The weather extremes have made for an “interesting” summer, haven’t they? Any weather should remind us to be proactive with our properties. For properties that have been experiencing high heat and drought let’s keep an eye on our foundations and balcony supports. Uneven settlement can happen when the ground dries out and cracks. For properties experiencing heavy rain let’s check and be sure those flat roofs aren’t holding puddles and that the property site is successfully draining. Those challenged with smoke from wildfires should be aware that when windows have to stay closed, AC stays on so let’s make sure AC unit condensation is not creating issues. Like the old saying about the mail deliverer, neither smoke, nor heat, nor rain can stop us from diligently maintaining properties!
J. Hershey Building Consultants regularly conducts transition studies which help negotiate fair expectations for developer completion. A recent transition study found multiple areas of failed or missing landscaping which impact the overall appeal of the property and can add up to significant costs.
Pictures below show examples of trees and shrubs found to be dead, unhealthy, or not adequately supported. With over 1000 planted trees, replacement can be costly.
A transition study highlights those last items to be addressed by a contractor and saves the Association from spending unnecessary dollars.
J. Hershey Building Consultants completed a balcony evaluation for an Association concerned about the state of their balconies. Findings from the study pointed to cost efficiency by fully replacing balconies and stairs instead of doing repairs in pieces which would ultimately have cost more. Below left pic shows the balcony and stair design for over 25 homes. Below right shows one of the balcony floors, clearly weatherworn with a bowed front rail and warped deck boards.
J. Hershey Building Consultants conduct reserve studies on all types of properties and encourage any reserve study to include a review of all bodies of water on the property. Importantly, if a property has water accessible to residents the Association and management company should speak with legal counsel to understand life safety issues any liability to the Association.
Our review of the property below identified sand and sediment along the shorelines, which could ultimately flow into and impact the storage capacity (important for detention and retention ponds) of any body of water.
Let’s continue to improve our ability to proactively maintain our properties!
Thankfully, nobody was injured in this garage fire. J. Hershey Architecture is working with the Association and Property Management to update the original garage plans to provide permit and construction drawings. The bottom right picture shows the fully cleared space ready for new building to begin.
Our easy online Request For Proposal Forms can be accessed at the top right of the JHersheyGroup home page.
