Blair House is the combination of the original home and three other handsome townhouses. While they appear from the outside to be independent of one another, the four homes are connected internally. Together, the complex is larger than the White House, with 119 rooms and total area of 70,000 square feet. There are 14 guest bedrooms, eight staff bedrooms, 35 bathrooms, four dining rooms, kitchen facilities, laundry and dry cleaning facilities, an exercise room, a flower shop, and a fully equipped hair salon. Blair House, or the President’s Guest House, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to Chiefs of State and heads of government visiting the President on Official business.

GSA contracted Setty & Associates, Ltd. (S&A), to conduct a Feasibility Study of the Blair House on a time sensitive schedule due to inaugural requirements in 2009. Assembling a team of Architects, Engineers and testing personnel to conduct services and analyze the issues relating to the Blair House and its usage, code conformance and probable remedies for the deficiencies were necessary elements of the study. With particular interest in HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical, S&A managed the effort below:

• A complete and thorough visual inspection of the entire Blair House site
• Preparation of a Building Evaluation Report based on the site inspections and research of data, consisting of deficiencies found in the building condition, operating efficiency or appearance of the building, the building systems and all occupied space.
• Cost estimates provided in RS Means cost data
• BER and Feasibility Report reviewed by DOS for buildings’ suitability to be occupied by foreign dignitaries whenever required.
• The following tests were part of the scope of services provided:

• Ground Penetrating Radar Survey
• Shearography Inspection
• Water Quality Assessment
• Potential Asbestos-Containing Building Material
• Moisture and Humidity Evaluation
• Water and Sanitary Piping Evaluation

As proud providers of design engineering services for our nation’s government, S&A has 25 years of professional experience working with federal agencies throughout the country. We have successfully designed innovative solutions for additions, renovations, re-use, and retrofit projects for many federal agencies. Our familiarity with multi-building complexes results in the design of cost-effective building systems, lower utility bills, and reduced operating costs for our federal government and their tenants.