Design-build electrical in Calgary

CCT 01Start with the right decision

Design-build can suit a project where the owner can clearly describe performance and operating requirements but needs the team to develop the technical solution. It is less comparable on price when each bidder assumes a different scope. Write an owner’s requirements document before asking for a firm proposal.

CCT 02What to put in the scope

Use this as a discussion checklist. The contract should assign each item to a named party and identify anything excluded. Ask for unclear existing conditions to be investigated before they become assumptions in a fixed price.

CCT 03Who needs to coordinate

Name the designer, contractor and each professional responsibility in the proposal. State who obtains approvals, who carries utility applications and who owns the finished documents. A design-build contract does not eliminate independent professional obligations or the authority’s review.

CCT 04A practical project sequence

Start with a basis of design, then review milestones before equipment is released. Record accepted departures from the owner’s requirements. Use a change process that identifies both cost and schedule effects when the owner or existing conditions change the scope.

Read the Commercial electrical permits in Calgary and ENMAX commercial service connections guides when planning approvals and service changes.

CCT 05What changes the price

An incomplete performance brief makes unlike bids look comparable. Ask for equipment standards, spare capacity assumptions, exclusions and lifecycle support. If the design is not developed enough for a fixed price, identify the investigation or design stage that will remove uncertainty.

Continue with Electrical cost per square foot and the Comparing electrical bids checklist. Compare like-for-like scope before comparing totals.

CCT 06Calgary requirements and safety

• Calgary requires plans and drawings for new construction or service upgrades of 600 A and higher, including all high-voltage installations. ¹
• Calgary requires separate electrical permits for commercial base building work and for tenant spaces. ¹

These pages concern Calgary. Confirm the authority and wire-service provider for Airdrie, Rocky View County or another neighbouring municipality. The applicable permits and connection process may differ.

CCT 07What the owner should receive

Handover must include the design record as well as installation records. Confirm the owner’s rights to use drawings and other deliverables for future maintenance and alterations.

Keep proposed work, accepted changes, inspection evidence and remaining deficiencies together. A verbal assurance is difficult for the next property manager or maintenance contractor to use.

CCT 08Apply the scope to your building

Office buildings · Industrial & manufacturing · Retail

Select the industry guide for its equipment, access and operating considerations. The electrical scope should reflect the actual business and building, not simply its floor area.