RAND answers commonly asked questions about building repair, maintenance, and upgrades in Habitat Magazine. Choose a Topic Exterior Repair and Maintenance Roofing Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Structural Architectural Design Surveys and Inspections Construction Administration and Project Management Filing and Permits Exterior Repair and Maintenance The Ongoing Battle Against Leaks A regular maintenance program is the best way to guard against water penetration. Cutting Corners and Band-Aid Fixes So-called cheap and easy fixes only lead to more leaks and expensive repairs down the line. Replacing Old Windows Thermally insulated double-paned windows provide energy efficiency and noise reduction. Replacing a Cornice Replacement materials replicate the style of an original cornice at lower cost and maintenance. The Key to Healthy Exterior Walls Identifying common symptoms of wall distress early on can prevent a small issue from becoming a costly disaster. Balcony Repairs Cracked and stained concrete, loose railings, and “icicles” are signs of balcony deterioration. Installing Window Air Conditioners The DOB rejects LL 11/98 facade inspection reports that cite unsafe window air conditioners. Refurbishing a Fire Escape A dilapidated fire escape is an accident waiting to happen. Preparing Your Building for Winter Keeping your building systems properly maintained will help prevent cold-weather problems. Making Your Repair Projects Green Products and materials that help keep projects environmentally friendly. Preventing Mold Inadequately insulated piping, poor ventilation, and exterior leaks provide moist environments where mold spores thrive. Facade Cleaning Different types of masonry require their own cleaning agents and applications. Sidewalk Sheds New York has more than 6,000 sidewalk sheds. Here’s what you should know about costs, permits, safety, and more. Investigative Probes By uncovering hidden conditions, investigative probes help minimize surprises during construction. BACK TO TOP Roofing Replacing a Roof: Hot or Cold System? The choice depends on the underlying roof deck and building height. Proper installation is key. Installing a Recreational Roof System A properly installed recreational roof is a valuable building amenity. Roof Warranties A No Dollar Limit agreement is cost-effective protection for a new roof, but be aware of limitations and exclusions. BACK TO TOP Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Heating Plant Upgrades Boiler type and fuel—oil, gas, or both—are the two key factors. Re-piping a Domestic Water System Corroded steel piping in old plumbing systems will eventually need to be replaced with new copper tubing. Electrical Upgrades Even after a main building upgrade, residents may still need to address the electrical setup in their apartments. Converting From Oil to Gas Installing a gas-based system requires upfront capital costs, but it can save money in the long run. Re-piping a Leaky Gas System The first steps are isolating leaks by pressure testing and determining where new piping will run. Complying with Local Law 87/09 The law requires an energy audit, retro-commissioning, and filing an Energy Efficiency Report. Chimney Liners and Extensions Converting a heating plant from oil to gas often requires installing a liner and/or an extension to the chimney. Split Air Conditioning Systems Split A/C systems are increasingly popular because of their low-profile design and ease of installation. Fixing Brown Water and Low Pressure Reinstalling a roof tank and replacing corroded piping can fix a building's plumbing problems. Installing a Cogeneration System Producing electricity and heat simultaneously reduces electrical demand and heating costs. Repairing a Sewer Line A cured-in-place method is used for minor repairs, but more extensive damage requires excavation and replacement. Elevator Upgrades Abrupt movements, doors that stick, and uneven stops are signs that an elevator needs an overhaul. Backflow Prevention Backflow devices prevent contamination of the public water supply, and they’re required by NYC law. Remedying Ventilation Issues Ventilation deficiencies can lead to health and comfort issues, as well as increased operating and energy costs. BACK TO TOP Structural Structural Evaluations A structural survey conducted before construction begins at an adjacent site can alert building owners to potential problems. Replacing a Sidewalk Vault Vault spaces are prone to leaks and deterioration, which can cause structural damage over time. Retaining Walls Retaining walls can deteriorate from seasonal changes, compromising their stability. Garage Repairs The most important aspect of the repair and construction of concrete parking garages is coordination. Second Avenue Subway Construction Important steps building owners should take to ensure safety and protection from adjacent heavy construction and demolition. BACK TO TOP Architectural Design Interior Renovations An engineer/architect should review proposed alternations to make sure they don’t damage building-wide systems. Installing an ADA-Compliant Ramp A ramp must meet requirements concerning the incline, handrails, and doors. Feasibility Studies for Building Amenities A feasibility study helps determine if a proposed building amenity is viable and can save time and money. BACK TO TOP Surveys and Inspections Surveying Your Building's Condition A physical condition survey provides a blueprint for planning major capital improvements. Finding–and Fixing–Construction Defects To address problems in new construction, start with a forensic survey. Special Inspections The DOB has tightened requirements for Special Inspections, which apply to most repair projects. Detecting Leaks with Infrared Thermography Infrared Thermography reveals hidden defects throughout a building. Doing Due Diligence Before Buying A pre-purchase survey can uncover defects that could mean higher maintenance costs later on. Testing for Asbestos An asbestos survey is part and parcel of most repair jobs. BACK TO TOP Construction Administration and Project Management Project Communication Establishing upfront a realistic scope of work, repair budget, and timeline paves the way to a smoother running project. Exterior Repair Contracts Owners should insist on a formal agreement specifying guarantees, payments schedule, liquidated damages, and insurance. High Bid, Low Bid, Best Bid? For a competitive bid, get itemized repair components, check references, and never reveal your budget to contractors. Contractor Quality References alone aren't sufficient. Ask prospective contractors the right questions before hiring one. When an Engineer Is on the Board An engineer can provide valuable technical input, but he or she does not run the project. Getting the Construction Documents Right Plans and specifications for a revived project need to be updated if the scope of work has changed. Time for a Change (Order)? Change orders are inevitable, but which ones are legitimate, and how much should be allotted for them? When to Use an Engineer An Engineer’s role is to determine how to make the most cost-effective repairs. Engineer vs. Architect: What's the Difference? A licensed professional’s practical experience with the type of project at hand is the key consideration. To Bond, or Not to Bond? Performance bonds can offer a measure of financial protection for owners undergoing construction projects. BACK TO TOP Filing and Permits Permit Requirements Which types of projects require permits and what kind are needed? Amending a Certificate of Occupancy Whenever a building changes its use, egress, or occupancy, it must file for an amended C of O. Managing the Landmarks Process The LPC requires owners to preserve the architectural integrity of the building’s original design. BACK TO TOP