When you’re trying to reach a higher level of quality, comfort and home efficiency, it’s essential to set clear expectations for subcontractors. A scope of work provides an important platform to outline expectations, not only for subcontractors, but also for the equipment going into your homes. It’s especially helpful when pursuing an EPSTM.
A detailed scope of work can help you provide subcontractors with a firm understanding of what it takes to achieve a target EPSTM and hold them accountable. For example, it’s not enough to simply request efficient products or assemblies from vendors. Their standards may vary, which makes it important specify what is needed to reach target EPS requirements in each scope of work.
The scope of work is also an opportunity to identify roles and responsibilities. It can be challenging to track compliance across multiple projects, neighborhoods and subcontractors. Certain aspects of energy-efficient building may be new to some workers. Detailing EPS requirements, especially for problem areas in new home construction, can help. Examples include:
- Identifying which subcontractor will seal plumbing or HVAC penetrations
- Ensuring air sealing is completed at the egress of an exhaust flue: a task that often isn’t assigned to a specific subcontractor but should be completed by the fireplace installer or the insulator/air sealer
- Specifying spot ventilation and whole-house ventilation
- Clearly detailing other EPS requirements
Beyond the scope of work, it’s also beneficial to specify efficiency requirements on the design plans and accompanying notes. Projects are more likely to achieve their energy goals when an architect or designer outlines these details.
For more information and a complete list of EPS requirements that can be included in your scope of work, speak with a verifier, or contact the New Homes trade ally coordinator at 1.877.283.0698.