Building Upkeep and Restoration
From Uncertainty to Understanding: Navigating a Major Concrete Restoration Project
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over nearly 30 years is that successful concrete restoration involves more than identifying deterioration and developing technically sound repairs. It also requires understanding the challenges facing the people responsible for making difficult decisions.
Read MoreWhy Thorough Concrete Repairs Matter
One of the most difficult parts of a major concrete restoration project is explaining why the repair scope can become so extensive. Board members and unit owners understandably look at the visible deterioration and ask: Why do we need to repair so much concrete? The answer is that the objective of a properly designed concrete…
Read MoreWhy Do Concrete Repairs Cost So Much?
Why does a concrete repair cost so much? Learn what goes into concrete restoration, from removing damaged material and addressing corroded rebar to proper preparation, access, labor, and long-term repair performance.
Read MoreThe Danger of the Low-Ball Restoration Estimate
Concrete restoration estimates can vary widely. Learn what condo boards and property managers should consider before choosing the lowest estimate.
Read MoreWhy Construction Administration Matters for Condominium Restoration Projects
Learn how Construction Administration helps condominium Boards and Property Managers manage restoration projects, contractors, costs, quality, inspections, and communication.
Read MoreWhy Florida’s Definition of “Substantial Structural Deterioration” Needs Another Look
By UPE President, Carmelo Giglio, PE, SI, FRSE, CGC, CSI-CDT One aspect of Florida’s milestone inspection statute that I have repeatedly criticized in my presentations is the statutory definition of “substantial structural deterioration.” With the recent release of the NIST report on the Champlain Towers South collapse, I believe those concerns are even more relevant…
Read MoreIs Your Concrete Restoration Timeline Realistic?
The Timeline Detail Most Communities Miss When planning a concrete restoration project, many communities focus on the construction phase. But the truth is, the timeline starts much earlier. From the initial assessment to contractor selection, permitting, and mobilization, a typical concrete restoration project can require 6-8 months before construction even begins, assuming everything moves on…
Read MoreWhy 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 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…
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