6.2.2 Implementation

It is important to understand and to subscribe to the process and concepts of a preservation program before undertaking one. In fact, it is a requirement to effectively guide and manage a program. As an alternative to the potentially formidable expenses of using a consulting firm with a proprietary approach (and software), the advantages and disadvantages of using in-house professional staff should be carefully considered.

The advantages of using in-house professional staff include utilizing their extensive experience and knowledge, creating an in-house team that includes building users, identifying strengths and weaknesses of the program, establishing accountability and ownership of the initial effort, improving future management, limiting and defining consulting assistance, and realizing substantial savings.

The tasks involved in implementing a comprehensive building and facilities preservation program include:

• Instructing and training an in-house group;
• Selecting and developing software;
• Identifying and defining life cycles by component and subcomponent;
• Determining replacement costs;
• Evaluating conditions;
• Generating deterioration, current values, and condition-related costs;
• Developing projects, modeling improved conditions and current values;
• Adopting a capital plan with measurable results;
• Re-evaluating conditions and developing projects as necessary; and
• Maintaining an ongoing capital plan.

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