May is Deck Safety Month

There are over 40 million commercial and residential decks in the US that are more than 20 years old, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA).  Many of those decks and railings, both older and newer, are poorly built and unsafe from the day they are built.

A lot of older decks and railings were built before there were building code requirements in place. Others have been built in areas that have no local code process. And then there are the decks that have been built by those that shouldn’t be trusted with hammer and saw.

That makes it important for you to have your decks inspected.

How Safe Is Your Deck?

How would you answer the following questions?

• How old is your deck?
• Does your deck move when you walk on it?
• Do you tell your guests not to lean on the railings?
• When was the last time you had your deck inspected?

Deck and Railing Failures

A deck normally lasts about 15 years without larger scale repairs. But the things that cause deck failures can fail long before that.

Reasons for a deck collapsing can range from age of the deck to poor maintenance to exceeding load capacity due to improper construction methods.

The number of deck, and/or railing failures, and the resulting injuries has been increasing. When a deck failure occurs more than 75 percent of the people on a deck are injured or killed.

Main Causes Of Deck Failures

• Improper building methods
• Improper connections
• Corroded hardware
• Wood rot

Deck Failures Can Be Avoided

Have your deck inspected by a professional building inspector.  “A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information on your deck’s capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule,” says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA.

Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers.  If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected by a professional  inspector.

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Window wells without covers. We see this everywhere we go. No one thinks about them much until they are trying to figure out a why their basement is wet, and sometimes not even then. Window wells are like having a drain right next to the basement wall.

So, the next time you walk by an open window well think about these points:

• Window wells that are left uncovered collect rain and snow…like  tiny swimming pools right next to your house.
• They also tend to contain a lot of debris such as leaves. The leaves trap and hold the water next to the home.
• Many times the area inside the window well is sloped towards the home. The water trapped in the window well is then directed toward the foundation.
• The bigger the window well the bigger the problem.

How can you help prevent moisture problems near basement windows?

Plastic window well covers.

Simple, inexpensive, and easy to install. They work on both older and newer homes. Installing a cover is a basic and cost effective preventive maintenance item for your home.

On homes with basement emergency egress windows a supplemental drain should be installed in the window well and connected to the drain tile system.

Window well covers can be purchased that are made for large window wells and meet egress requirements.

These same type of solutions can also be applied or modified for commercial building applications.

Please keep in mind that basement moisture intrusion can be caused by many things and this is just one possible solution. Your situation may have multiple causes and solutions.

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The Construction Client Knowledge Gap – Part 3

Most people that are building or remodeling don’t know enough about construction and contracting to make sure they are getting their money’s worth and that the job is being done well. And why would you? It’s not like you do this every day!

And that’s a good chunk of why the whole process is scary and overwhelming. You’re a stranger in a strange land without a map.

That’s why you hire a contractor, someone who does this type of stuff for a living.

(By the way… we’re continuing from where we left off in with the last post. If you missed the previous posts you can find them here  and here.)

So, why doesn’t the contractor know everything about the project you hired them for? You’ve asked questions, lots of them…but you still don’t feel like you know anything. Or maybe you feel like you’re getting the run around, especially if you been having problems.

It’s unfortunate that many contractors and trades people don’t know enough about what they do, or what each other actually does (or doesn’t do) to consistently deliver a well built project.

Why doesn’t the contractor know about the processes and equipment the subcontractors and other trades are using? Or, more importantly, why doesn’t the contractor know about the processes that aren’t being followed and the different equipment they don’t seem to really understand?

A lot of these questions and answers are things for future posts.

And before someone goes off on me and screams that not all contractors are alike – I know that. I work with many of the good ones. There are actually many good ones out there. But, there are a lot of bad ones out there (you know who you are). And there are a lot a bad ones that don’t know that their bad.

But, it isn’t about whether I know if a contractor is good or bad, or if the contractor knows it – it’s about whether or not you know it. You – the contractors’ client.

So here’s a question for someone currently involved in a construction project that you’re not happy with…When it turns out that the professional you’ve hired isn’t one – what do you do?

This post isn’t meant to be anything about how to pick your contractor. There’s tons of info on the web about how to do that. This post is about awareness, about opening your eyes to the reality of what you are doing. It’s about knowing that there are answers to your questions. It’s about knowing that there is unbiased help out there. It’s about being able to pro-actively protect your interests.

If you’re in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area and would like help with your construction issues and construction defects please give us a call at 888-260-6832.

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Just because something is “new” or is being built by professionals doesn’t guarantee that there aren’t going to be problems with your construction project. Those problems could be with either people doing the work or with the quality of the work itself.

For those of you just joining our discussion about protecting your own interests when building, it started here: The Construction Client Knowledge Gap – Part I

Not only are you turning your dreams, expectations, and financial well-being over to people you don’t know. You’re entering an area where you don’t have the knowledge to be secure in what you are doing.

Everywhere you turn you’re flooded with information. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle, only you don’t have the picture on the box to help you. It can be frustrating!

So how do you put all the pieces of the puzzle together so that you get what you paid for?

At some point most people will tend to seek out the help of a contractor. You’ve also researched and talked to friends and co-workers. You’ve talked to several contractors and trades people. And now you have a whole bunch of differing opinions and advice. So how do you separate the good information from the bad?

Why does one company suggest an idea you like and another company makes you feel like an idiot for even thinking about doing it that way?

Or, because you’ve done your research, you want to make sure the HVAC contractor is using the right method to properly size the new heating and cooling system. How would you like to discuss this with your contractor and be told “No, we don’t do it that way here.”

Aren’t you the client? Why wouldn’t someone like to do a better job for you?

Think about it… In the example above, you were just flat out told that they are not going to do a good job for you. Yet you are still thinking to yourself that they are the professional and they know what they are doing.

You know better, but you hire them anyway? What kind of thinking is that?

And you really don’t think there will be any problems with your construction project? They already told you they do it wrong!

Maybe you should be asking yourself this… Why you would want to hire, or work with someone, that deliberately refuses to help you?

Missed Part 1 and want to get up to speed? …you can find it here:

The Construction Client Knowledge Gap – Part I

This post isn’t meant to be anything about how to pick your contractor. There’s tons of info on the web about how to do that. This post is about awareness, about opening your eyes to the reality of what you are doing. It’s about knowing that there are answers to your questions. It’s about knowing that there is unbiased help out there. It’s about being able to pro-actively protect your interests.

Related posts:

1. The Construction Client Knowledge Gap – Part I Once you’ve made the decision to build or renovate a...

Once you’ve made the decision to build or renovate a building, whether it’s your business or your home, it can be a scary and frustrating undertaking.

If you’re doing this now, or getting ready to, how many of these thoughts have you had…

• “I don’t know anything about buildings or construction and I’m afraid of being taken advantage of.”
• “I don’t even know if the project I want to do is really possible or affordable…”
• “How will I know if it’s built right?”
• “I don’t want to get ripped off …”
• “How can I know what this is going to cost if nobody gives me a firm price?”
• “I’m scared of ending up with something I’m not happy with.”
• “I’m getting so many different opinions”
• “Who can I trust?”
• “How will I know if there are problems?”

Does that sound like you?

Have you gotten any answers that really satisfied you? …  Has anything eased your worries?

This whole crazy thing is turning out to be frustrating, confusing, and is way outside of your comfort zone.

But, you really want to do the project. So the next thing your mind will do is provide you with some “comforting” thoughts.  These are the doubter’s doubts, and they will fill your head as you try to rationalize your fears. You are second guessing your second guesses.

You can actually trick yourself into thinking that you shouldn’t be having those negative thoughts or that your questions and fears don’t need to be addressed.

Wow! Two minutes ago you weren’t sure and now you’ve just justified going ahead with the project even though none of your questions were answered and you still have doubts.

It’s a game you’ll play over and over in your head until you get answers or you ignore your concerns and better judgment.

Mind Reading???

Don’t stop reading, run to the kitchen, and make a tin foil hat… I’m not reading your mind, even though it may seem like it.

It’s simply that you’re not the only one going through this. It just seems that way because you haven’t gotten the help and information you need to be comfortable with what you want to do.

Don’t think you are just being “paranoid” and sideline your questions and fears just because you’ve rationalized that people do this every day and don’t have construction problems or problems with their contractor.

Wrong – the problems are there…you just don’t know about them.

Your concerns are real.

…

Congratulations! If you’re still reading then you’ve determined that you can, and you need to, protect your own interests when building or renovating. Realization is the first step!

This is the first post in series about being able to pro-actively protect your interests when you build new or renovate. It isn’t meant to be about how to pick your contractor. There’s tons of info on the web about how to do that. These posts are about awareness, about opening your eyes to the reality of what you are doing. It’s about knowing that there really are answers to your questions. It’s about knowing that there is unbiased help out there.

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As we all try to be a little greener, conserve water, become more environmentally aware, or just want to save money on our utility bills, there are many ways to do this. And so much information on the web to help you.

But if you live in Sioux Falls, SD there are a couple of programs that are not very well known and deserve some attention. If you are a city of Sioux Falls water customer be sure and check the links below for help with water conservation.

PLUMBING RETROFIT REBATE PROGRAMS

Sioux Falls Public Works offers rebate programs for replacement irrigation timers, clothes washers, and toilets.

http://www.siouxfalls.org/public-works/water-conservation/rebates.aspx

WATER CONSERVATION KIT

http://www.siouxfalls.org/public-works/water-conservation/kit.aspx

The kit includes:

• Low Flow Showerhead
• Hose Nozzle
• Lawn Watering Gauge
• Leak Detection Tablets
• “Water Wheel” with indoor and outdoor watering conservation tips
• General Information on water conservation and lawn watering techniques

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What he said got me to thinking. Sure, as a building consultant I don’t have a high adventure job like those guys that fight wild fires or an international spy. But, as far as glamour goes, I guess it depends on how you look at it.

Like most things, its a matter of perspective.

So how does any of this sound?…

• Working with new science, new frontiers, learning and exploring things in ways that people have not done before.
• Using existing science in new applications.
• Building better buildings. Designing better buildings.
• Making buildings better for the people who use them. Healthier, safer, and more comfortable and energy efficient.
• Solving building problems that affect peoples comfort, health, and safety.

None of those things sound too bad, do they? I get to do those things everyday.

I suppose it may not be high action and adventure; although I’m pretty sure it fits the bill for high technical adventure.

Building Science – maybe not “glamorous” – but it’s still pretty cool.

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Listening. We’re told to listen as children. As we grow older we find out it’s more of a skill than just something to do. In business it turns out to be the one thing we can always do, but often choose not to. Especially when we’re selling something.

The last two people that called me had several things in common:

• They both had building problems that had yet to be fixed.
• They both had gone through multiple contractors and repairs.
• They both had spent a lot of money and time trying to get their problems resolved.

The most important thing they had in common:

• Months later they both still had the same problems with their buildings.

So how does listening fit into today’s post?

When I asked those two building owners why they thought they still had problems they both said it was because the people they’d hired to fix their problems did not listen.

None of the previous companies they’d hired to help them actually took the time to find out what was actually happening to them and their buildings. (Read our post  Hammers and Nails to see this from a different angle.)

All the contractors, tradespeople, and others they had called for help; all of those people had been focused on selling. They were so focused on getting the job that they didn’t bother to make sure that what they were selling could actually help.

Those other companies should have been more focused on helping. That change in focus from selling to wanting to help someone; that would have allowed them to listen.

Companies need to sell, that’s how business survives. But, what if what you’re selling can’t help your client, or isn’t really what a client needs?

By the time I start working with a lot of my clients they are frustrated, and even angry, because of the problems they are experiencing and the quality of help they received when they tried to fix them.

I spend a lot of time listening. Because you can’t diagnose a problem without talking and listening to the people with the problem.

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Over the last year we’ve worked with many contractors on job related disputes and construction defect related issues. Some of these relationships began as proactive communication by the contractor to prevent or control a situation, others have been a reaction to client complaints.

There’s typically a pattern to these types of issues that can be recognized and changed for each contractor. Not only is there a pattern, but there are also specific things that many conflicts have in common at their bottom line.

A good part of construction dispute prevention starts by having, implementing, and using, a set of proper business procedures tailored to your company and the type of work you do.

Angela Goldman, a litigation attorney out of Massachusetts, has provided a very helpful post on her Massachusetts Builders Blog. No matter where you are located, read 10 New Years Resolutions for Contractors

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Many people think that building maintenance is only about fixing broken things, but there’s a whole lot more to maintaining a property than meets the eye. Every building owner needs to know about the four types of building maintenance outlined here.

1. Preventative Maintenance

This maintenance is focused on preserving the physical integrity and value of the property. By following a preventative maintenance routine you can reduce corrective maintenance costs.

Preventative maintenance consists of regular maintenance activities and routine inspections that are done to prevent problems with your building and to help prevent costly repairs in the future. It’s always cheaper to fix problems when they’re still small and preventable!

2. Routine Maintenance

This is the most frequently done activity of all and is done by performing routine and scheduled maintenance of the property.  Changing equipment filters, cleaning gutters, removing debris from roof drains, caulking, office cleaning, window cleaning and repairs, and parking lot care are just a few of the many items that require scheduled maintenance.

3. Corrective Maintenance

These are actual repairs that keep the property functioning normally and usually need to be done as soon as possible. The repairs are usually done in response to something breaking or not working properly anymore. This type of maintenance includes replacing a broken air conditioning unit, fixing a dripping faucet, unclogging drains, replacing light bulbs, or repairing a non-functioning toilet.

Don't Let This Happen To Your Building

4. Deferred Maintenance

This is what happens when the other types of maintenance are not performed. This is the maintenance that isn’t really maintenance at all! It’s the repairs, replacements, and improvements that should’ve been done but weren’t. Now they’ve become larger problems with larger repair costs. These items are oftentimes the most expensive to fix and many times they could’ve been taken care of at far less expense, if they had been fixed when first noticed.

Deferred maintenance has been called “the controlled self-destruction of your property” and it should be pretty obvious that you want to avoid deferred maintenance as much as possible!

What condition do you think your building is in?

Do you need someone to help you figure out your buildings maintenance and repair needs? Click here for more information on building maintenance inspections and the benefits of proper maintenance.

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1. 3 Easy Things Building Owners Can Do To Save Money In today’s disposable economy there are still things that aren’t...