Jason Fosselman is one busy guy. As the project manager for award-winning multifamily developer Woodfield Investments, he’s involved in no fewer than “10 to 12 projects going on right now.” And not just any building projects, either.
“We’ve got podium slabs and two levels of wood frame above. We’ve got four-story buildings. We’ve got three-story walk-ups. We have townhomes. There’s two levels of podium concrete and then five levels of stick-built above it,” explains the project-juggling project manager.
But he’s not finished. Fosselman then describes several more mid- and high-rise projects for which he and his team are responsible.
Multifamily Success
The Virginia–based Woodfield works with suppliers on the design, construction, and property management sides to deliver and operate Class A apartment communities in Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern markets.
With so many moving parts, Fosselman relies heavily on his architects and general contractors (GCs) to deliver the goods. “I’m involved with every partner within Woodfield to help coordinate the project from design through delivery. Every partner likes to do their own thing. I’m there to make sure the project stays on track,” Fosselman says.
Fosselman stays out of the way on most specification matters, trusting the architects and GCs to make wise choices—with one notable and uncompromising exception.
Surprising Choice?
What’s the one building material toward which Woodfield tries to “… steer [the specifications writer] in the right direction and make sure we get the best product possible in our projects”?
Is it sheathing panels? windows? doors? joists? trusses? flooring? HVAC systems?
The answer may surprise some: It’s the commercial building wrap.
“We don’t hold our communities long term. We sell them, and usually to repeat customers. We can’t afford to sell a product that’s going to have issues in five or 10 years. We want our customers to keep coming back,” Fosselman says.
Installation Counts
Fosselman says his team works with a waterproofing consultant on every project. “His opinion matters a lot to us,” he says. “He’s a big proponent of a particular brand. I have no issues with that.”
As careful as Fosselman and his partners are about specifying a fail-safe commercial building wrap, they know performance pivots on installation. “At the end of the day, the installer will either make or break the product,” he says. “Frankly, I’ve never come across a product issue. Issues occur from installation or details that weren’t properly followed. Our biggest challenge is working with the sub base to get the details right.”
Non-Negotiable
And the multifamily developer’s commercial building wrap of choice?
“We feel very strongly about DuPont™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap® building wrap,” says Fosselman. “We insist on it. No exceptions.”
Why the steadfast devotion? Product quality is foremost, but having a DuPont™ Tyvek® Specialist who covers the project manager’s back on the jobsite factors in big too.
To learn more about DuPont™ Tyvek® CommercialWrap® building wrap, visit here.
