VA hires the best A/E firms in the country and yet we experience repeated
errors and omissions on every project. These are not new or unusual
items, but they consistently get past A/E and VA quality assurance reviews
and result in construction change ord ers. Please review your project
documents and make sure you do not make these mistakes.
Architecture, Schematic Phase :
o Consider the prevailing winds and entry-vestibule orientation. Wind can make doors
almost impossible to open or frigid wind can blow deep into negatively pressured
buildings;
where trucks idle, and other exhaust vents. Patient windows and HVAC air intakes
should not be adjacent or down wind;
o Plan methods for cleaning windows and atrium glass, it should not be an afterthought;
o Do not locate high tech vibration sensitive equipment adjacent to heavy vibrating
equipment such as elevators, emergency generators, and air handlers;
o Do not locate heavy vibrating equipment directly above or adjacent to patient rooms;
o Consider equipment replacement process when locating mechanical and emergency
generator rooms;
o Provide sufficient space for HVAC equipment to be serviced, coordinate w/ HVAC
engineer;
o Stack electrical and telephone closets; and
o Do not locate plumbing fixtures directly above electrical or telephone rooms, pharmacy
vaults, etc.
AEQA 09-97
Facilities Management Office
Department of Veterans Affairs
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