Third-Party Building Enclosure Design Review – FAQs

A third-party design review is an independent evaluation of building enclosure drawings, specifications, and details to identify potential performance, coordination, and constructability concerns before construction.

Design reviews can identify incomplete waterproofing details, discontinuous air barriers, inadequate flashing, material compatibility concerns, and poorly coordinated transitions that may contribute to water intrusion, air leakage, or premature deterioration.

Ideally, reviews begin during design development, when materials, systems, and details can still be refined. Reviews during the construction document phase can also help identify unresolved concerns before bidding or construction.

Reviewers examine the continuity of waterproofing and air barrier systems at critical interfaces, including roof-to-wall connections, window perimeters, penetrations, expansion joints, and changes in exterior wall assemblies. The review considers drainage, flashing, material compatibility, and coordination between adjoining systems.

Learn more about ABB’s Building Enclosure Consulting services.

Depending on the project, reviews may address roofing systems, exterior façades, curtain wall and glazing systems, below-grade waterproofing, and air barriers. Particular attention is given to interfaces between assemblies, where incomplete detailing or coordination can contribute to building performance problems.

A third-party design review focuses on evaluating drawings, specifications, and construction details for potential performance and constructability concerns. Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is a broader process that may include design reviews, construction observations, performance testing, and documentation to evaluate building enclosure performance against established project requirements.

ABB has provided building enclosure design review and consulting services for projects involving complex exterior wall assemblies, roofing, waterproofing, and glazing systems.

Hillsboro Data Center – Oregon

ABB provided building enclosure peer review and limited construction-phase consulting for a new data center. The scope included construction document review and on-site mockups for a building incorporating insulated precast panels, composite metal panels, and curtain wall glazing systems.

Rosewood Miramar Beach – California

ABB provided peer review, design consultation, and construction-phase services involving roofing, siding, glazing, balconies, and below-grade waterproofing. The scope included consulting on building enclosure system selection and construction administration.