In the contracts for the appropriate trades include the items from the checklist. Include a description of the type of sealing desired. Indicate by what point in the construction process the sealing shall be completed for each item. Attach a copy of the checklist as an addendum to the contract.

The decisions regarding the responsible trades have already been made and entered on the Air Sealing Checklist. It’s now relatively simple to extract an individual list for each of the subcontractors with sealing responsibilities.

After looking over the checklist you may want to refine the checklist by reassigning some tasks. Consider questions such as these:

• Are too many trades involved?
• Is a particular subcontractors doing only one or two things?
• Who should be responsible for providing the sealing materials?
• Will a particular sub do a good job?

An important issue to clarify with the subcontractors is at what point their sealing tasks should be completed. You want to avoid delays because the work of one sub isn’t finished in time.

For some items, more than one trade or subcontractor could be responsible for the sealing. The appropriate choice depends on your knowledge of the capabilities and costs of their subs and their crew members.

Air Sealing Specialists

Instead of dividing the air sealing tasks among subcontractors you might decide to hire a single air sealing subcontractor. Or you may decide to simply have your own crew take on the job, since there is usually a crew member on site even when the other subs are there. Assigning all tasks to the same person or crew has several advantages.

• They may be willing to invest in special tools and equipment, such as special sealants, blower doors, etc.
• They may have more experience and skill.
• Since air sealing is their primary job they should be more motivated to do a good job.
• One person or crew is responsible.

In addition to sealing tasks, the air sealing specialist is responsible for communicating with subcontractors.