Why Engineers Compare Concrete Deterioration to Swiss Cheese
Understanding concrete deterioration in aging buildings When structural engineers evaluate aging concrete buildings, one of the simplest ways to explain deterioration is with an analogy many people understand immediately. Imagine a slice of Swiss cheese. Each hole in the cheese represents a location where material is missing. In concrete structures, those “holes” are similar to…
Read MoreThe UPE Difference: Engineer-Led Structural Restoration for South Florida Condominiums
When it comes to structural restoration, experience and leadership matter. United Professional Engineering (UPE) specializes in mid- to high-rise condominium buildings across Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade. Our approach is rooted in one principle: structural engineering comes first. Here is what sets UPE apart. Owner-Led by a Florida Registered Structural Engineer UPE is…
Read MoreFive Engineering Do’s and Don’ts Every Board Should Know
One of the most common questions we hear is: “When should an engineer be brought in?” To help clarify, here are five engineering do’s and don’ts that every board and property manager should keep in mind. 1. DO bring in an engineer when structural repairs are involved Even small structural repairs often require permits, and…
Read MoreBudgeting for Change Orders: A Conservative Approach
Budgeting for Change Orders: A Conservative Approach to Concrete Repair Projects Change orders are a reality in nearly every concrete repair and restoration project. No matter how detailed the planning, hidden conditions and unexpected issues will surface once work begins. For condominium boards and property managers, the question isn’t if change orders will happen—it’s how…
Read MoreThink You Know What You Need? Maybe Not.
At UPE, we’ve noticed something lately: many times when we receive requests for proposals, the manager or owner doesn’t actually know what services they truly need. Here’s an example. A manager requested a proposal for a full building structural condition assessment as they knew they needed repairs. We submitted exactly that. Later, we were told…
Read MoreThe Truth About Project Management in Restoration Projects
When it comes to concrete restoration and building rehabilitation, there’s a common misconception that every project needs a separate project manager. In our experience, that’s simply not true. The real issue stems from engineers approaching restoration work like a standard structural design project. But concrete restoration isn’t just engineering—it’s a hybrid service. It demands experience…
Read MoreGovernor DeSantis just signed HB 913, Here are some important points related to engineering.
Key Provisions Affecting Milestone Inspection Engineers HB 913 was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on June 23, 2025 (Chapter 2025‑175). It imposes several rules that likely affect you as an engineer performing milestone inspections for Florida condo and cooperative buildings. 1. Applicability & Scope Milestone inspections now apply to condo/co-op buildings that are three or more “habitable”…
Read MorePhase One and Phase Two Inspections “Who’s on First?”
There’s been confusion in the industry regarding Phase Two inspections under the new statewide recertification program. As a licensed Professional Engineer who was directly involved in the Surfside Working Group following the Champlain Towers collapse, I want to help clarify the intent behind these inspection phases and where things have gone off course. The original goal of the working group…
Read MoreLessons from the Field – A Word on Partial-Depth Repairs
A Word on Partial-Depth Repairs Lessons from the Field EXAMPLE OF FAILED PARTIAL DEPTH REPAIR THAT WE HAD TO RE-DO…THE CORRECT WAY…WITH A FULL-DEPTH REPAIR. As many of you know from working with us or attending one of my presentations, I’ve been involved in concrete restoration for over 26 years. Across hundreds of projects—some highly…
Read MoreHurricane Season Alert: Critical Preparation Steps for Property Managers & Boards
As we enter hurricane season, it’s essential for all property managers and board members to understand how critical it is to be fully prepared if and when a storm approaches. The window for action is small—typically three days or less. That means your team must be ready to respond quickly to board up, secure the…
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