Do I Really Need To Hire a Commissioning Agent?

This question that comes up a lot. After all, what does a commissioning agent really do and why to do I need to hire one? Let's start with what a commissioning agent does (Cx is a common abbreviation for commissioning). 

A Cx agent is a 3rd party person or company who is hired to ensure that that project requirements are met. I'm going to pause here and talk briefly about what it means to be 3rd party.

3rd party means they CANNOT:

1. Work for the installing contractor (such as a mechanical or electrical contractor)

They SHOULD NOT:

1. Work for anyone who contributed to the design of the project
2. Work for the General Contractor in any capacity

This means the contract SHOULD be held by the Owner so there is no conflict of interest from any of the above. They could technically work for the designer or the GC, however it does create a conflict and should be avoided.

What does a Cx agent do?

Their job is to make sure that:

4. The Owner's Project Requirements are met
5. Installation is functioning properly, all systems are working together as intended
6. Installation is per design document 
7. Verify that HVAC and electrical testing is performed and documented properly
8. Cx agents can do much more to assist the Owner in ensuring they are getting the most for their money

I hired good designers and contractors, so I don't need to spend the money on this, right?

You still need a Cx agent! Why? You can design the perfect building, the perfect system and install it perfectly (and come on, we all know that never happens), and you will still have issues getting everything to play well together and function as intended. Even if equipment is specified and installed properly, that does not mean it is functioning properly.

Skipping this vital step can mean months or years spent chasing problems in your facility, and spending millions of dollars on wasted water, energy and fuel in your facility.