As Condo and HOA boards are preparing to return for the winter season, they will find that their property has not only aged six months, but was exposed to subtropical conditions with a lot of moisture, extreme heat and wind gusts.
Not every association can afford to spend the money on an annual inspection by a professional engineer; however, certain items need to be inspected on a regular basis (before it is too late and gets really expensive).
Throughout this blog, you will find many informative links which will help you to understand requirements or to connect with professionals.
Here is a list of items which should be inspected by a professional:
Balconies and Railings
Seawall and Cap
Back Flow Systems
FireProtectionSystems
Fire Extinguishers
SprinklerSystem (click on ATB #002-11 to see Citizens changes to sprinkler inspections)
Detection and Alarm Systems & Smoke Alarm testing
ElevatorInspection by a Certified ElevatorInspector
Roofing Structures
Post Tension Cables
Emergency generator preventative maintenance
Fuel filters, battery, everything is firing
Pest Control
Dry wood termites
Who’s looking at the property, applicators are truly NOT Examinators
Water Cut -Off Valve Maintenance
Here is a list of items which could be inspected by a Board Member or Volunteer:
Hot water heaters – search for any visible leaks?
Bathrooms – ventilation working?
Bathrooms – leaking faucets, running toilets?
Branches that rub or brush against a building
Branches which reach the roof, giving way for animals to get on the roof and into the soffits
Check central HVAC condensers for debris
Automobiles sitting with oil leaks
Any visible black mold
Cracks in walkways or pool deck
Cracks in walls below windows
Visual inspection of exterior walls – rust spots on masonry walls could be an indication of problems with the rebars (reinforced concrete walls)
Pools- functioning filtration and recirculation equipment
Waterproofing- Caulking – any visible damages
Dryer vent cleaning (if necessary call company to clean the air ducts)
Gutter cleaning (if necessary call a company with a lift)
If you have a flat roof, inspect your rooftop and check for waterponding.
There are many more items which are important to look out for depending on the characteristics of your building.
The provided list is not to be considered complete, but should be used as a starting point to get your building up to speed. If in doubt, please contact a knowledgeable engineer who can assist to assess your building.
Please email me with questions at any time: patricia@ce2.616.myftpupload.com