Contractors should provide secure, on-site storage and protection for building materials. Also, they should pay attention to how materials are used and keep a running inventory. Remember, weather can do as much damage to materials as vandals and thieves. Once materials are on site, a good contractor will monitor them against damage by weather or workers. The remaining 97 to 99 years in the life of the 100-year school are in the hands of the maintenance team.
Proper maintenance begins the day the school is completed and ends only when it is demolished.
When new buildings are completed, contractors should supply accurate, detailed records of the project. Construction drawings and details can prove invaluable in facilitating future maintenance of the facility. Contractors also should provide detailed, easily understood manuals for properly maintaining the building and its facilities. A basic maintenance program should encompass interior and exterior finishes, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, and weather-tightness, including roofing and caulking. David Toner goes a step further and requires his construction managers to provide videos on how the HVAC and other important systems work, as well as instructional videos on how to start up and maintain the facilities they've built.