KNOW THE FAQs
There are several ways to get started. First, we created a form on this website with a few basic project questions. Someone will contact you within 24 hours during the work week to talk about your project. The other option is to call our team. M-F 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST. We are happy to talk to you and learn how we can help. After we talk, we will work to define a timeline for proposal based on your needs.
Before even writing a proposal, we want to learn about you and your project needs. That way, we can provide the right solution and our best possible price. To start that conversation, please fill out our web form or call our office.
We are headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky with access to three major interstates and an international airport to get us to your project quickly.
At Paladin, we work to accomplish amazing amounts of work in an excellent way. We also have an environment of respect. Whether that’s our generous health plans or our quarterly individual financial planning sessions, your success in your personal goals makes our success as a company complete.
Paladin and Paladin DTS are sibling companies. Each has it’s unique structure and goals, but with the same ownership and desire to support the construction industry with value-added services.
Our favorite definition of commissioning comes from the Building Commissioning Association (www.bcxa.org). A quality-focused process for enhancing the delivery of a project and includes verifying and documenting that the facility and its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained to meet the Owner’s Project Requirements.
What makes this definition our favorite is that: 1) there is a goal, 2) there is an incremental path to confirm those goals are achieved, and 3) there is the maintenance of those goals throughout the life of the building.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and a similar line of thinking can be applied to the value of commissioning. There are multiple levels cited by Owners: energy savings, risk avoidance, occupant comfort, operational savings, the longevity of equipment, avoided construction costs, avoided project delays, to name a few. Studies document these results: https://www.bcxa.org/knowledge-center/value-of-cx-project/
What we at Paladin work to do is understand the key pieces of value to the project – time, risk, people and money – and then develop our plans and strategies to measure and assure that those goals are protected throughout the project.
We tend to think of these as commissioning “slang.” They are not terms used by trade associations, but they are frequently used to describe what an intended scope of commissioning includes. We have seen the gamut of scopes of services included under each of these umbrellas. The general sense is that “commissioning light” and “commissioning fundamental” encompass construction phase commissioning tasks whereas “commissioning enhanced” adds design and possibly warranty phase tasks to the scope.
The goals of commissioning and the systems for commissioning go hand in hand. All systems are commissionable, the key is to select those that impact your project goals. Energy savings most important? Then, commission your HVAC and Electrical lighting systems. Concerned about humidity levels? Then, commission the envelope systems. At Paladin, we have commissioned traditional systems such as HVAC, controls, and building envelope and more unique systems such as rainwater collection, waste piping, and access controls.
There is a movement towards price-based commissioning selection (aka “bidding” commissioning). In our opinion, this is the least effective method of assuring your project goals are achieved. In essence, this approach tells a provider to spend the least amount of time possible verifying the essential goals of your project. It’s sort of like getting two for one eye surgery – is that really what you want?
That said, we get it. Budgets are tight and there are many competing elements. Our preferred recommendation is a qualifications-based selection with price negotiation. Your provider is selected based on fit, on recommendations, on the team. Then a period of appropriate scoping and pricing occurs prior to award. We have found this arrangement creates the most successful projects for a fair, market-based price.
The answer to this can be summarized as “fit.” We work in a growing industry with many qualified providers: experience, certification, professionalism, and process. Our trade associations work to define “qualified” with commissioning certifications. Great projects have a team that works well with the Owner. After all, the commissioning process is about achieving the Owner’s goals.
Many variables come into this answer: scope, system type, and density, schedule, methodology, among others. Because of this variability, it is wise to understand the elements of commissioning scope and pricing when making evaluations. Commissioning is a service, so the price reflects hours and experience level of personnel. Items such as meeting frequency, sampling rates, operational tools, etc. are just a few cost drivers that influence the cost.
Paladin uses engineering design to improve facilities. We have created process environments, improved operational efficiency, supported security designs, and tackled advanced controls environments.
Paladin and existing facilities are as natural a match as engineers and pocket protectors. We are in our element improving infrastructure and performance.
Paladin is licensed in Kentucky. Our PE’s have reciprocity in multiple states.
We enjoy working alongside Design-Build partners. Design-build provides great value to the Owner. We appreciate the collaboration and efficiency that proper design-build projects allow.
We understand the importance of protecting Net Operating Revenue. Working alongside Developer partners balancing first cost and operating cost decisions is an engineering challenge we meet enthusiastically.
Yes, Paladin does perform energy modeling. Comparative energy modeling is an excellent tool to evaluate systems, to quantify savings opportunities, and to begin calculations for operational costs. Our energy modeling is performed by licensed engineers to improve accuracy and quality of outputs.
Yes, Paladin performs LEED Administration services for projects pursuing certification. We applaud projects working to achieve recognition in this program and are strong USGBC advocates for the work they have done advancing the green building industry.
Yes. We believe that building automation systems are the keystone of successful projects. We support other firms as they work to construct new facilities and work with existing buildings to improve the operation of their existing systems.
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