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Construction committee trims planned window-testing program after cost debate
Summary
After lengthy debate over a $68,000 window-installation testing request, the committee voted to reduce sampling to three tests per school (roughly $34,000) as a compromise between quality assurance and cost control.
The Warwick Capital Construction Committee voted to reduce planned window-installation testing after members questioned the $68,000 price tag for a 12-sample program across two schools.
Mr. Bates, who introduced the change-order request for third-party commissioning and testing, said the tests measure air and water infiltration around installed glazing and are intended to verify field installation — not factory performance. He told the committee such testing is standard practice to catch installation problems before hundreds of windows are installed.
Several members pushed back on cost. One member said the windows are already factory-tested and that contractors carry responsibility for installation repairs; others answered that without sampling the installation, the district risks costly remediation and negative public optics if failures appear after occupancy.
To balance those concerns the committee agreed to cut the sampling in half and then further amend the motion: a committee member moved to revise the testing to three samples per school (roughly $34,000). The motion was seconded by Miss Kore. The motion carried with one member recorded as opposed.
The committee noted the cost will be charged to the project commissioning budget and not contingency, and that the commissioning agent can complete testing rather than hiring an outside testing agency to avoid schedule delay. Members also discussed options to reduce samples or phase tests to limit near-term spending.
The committee’s action amends the pending change order for window testing; staff were instructed to implement the revised testing schedule and return any detailed documentation to the committee as needed.
