Decision support model for semi-automated selection of renovation alternatives

The initiation of a renovation project usually involves a long process of contemplation under conditions of high uncertainty. Large organizations, that own many buildings and other facilities, can greatly benefit from a decision-support model, which can be transformed to a computerized semi-automatic tool. It will aid them develop and execute a reasonable and economical policy of rehabilitating, renovating, remodeling, or rebuilding their facilities. This paper presents a systematic four-module decision support model: (a) Preliminary survey of background conditions; (b) Evaluation and ranking of the facility's physical condition; (c) Generation of viable alternatives for rehabilitation, renovation, or reconstruction; and (d) Quantitative techno-economic comparison among the alternatives, and systematic presentation of recommendations. The paper concludes with a demonstrative example, concerning the renovation of a 25-year-old dining facility, that highlights both the practicality of the model and the benefits from utilizing it.