Of the eight draft copies distributed, a total of 43 line items needed further explanation, correction, or changes. JCI Custom red-lined all of the recommended changes, including some additional edits and clarifications written in by John and his staff, and that final version was sent out for review and approval. Within three days, all respondents had approved the revised document. JCI was ready to sign the contract and build. Remember, the blueprint plans and these specifications are tandem documentation. Together, they complete a set of plans and specifications.
Beam Me Up. The project progressed well. The owners visited the site every couple of weeks and were more excited with every visit. The framing was proceeding ahead of schedule. The home had quite a few exposed, architectural-grade Glu-lam beams speced to have a rough-sawn texture. They looked great and all parties agreed they really delivered the desired mountain lodge look. The Glu-lam framework that encompassed the entire view wall of the San Francisco Peaks was “exquisite” and “just what they envisioned,” said Mrs. Pita. “I can tell you right now that I can’t wait to be sitting here on my living room couch and every now and then glance up and gaze at those magnificent mountains through my glass and beam view wall,” she declared. “I think it turned out great,” smiled John. “Our carpenters really spent some time and effort fitting and mitering the beams so their assembly would be an architectural showpiece. When you come up for your next visit, we’ll have all of the fixed glazing installed, so you can really experience your window wall.”
The Pitas drove to Flagstaff the following weekend filled with the excitement of kids on Christmas morning. They couldn’t wait to see the finished, glazed view wall. After all, this was the main feature of the house. Nothing else was quite as important to them as that view of the famed snow-capped peaks.
As the Pitas parked their car, the interior designer walked toward them. “We’re here to see the view wall, and we’re so excited we can barely stand it,” Jean Pita said as she greeted the designer. The look on Hilary Heiger’s face concerned Jean. “What is it?” she asked. “I’m afraid that view window has too many beams and the glass panels are out of scale and too small for the framework!” Hilary said. “It’s just horrid!” “Whaaaaaat?” gasped Jean as she marched up toward the house with both hands covering her mouth.
The dam just broke. Everyone run for your lives!
The interior designer went on and on about the view wall, spewing comments such as, “You know the architect and builder really should have known better than to design and assemble such a despicable disservice to that magnificent view.” On and on she went, restating her opinion that the design was flawed.
John couldn’t believe what he was hearing. The owners loved that wall during design, planning review, and even when they saw the framed structure a week ago. Why, he wondered, had the designer planted the seed of discontent and initiated a problem where there was none?
“Do you know how you’ve upset my wife?” Mr. Pita stormed at the architect over the phone. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he responded.
Now that she had everyone’s attention, the interior designer had a solution. Remove two of the horizontal beam members from each vertical frame of columns and add larger pieces of glazing. “John, can you just cut out those beams?” she demanded. “Well, I doubt it, Hilary,” John said. “My glass subcontractor has a rule of thumb that any glass unit’s maximum size is 55 square feet. Anything larger than that is too heavy, develops thermal eddies between the glass panes, and could be a safety hazard if the glass were to ever break and fall into the living space. Even if a larger panel could overcome those obstacles, tempering the 120-square-foot units you’re requesting is not feasible or practical.” “Well I’ve seen glass panels larger than these many times in Phoenix. Your glass guy must be small potatoes if he can’t deliver what the owner wants,” the decorator shot back. Through experience, John knew it was time to stop talking and bring in additional support to document the facts, engineering possibilities, code limitations, and glass realities.
Epilogue. After careful scrutiny and the opinions of the glass panel manufacturer, a structural engineer, and the local building official, it was determined to “leave the framing and glass units as originally designed.” The horizontal beam work was not in anyone’s line of sight, sitting or standing, and as the head building inspector noted, “Those horizontal beams add beauty and stability, along with safety.” The Pitas thanked the assembled review team and then alone with John, apologized for all of the dust, confusion, and name-calling. “That’s OK,” responded John, “We’re just glad the project is back on track.”
The combined effort and time required to resolve this issue resulted in billings of more than $10,000. Mr. and Mrs. Pita confronted the interior designer with a suggestion that she pony up for half of those expenses. She declined and was dismissed from the project. John declined any additional payment from the Pitas. “All part of my services.” he said.
Dennis A. Dixon is an author, contractor, and speaker with 23 years of experience in the building industry. He can be reached at dixven@aol.com.
