Construction Law

Is This New Floor-by-Floor Building Method the Future?

Imagine a building method that starts with the roof and then proceeds from there…sounds a little backwards, right? You’re not mistaken. But a new floor-by-floor building method that utilizes this flip-flopped principle is beginning to make headway for a number of reasons. In this brief article, the Lakeland construction attorneys at Cotney Construction Law will discuss this new building method and explain how the company behind it, Upbrella Construction, is improving safety and productivity with it.

Remember, as your firm grows and takes on new projects, your risk of coming into conflict with an owner, subcontractor, or government entity also increases. Consult a Lakeland construction attorney for all of your construction-related legal needs.

Raise the Roof

This method, which we’ll refer to as the “Upbrella method,” works a lot differently than your typical building process. First, you build a roof enclosure. As building proceeds, this enclosure is hoisted floor by floor by equipment designed specifically for this unique vertical construction process. In other words, the contractor’s workforce continues to “raise the roof” as building progresses. The Upbrella method can be utilized for various vertical construction applications including tall concrete or steel buildings. In order to build a structure with this method, you’ll need to create a mobile permanent roof and a suitable roof lifting mechanism as well as a protective enclosure and high-capacity hoist.

Breaking Down the Process Floor-by-Floor

According to the Upbrella method, once you break ground and install the first repeating floor of the multi-level structure, it’s time to install an adaptable roof that can support the following levels as they are installed. This roof will cover the building throughout the process and can remain on the building once construction has been finalized.

Next, the protective metal enclosure is installed. It’s covered in reinforced canvas to keep workers safe and prevent hazards from entering the project site. It’s also an important factor in risk management. This enclosure is one of the main reasons why this method is being praised for improving project site safety.

Once the enclosure is installed, the next floor is assembled and hoisted to the appropriate height. Once it’s installed, the roof is raised to the next level as well. This process is then repeated until the structure meets the requirements of the design plan and contract. Workers and building materials are transported from floor to floor by a large-format carrier in lieu of traditional elevators.

Benefits for Contractors and Owners Alike

Due to the functionality of the adaptable roof and protective enclosures, contractors can assign workers to complete lower floors more quickly, which primes them for occupancy before the upper floors have been completed. This allows owners to sell and occupy units throughout the building process. Owners can even suspend building while units on completed floors are sold and occupied. Of course, as a contractor, you should be made aware of this decision early on before signing the contract in the first place. Otherwise, consult a Lakeland construction attorney for assistance with negotiating with the owner. Other benefits of this method include:

• Reduced insurance costs
• Avoid losing days to inclement weather
• Overhead reduction
• Eliminate exorbitant winter costs
• Improved energy efficiency on the project site
• Lower public occupancy costs

If you would like to speak with a Lakeland construction lawyer, please contact us today.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.