Restoration at Olive Ridge Housing

Seattle Housing Authority hired FSi to consult on the replacement/renovation of the water supply system in this 25 year old, 107-unit, senior and disabled housing building.

The existing domestic cold and hot water piping system was losing pressure and was experiencing some water discoloration. At FSi’s suggestion, SHA removed a sample of the piping for visual review. The sample pipe had considerable corrosion and obscuration. FSi studied the water system and researched a number of alternatives, including newer epoxy coating lining techniques. FSi’s report to SHA included cost estimates from six vendors/contractors to independently verify anticipated costs. SHA used the report to make a well-informed decision to replace (not reline) the drinking water piping at Olive Ridge as a prototype for several other similar facilities in the near future.

Following SHA’s decision to replace the piping at Olive Ridge, SHA hired FSi as the prime consultant to develop construction documents. FSi worked with SHA and an asbestos abatement sub consultant to address the asbestos issue while creating piping replacement documents. FSi worked closely with vendors and contractors to develop realistic construction cost estimates. Even during a volatile bid climate, the two lowest bidders were within $1,000 of each other on this $530,000 project, and 9% under FSi’s cost estimate.