Convincing your Boss
Convincing your Boss
(OP)
So here is the problem I have today. I am a Mechanical Engineer with about 5 years experience working for a consulting firm. Recently I oversaw the drawing for a installation of the HVAC Duct and fittings for a customer. We brought in a outside consultant to perform the calcs. as I nor anyone else at our office specializes in HVAC. Other than moving around a few ducts or installing a fan or two this was my first HVAC project ever.
Now a new project comes down the pipe and they have asked me to go onsite to look at the HVAC system. I am worried that I will be asked to do this project on my own. It looks to be about a ~$500,000 project with replacement of multiple Air Handlers and Chiller units.
What are the things I should bring up to the Boss after this visit to convince him that we will need a HVAC Specialist to Design this system properly.
thanks for the suggestions,
dave
Now a new project comes down the pipe and they have asked me to go onsite to look at the HVAC system. I am worried that I will be asked to do this project on my own. It looks to be about a ~$500,000 project with replacement of multiple Air Handlers and Chiller units.
What are the things I should bring up to the Boss after this visit to convince him that we will need a HVAC Specialist to Design this system properly.
thanks for the suggestions,
dave





RE: Convincing your Boss
I hope it's not your stamp going on the drawings.
I've got an idea. Why don't you get the outside HVAC guy to your type of engineering and see how that goes.
RE: Convincing your Boss
My plan is to present him with precise reasons why I am unable to do the work rather than a "I don't know HVAC." response.
RE: Convincing your Boss
Just be simple and straight forward. Tell him that the scope is outside of your expertise and that you will need outside support to complete the project. Sell him on the fact that you will be working with someone who is experienced in this aspect of work and that you will be able to gain valuable experience so the next time something like this comes down the pipe you and now his firm will have the necessary expertise in house.
There is nothing more dangerous than an ignorant-incompetent. That is someone who doesn't know what they don't know. At least you have an idea of what it is that you don't know.
RE: Convincing your Boss
And that is the basis of the problem. With much of the stuff we do here (heavy industrial) there are a couple of people that are quite familiar with the different Industries/Specialties. With HVAC we don't have anyone. So there isn't really anyone to look over my work.
I don't mind using the "I don't know HVAC" but the boss is the owner and a fairly tough character and good engineer. So I know I need my arguments solid if I have any hope of getting this to go my way.
Well I will be on-site tomorrow, I will give an update of my HVAC Adventure then and maybe a clearer picture of the requirements.
RE: Convincing your Boss
The internet is brimming with good material on HVAC. You can't ever stop learning! Good luck!
RE: Convincing your Boss
Unfortunately, he had already signed the contract and I had to do it. It was a simple project about lime feeding pipes failing, the HamerTek elbows solved the problem.
I suggest that you approach him with an "in-your face attitude" and he will understand quickly. He is a business man, he will understand liability.
What he needs is a moonlighter for this job.
RE: Convincing your Boss
Take the "V" out of HVAC and you are left with a HAC(k) job.
RE: Convincing your Boss
RE: Convincing your Boss
Next day, go the boss with your papers and say:" I don't understand ANY of this and we'll get sued if I have to do it."
RE: Convincing your Boss