Aloha!

 

Profile 2
  Lance Luke 

Welcome back. We have been busy as a construction manager serving the community and working on many different projects including asphalt resurfacing, spalling repair, painting, waterproofing, roofing, cast iron pipe replacement, structural wood repair, solar PV system installation and soil stabilization for a subdivision.

Hurricane season is here and we have a timely article about

things to check after heavy wind or rain. And we have included our Construction Experts article to help when hiring a construction expert.

Please continue to call us if you need more information. Talk to you soon.

 


Helpful Tips for the Property Management  
Industry From Construction Management Inspection, LLC

Backflow Preventer

I. For Possible Emergency Situations

     

I. Know the location of the following:

  1. Gas shut-off valves.
  2. Water main, meter and main shut-off valves.
  3. Electrical main service disconnect and all sub-mains and panels.
  4. Drain cleanouts.
  5. Fire extinguishers and fire hose boxes - all locations.

II. For Property Maintenance

 

The following items should be inspected at intervals per industry standards and the owner's manual:

 

Elevators - should be serviced yearly, emergency telephone also checked.

Emergency Generator - serviced yearly.

Air-Conditioning - system should be services yearly.

Drains - inspect for restricted water flow and leaks.

Fire & Safety Systems - fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced yearly.

Fire alarm systems should be tested yearly.

Water Heaters/Booster Pumps - serviced yearly.

 

III. For Preventive Maintenance

 

Roof - should be inspected twice a year including flashing, vents etc. Also, inspect skylights and building exterior windows for leaks.

Elevator - serviced per warranty manual.

A/C - serviced per warranty manual, filters changed, drip pans inspected.

Ventilation fans - serviced per instruction manual.

Emergency generator - serviced per warranty manual.

 

After heavy rain or wind, check the following areas:

 

Roof - check for loose or torn roofing material, damaged flashings, etc.

Grade condition -check for any change in grades, shifting of topsoil and gravel.

Windows - check for cracked glass, damaged and/worn sealants.

Areas exposed to weather - check for ponding of water and damaged walls and columns.

Landscaping - check for damaged tree branches, uprooted trees and bushes and damaged ground cover.

 

 


CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS 

 

Hiring the Right Expert Can Make or Break a Capital Improvement Project:

 

        1.   An effective team of experts working together facilitates a smoother project

 

Agreement Between Owner and Expert Consultant Should:

  1. Define the scope of work;estimate the time required, and the range of anticipated  
    consultant costs.
  2. Allow for deviation in the work, which may change upon notice from Owner.
  3. Provide for a method to bill the client.

Locating the Right Expert 

The"RightExpert"Needs to Have Good Credentials and References:

  1. Construction Managers and experienced Property Managers often know the names of experts used for construction projects.
  2. The expert belongs to professional association for each field of expertise.
  3. The expert belongs to local and national home inspection and construction associations.  

Objectives for an investigation by Experts

  1. Identify nature and extent of issue
  2. Determine possible causes of the problem by

a) Reviewing original design and construction documents

b) Examining the building codes

c) Reviewing repair receipts and maintenance records

d) Inspection of the Subject Property

e) Interviewing property managers, resident/site managers, building maintenance crews, third party maintenance vendor,etc.

 


LIST OF EXPERTS TYPICALLY RETAINED 

Home Inspectors, Construction Consultants, and Termite Inspectors

Typical  Building  Components:

1. Foundation
2. Lot Grade/Drainage
3. Structure
4. Roof
5. Plumbing Systems
6. Mechanical  Systems
7. Electrical Systems
8. Termite Damaged Areas
9. Other Components

Architects

1. Exterior and interior building envelope
2. Waterproof integrity of the structure
3. Roofs
4. Exterior Finishes
5. Interior Finishes
6. Below grade waterproofing

Soils Engineers


Analysis of the Ground Conditions, Landslides and Ground Water
1. Geotechnical engineer
2. Geologist
3. Hydrologist

Structural Engineers

1. Load-carrying systems, structural integrity of the building
2. Repair design for soil problems from parameters developed by a soils engineer
3. Repair design caused by termite damage, wood rot, drainage/soil conditions,
    water infiltration and concrete spalling

Civil Engineer

1. Site grading, drainage and retaining walls
2. Development of topographic surveys
3. Utilities such as water and sewer

Landscape Architect

1. Landscaping
2. Irrigation
3. Drainage

Mechanical  Engineer

1. Heating
2. Ventilating
3. Air Conditioning
4. Plumbing (supply and wastewater)

Electrical Engineer

1. Electrical Systems and Distribution
2. Electrical devices i.e.: outlets, switches, etc.

Cost Estimator

1. Development of cost estimates
2. Costs based on repair recommendations

Specialty  Consultants

1. Corrosion engineers
2. Acoustic engineers
3. Materials specialists
4. Testing engineers and companies
5. Roofing and windows consultants
6. Structural
7. Pest control and wood specialists
8. EIFS consultants
9. Environmental consultants for asbestos, lead based paint and toxic mold
10.Painting and wall covering consultants

Typical Services Experts Perform

1. Consult with clients and client's agents
2. Perform field investigations (inspection reports, photos, etc.)
3. Review related documents
4. Research technical literature
5. Prepare   report/repair/recommendations
6. Prepare for, attend and construction progress meetings
7. Other. assignments assigned by the Association
8. Meet and interface with the cost and repair expert and other experts
    (termite inspector, contractor,  etc..)  



For help in determining what type of expert to talk to, contact Lance Luke of Construction Management Inspection, LLC at 422-2132 or [email protected]