1:30 - 2:45pm - Harmony A Ballroom

Session #2
Avoid Mistakes that Drain Capital Budgets

Refurbishing and upgrading multi-residential and social housing buildings isn’t just about replacing windows, repairing balconies, or modernizing building systems — it’s about protecting your asset, your budget, and your residents.

This practical and insight-driven session will walk you through the critical role architectural and engineering consultants play in procurement and contract/project management for refurbishment and capital upgrade projects.

From developing clear scopes of work and navigating RFPs, to evaluating bids, administering contracts, and overseeing construction in occupied buildings, you’ll learn how the right consultant helps ensure your projects are delivered with integrity, technical precision, regulatory compliance, and financial accountability.

We’ll explore:

• How to structure procurement documents that reduce risk and costly change orders
• Common pitfalls in renovation projects — and how to avoid them
• Managing upgrades in tenant-occupied buildings with minimal disruption
• Ensuring quality control and compliance from design through construction
• Protecting your long-term capital plan through smart project oversight

Whether you’re planning envelope repairs, mechanical upgrades, accessibility improvements, or full-scale modernization projects, this session will provide practical tools and real-world insights to help you renovate with confidence — and deliver results that stand the test of time.

Martin Gerskup, B.Arch. President

BEST Consultants Martin Gerskup Architect Inc.

Martin is one of the few Canadian Architects specializing in the theory and practice of Building Science. As an Investigative Architect he has spent the last 40 years carrying out research and detailed hands-on investigations in the field of Building Science and Technology with emphasis on the resolution of building envelope problems.

Mitchell Gerskup, P.Eng.

Partner & Vice President
BEST Consultants Martin Gerskup Architect Inc.

Mitchell is a Canadian Professional Engineer specializing in building science, building engineering, and restoration engineering. He has spent the last 20 years applying building science and engineering principles to investigate and repair existing buildings and structures, focusing on building envelope and structural issues.