How do you view your building inspector? On the other hand, maybe a better question is how do you view your doctor? From our perspective, a building inspector is unique. The building inspector is a generalist and provides an overview of the present condition of the building. Experience and training provide the basis of their ability to detect potential problems in a building. This is analogous to a Medical Doctor that is a General Practitioner. The Doctor listens and observes the patient and decides, based on that point in time, whether the condition of the patient is treatable or if the patient needs a specialist. If the Doctor believes the findings require a Specialist then the patient would be referred for further evaluation to determine if a problem exists, if the patient needs corrective measures or if the condition should be monitored. In many ways, your building inspector is a General Practitioner. The Building Inspector provides information to you so that a decision can be made whether or not a specialist is needed. Exterior Components Cladding Building Material Brick Human Material Skin Building Specialist Brick Contractor Human Specialist Dermatologist Structural Components Framing Building Material Steel Human Material Bones, Joints, Muscles, Spine Building Specialist Structural Engineer Human Specialist Orthopedic Doctor Electrical Components Wiring Building Material Copper, Glass, Aluminum Human Material Nerves Building Specialist Electrician Human Specialist Neurologist So, your Building needs reconstructive surgery. Many older buildings suffer from deteriorated brick and mortar. Much like a Plastic Surgeon, a Brick Contractor applies his skills to repair years of neglect and damage. Sometimes a little nip and tuck are all that is needed to make your building look new and revitalized. Should I be concerned about bubbles, cracks or bulges in my roofing materials? Yes. This could be a sign that water penetration has occurred. Over time these defects can result in deteriorated conditions for roofing materials and could result in damaging leaks into the building interior. Indoor Humidity may be good for your skin, but it could be giving you a headache. This was the introduction to a recent article by Gail Dutton, reporting on Sick Buildings. The article refers to studies conducted by a professor of microbiology and immunology, David Straus at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. According to the article, two fungi, Penicillin and Stachybotris have been linked to the so-called sick building syndrome. Penicillin is reported to causes allergic reactions similar to hay fever, including itchy eyes and runny nose. Stachybotris can result in an air borne poison that can cause double vision, dizziness, and ruptured capillaries. What do these fungi need to grow? Food and water, that is wet gypsum board, wood, ceiling tiles, carpets and poorly maintained ventilation systems. What is that smell? Plumbing can clog due to mineral buildup from mineral rich water, for oil and greases or other materials that could restrict flow. Your plumber can rescue you by rooting out your problems. Does your building have emergency procedures? Whom do you contact? During business hour After business hours Are you prepared to act in the event of a natural disaster: Earthquake Fire Flood Tornado Are you prepared to act in the event of other problems: Power outages Job Accidents Medical Emergencies What do you do? Where do you go? Whom do you call? Take the time to work with others and develop your emergency plans before you have to use them. Just like the human body, a building must be maintained on a regular basis. A well-kept workplace can result in higher performance, less absenteeism and a safer place to work for employees.

B a c k   t o Taking Care Of Business