Helping Condominium Owners Identify Maintenance Concerns That Could Lead to Property Damage

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian outlines essential maintenance questions condominium owners should ask to prevent property damage.

Water damage repair can be very costly, time-consuming, and disruptive. The implementation of prevention measures is worth the time and effort for the condo owner.

The owner of a condominium needs to be aware of the condition of the building and any vulnerabilities that could eventually result in costly repairs, such as water damage repairs, which can be thousands of dollars. The lack of proper maintenance could also undermine structural integrity.

By obtaining answers to strategic questions, the owner and the residents achieve a clearer understanding of the overall condition of the property. Owners can plan and prepare for future building maintenance needs. These questions can also be directed to the maintenance staff and structural engineers overseeing the structure.

Routine Maintenance and Building Inspections

Regular maintenance and scheduled facility inspections are the foundation of any effort to sustain a comfortable, safe living experience in the building. These questions seek to assess the performance quality of maintenance and inspection protocols.

1. What is the routine, scheduled building maintenance, and inspection plan?

The plan should include structural integrity, electrical safety, and plumbing concerns. The maintenance and inspection should be intentional and intensive. Timing is crucial. Each seasonal change should trigger inspections and building maintenance appropriate to the challenges of the season, be it heat, cold, drought, or prolonged periods of rain. A forecast of any potentially dangerous severe weather such as a tropical storm, hurricane, or severe cold snap calls for preparation, heightened awareness of structural vulnerabilities, an evaluation of safety measures, and a review of commercial water damage restoration options.

2. What are the vulnerable areas of the building?

The identification of key vulnerabilities can inform and improve the inspection and maintenance plan. Some potential structural features include exterior walls, windows, roofs, doors, balconies, and landscaping. This list is illustrative and not comprehensive.

3. What steps should be taken if a water leak and water damage are discovered during the performance of routine maintenance or scheduled inspections?

• Identify the source of the water intrusion and its travel path in the building.
• Make mitigation and restoration a priority.
• Secure the services of a licensed and insured water damage restoration company to extract the water, carry out applied structural drying techniques to bring moisture content to accepted minimal levels, and restore or replace components damaged by the water leak.
• Consider hiring a structural engineer to inspect and assess the situation if signs of further damage or aging are apparent or suspected. Condo owners should be aware that extended exposure to water and moisture can damage the interior living space and compromise the structural integrity of the building. Advanced secondary water damage includes rusting and the decomposition of critical support features such as rebar in reinforced concrete.

4. What should property owners look for when qualifying a restoration company to handle the water damage repair project?

• Search for a reputable, well-established, licensed, and bonded professional with a federal tax identification number and a permanent business address.
• Contact references that specifically include other commercial buildings in the region.
• Contact the local Better Business Bureau for any complaints filed against the property damage restoration company.
• Verify that the company has a certificate of insurance and that liability and workers’ compensation insurance are current.
• Be apprised of material warranties available from the manufacturer and installation warranties provided by the restoration company or other contractors.

5. Does the water damage repair estimate seem reasonable?

If time and circumstances permit, obtain several competitive bids for services to help evaluate the market.

6. Should condominium owners be compelled to go with the lowest bid?

All bids should pass through a stringent review process. Compare the scope of work for each bid. The lowest bid may not encompass all the work needed for the restoration.

SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian has been serving the area since 2000 and specializes in residential, commercial, and large-scale disaster cleanup and restoration. The damage restoration company is locally owned and backed by a nationwide system of qualified franchises. Technicians are within a thirty-minute drive or less of any location in the community.

For more information about commercial water damage restoration in Red Oak, TX, email SERVPRO of Waxahachie/Midlothian at acarey@SERVPRO10932.com. The office can also be reached by phone at (972) 935-0827.