Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
No, I can’t guarantee that the completed building will match predicted performance. Outside environmental factors are ultimately unpredictable and will effect heating and cooling loads. Also, models are not perfect representations of real-life buildings, and there could be small changes in construction and design.
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
No, you shouldn’t always choose the setting with the absolute lowest predicted energy use. There are other factors to consider when choosing settings for a building, such as lifespan, up-front cost, maintenance costs, safety, and human comfort. These other factors should also have an impact on the decision.
How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?
How can designers improve their designs using the information provided by preliminary estimates of the cost of building their design ideas?
Designers should take cost under consideration when designing their buildings. If a building is expected to go overbudget, the designer can test the implications of changing the material and decide the best way to lower the cost of construction.