A key step in the life of every community association is the transfer of control of the community to the owners. A smooth transition hinges on active involvement, understanding the process, and hiring competent professionals. During the transition, unit owners and their elected board collaborate with the developer for a seamless handover, which benefits both parties. The developer gains insights into construction, legal, and financial matters, allowing them to address issues and avoid potential lawsuits. Owners benefit by acquiring essential information about the community, learning its operations, and having various issues resolved. Successful collaboration results in a well-functioning community and a sound investment for unit owners. Identifying construction defects is a crucial component of the transition. Owners often engage professional engineering firms like Rimkus to perform Developer Transition Studies, which are tailored to the association's common components and involve a review of construction plans, documentation, and permits, as well as a comprehensive field assessment. The resulting report, often welcomed by developers, serves as the basis for notifying them of construction defects. Developers, typically bound by warranties, address identified issues at no cost to the association, facilitating a resolution that benefits both parties and concludes the project.

Rimkus can provide a complete assessment of a property (façades, walls, roofs, doors, windows, balconies, walkways, parking areas, and pavement, etc.) to identify any water infiltration, air leakage, or structural issues in need of repair. Property Condition Assessments can help:

• Assess a property’s performance and current condition
• Prepare for seasonal weather changes
• Avoid premature damage caused by known issues
• Avoid eyesores and potential risks to people and property
• Plan maintenance activities for optimal building performance
• Plan property repairs and upgrades
• Ensure compliance with building codes and requirements

Findings from property condition assessments can help determine the serviceability of the property and its components, allowing owners to more easily address immediate concerns, negotiate terms with sellers, and budget for future needs.

Many cities and states have unique regulations that require regular inspections of buildings to identify potential hazards, ensure compliance with building codes, and ultimately safeguard the well-being of occupants and the surrounding community. Examples of these include SB 4-D in Florida, California SB 326 for balconies, or New York City’s Façade Safety and Inspection Program (FISP). While the requirements vary by location, these inspections are typically conducted by certified inspectors who examine various aspects of a building, including its envelope, mechanical and electrical systems, and overall structural integrity. The frequency of these inspections also varies depending on local regulations and the type of building, with some requiring annual checks while others may need inspections at specific milestones such as construction completion or change of occupancy. Rimkus experts can help guide you through the nuanced requirements in your location. Located strategically in offices spanning the United States and Canada, our experts are well-versed in local requirements and are highly qualified to perform necessary inspections.

Capital Reserve Studies, Reserve Fund Studies, Depreciation Reports, and Capital Replacement Plans are all different terms for the reports used by condominium boards to make fact-based, data-driven decisions regarding building maintenance. These studies and reports also help boards avoid being surprised by special assessments, budget responsibly for predictable repairs and replacements, save money, and protect property values. To meet regulatory requirements, condominium corporations must establish reserve fund studies within a year of state registration. Rimkus experts can evaluate the present condition and life expectancy of building components, identify necessary repairs, make recommendations for maintenance or replacement, and provide cost estimates and cash allocation assistance for current and future maintenance. We offer a wide range of building services in support of extending a property’s lifespan and performing necessary updates with maximum efficiency and minimal disruption to occupied buildings. We believe it is important to provide our clients with a strategy for future investments and expenditures to meet both short and long-term budget plans.

Following catastrophic and severe weather events, the Rimkus team can mobilize quickly to provide rapid response, damage assessments, and remediation plans that prioritize the safety and stability of our clients’ properties. Our engineers, architects, and other structural experts specialize in comprehensive assessments of storm-related damage, helping property owners and condominium managers identify areas of concern and develop effective mitigation strategies. Rimkus is committed to supporting clients every step of the way, from initial assessments to long-term planning and risk management. Our tailored solutions and expert guidance will help protect properties, enabling safe, resilient residences for years to come.

Our team can assist in all phases of building restoration. We have a long track record of success on projects varying from low-rise commercial and residential buildings to luxury high-rise towers. At Rimkus, we believe that the key to a successful restoration project often occurs before the contractor arrives on-site. A thorough and detailed pre-construction effort, including preliminary investigation, preparation of contract documents, bid process and review, pre-construction meeting(s), and review of all mock-ups and submittals, will often eliminate unnecessary costs and construction delays. A successful building restoration includes thorough assessment of crucial elements including the façade, roof, windows, railings, and building envelope systems. Our consultants have the significant and specialized expertise needed to deliver accurate evaluations and effective solutions to identified issues. We provide a detailed list of findings and recommendations for immediate repairs as well as preventative maintenance to address a building’s functionality. Additionally, the appurtenances of a building (e.g., balconies) often deteriorate faster than the façade itself, requiring particular attention and, often, increased maintenance. Repairs to these elements should be addressed in a manner that will prolong the useful life of the appurtenance as well as the repairs performed. The Rimkus team of experts is experienced in the assessment of all building elements, ensuring clients receive thorough evaluations and plans for repairs.

Rimkus roof experts, many of whom are credentialed as Registered Roof Observers (RRO), Registered Roof Consultants (RRC), and Professional Engineers (P.E.), can help optimize building performance on any size portfolio through our comprehensive roof consulting services, some of which include:

• Contract Administration
• Heritage/Historic Building Restoration
• Plaza Deck and Parking Garage/Parkade Assessments
• Quality Observations
• Roof Anchors and Safety
• Roof Condition Assessments
• Roof Design and Specification
• Roof Diagnostic Testing
• Roof Management Programs

Our thorough roof condition assessments can help owners better understand the life expectancy of the roof and make informed decisions on a remediation strategy.

Rimkus structural engineers provide assessment, design, and rehabilitation expertise for many types of residential structures. When property is damaged, our experts apply years of design and construction experience to return spaces to pre-loss conditions. We offer thorough infrastructure design solutions and effectively diagnose the proper design repair. Our capabilities extend to new construction design elements, as well as elements that are prone to construction defects, such as waterproofing, drainage, and building envelope systems. For more information on our structural engineering services, click here.