced Energy created a corporate culture of improved quality in the homes we build," said Randy Erwin, Ryland Homes’ sales manager. "We're seeing significant benefits from this partnership, including a greater return on investment to the families who buy our homes.”

To date, Advanced Energy has worked with builders nationwide to build more than 130,000 high performance homes. The company has also trained thousands of builders and trades in the concepts and tools of building science, saving the industry millions of dollars in warranty, callback and liability costs. Subsequently, these houses are more efficient, durable, safe and comfortable for the consumer, and make more money for the builder.

“Having problems doesn’t make a company unique,” says Tooley. “Doing something about it does.”