BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

Our specialty at Williams Notaro & Associates, Inc. (WNA) is upgrading facility support systems to meet current codes, solve operational problems, and improve operating efficiencies. It was the primary service we provided when we opened in 1996. If your facility is having trouble keeping up with today's demanding business environment, we can help.

Mechanical/HVAC System Upgrades:
The number one complaint in the work space is comfort control. It is too hot or too cold, but never just right! Many building's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems do not meet current ventilation codes or provide the level of comfort, control, indoor air quality, and operating efficiency expected by employees and facility managers. If you need additional cooling capacity, need to meet the current ventilation codes, have an antiquated system that is operating well beyond its service life, or have a difficult problem that seems unsolvable, WNA can provide the creative approach to suit your building and business. Our detailed approach to major system renovation, replacement, or upgrade work is unsurpassed in the consulting industry.

Supplemental 24 Hour Cooling System Upgrades:
Many buildings operate the main cooling equipment 24 hours per day, every day, just to provide cooling to small LAN rooms, computer rooms, and other special tenant areas. Not only does this result in a reduction of overall service life of the equipment, but also in higher maintenance costs and more frequent service outages. In most cases, the addition of a supplemental cooling tower, drycooler, or small chilled water system devoted to serving after-hour or 24 hour tenant needs can result in long term cost reductions and longer service life for the base building equipment. In today's demanding market, tenants often will look specifically for dedicated 24-hour systems to meet their needs. Given the choice, the building offering a dedicated system has the competitive edge. WNA can work with you and your building engineering staff to determine if a 24 hour system is right for your building and, if it is, which system is best suited for your needs and the needs of your tenants.

Before: The Washington Post's obsolete Press Room

After 1: One level of the two-story parking structure in the former Press Room

After 2: Level 3 in the former Press Room is a public meeting area and auditorium

Energy Efficiency Upgrades:
Reducing operating expenses is always an important facet of managing a facility. With today's concerns about utility de-regulation, the potential for unpredictable increases in energy costs, and heightened public awareness of energy conservation, operating an energy efficient facility can result not only in a reduction of operating costs but may also be an attractive feature to many modern office tenants. WNA can evaluate the various systems in your facility and offer recommendations on changes in facility operations, system improvements, or system replacement strategies that could result in significant cost savings over the life of the facility. We can determine the payback period and estimate the cost savings resulting from the implementation of some of the latest advances in energy efficient technology. From lighting retrofits to complete building management systems, we can design, specify, and assist you in creating an energy efficient work place.

Electrical System Upgrades:
Loads placed on building electrical systems by today's office equipment are more demanding than ever before. High demand, harmonic currents, and electrical surges all impact your building's electrical system as well as the sensitive computer equipment served by the system. By analyzing the present and projected loads on an electrical system, enhancements can be developed to improve distribution, capacity, and power quality. These enhancements will improve your facilities ability to meet your needs as well as position your building to successfully compete in today's leasing market.

Fire Alarm System Upgrades:
Proactive fire alarm system upgrades make your facility safer and eliminate code approval problems during renovation projects. WNA can design fire alarm system upgrades ranging from simply accommodating building code requirements to complete high-rise fire alarm system conversions.

Life Safety System Upgrades:
Are the life safety systems in your facility up-to-date? Do they meet the current code requirements? Are you providing a safe environment for your facilities occupants? Let us help you evaluate and identify areas to improve your facility's life safety systems or determine what needs to be done to bring the systems into compliance with the latest code requirements. WNA can assist you in the design and specification of retrofitting sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and emergency generator systems to help keep your facility code compliant. Our experienced staff can also provide construction administration services throughout the construction phase of the project to monitor and report on the progress and identify deviations from the contract documents.

Plumbing System Accessibility Compliance Upgrades:
Accessibility compliance is more important now than ever before. Most jurisdictions require upgrades with most interior renovation projects. Some jurisdictions require accessibility compliance, especially in public area toilet rooms, even for minor renovations. With extensive experience in modifying plumbing systems to comply with accessibility requirements, WNA can work with you to design the retrofitting of toilet rooms, pantries, and drinking fountains to efficiently meet the accessibility guidelines. Since many upgrades result in an overall reduction in fixtures, WNA performs a code review to verify that the remaining quantity of fixtures will still meet the latest building codes.