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BUILDING SAFETY

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FIRE SAFETY ┃BUILDING SAFETY

A significant issue of concern is an updated fire alarm system. The alarm system must be working properly and tested periodically on a maintenance schedule. A properly functioning fire suppression system inspection includes inspecting fire sprinklers, fire hoses and standpipes. Inspect elevators and ensure that they have a current operating certificate. Walk through all fire […]

BUILDING EXTERIOR

A small brick house with a garden and garden
A small brick house with a garden and garden

GUTTER GARDEN ┃EXTERIOR

First you have a new roof and new gutters. Then over time, the small granules on the asphalt roofing shingles start to wear and come loose. During time of wind and rain, the loose granules end up collecting in the gutter.Birds and wind contribute to seeds and other plant materials growing in the gutter. Soon […]

BUILDING INTERIOR

Electrical outlet with a black plug inserted.
Electrical outlet with a black plug inserted.

LIGHT SWITCH PLUG┃INTERIOR

We have all heard of creative financing right? Well, check this out. I call it creative electrical work. I saw this at one of my inspections and thought “how unusual”. The light switch is getting its power from a lamp cord type extension cord which is plugged into a non-grounded 2 prong outlet. The code […]

BUILDING PLUMBING

blue propane tank on brown wooden table
blue propane tank on brown wooden table

WHY IS A PRESSURE REGULATOR NEEDED? ┃PLUMBING

You may see a strange looking pipe setup with a thing that looks sort of like a bell around your building. That contraption is called a PRV or Pressure Regulator Valve.It may also be called a pressure reduction valve, water reducing valve or pressure reducing valve.The water pressure coming from the street into a building […]

BUILDING ELECTRICAL

white and black audio mixer
white and black audio mixer

ELECTRICAL SAFETY┃ELECTRICAL

The electrical system of a building should be inspected every five years. During an inspection, the inspector open all circuit breaker boxes and notice any overloading of power and test for any voltage drops. A licensed and certified electrician must do the assessment. He will be able to professionally inspect for any other conditions that […]

BUILDING MECHANICAL

a building with a bunch of pipes on the side of it
a building with a bunch of pipes on the side of it

SAVING ENERGY CREATES SAFETY HAZARD┃ MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

There are occasions during my inspections of underground parking decks where the exhaust fans were not on. Some fans broke down and were never fixed. Many others worked, but were turned off on purpose. When I asked the Building Manager, I got the same response, “we turned the fans off to save electricity”. On some […]

BUILDING GENERAL

RAILING COLLAPSE AT WAIKIKI HOTEL: A SIGN OF DEEPER STRUCTURAL ISSUES┃GENERAL

In a concerning development from Waikiki, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and luxurious hotels, a railing collapse at the Moana Surfrider hotel has raised alarms over the safety of high-rise buildings in the area. The incident, which occurred on January 31, 2024, has prompted experts to suggest that […]

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