General Contractors

The Role of General Contractors & Builders

General Contractors and builders are the project managers of the construction world. Their primary goals are to complete projects on time, within budget, and to the client's satisfaction. In the pursuit of these goals, IAQ-related issues can arise, often due to a variety of factors. A rushed timeline might lead to incomplete drying of building materials, creating a perfect environment for mold growth. A desire to cut costs might result in the use of materials with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A subcontractor's error—such as improperly sealed ductwork or an incorrectly installed ventilation system—can lead to chronic air quality problems. When these issues emerge, whether during or after construction, the GC or builder is ultimately responsible for finding a solution. This is where we come in, serving as a specialized resource to rectify these complex problems.

Collaboration, Conflict, and Credibility

Our work with GCs and builders can be both collaborative and, at times, contentious. They may hire us for proactive services like post-construction air duct cleaning or the installation of advanced systems such as Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and whole-house dehumidifiers to ensure a healthy living environment from day one. In these instances, our goals are aligned: to deliver a high-quality, high-performance building.

However, the dynamic shifts dramatically when we are brought in to address a liability issue. In these situations, our client may be the building owner, an insurance company, or even the occupants, not the GC themselves. The GC may view our investigation with suspicion, concerned that our findings will expose their liability or lead to expensive remediation that impacts their bottom line or reputation. It is in these moments that our role as impartial, scientific specialists is paramount. We must communicate clearly and professionally that our work is based on objective data and defensible building science principles. Our focus is not to assign blame, but to identify the root cause of the IAQ issue and propose the most effective solution. Whether that solution is an economical, non-invasive fix or a complex, expensive remediation, our recommendations are guided solely by the principles of what is necessary to restore a healthy indoor environment. By maintaining this professional integrity, we establish ourselves as credible partners who can be trusted to provide accurate assessments and effective, long-term solutions, even in the most challenging of circumstances.