Common Mistakes that Architects make on Façade Inspection Reports

There was a tragedy that occurred on May 16, 1979 in NYC that changed the way we look at buildings forever. The story behind this can be heard at our short podcast by clicking on this link ----->Most Awesome Architecture Podcast in the World

During the podcast, I offered a list of items that owners and their architects forget to submit to the NYC Department of Buildings while reporting the conditions of their facades. This list is copied directly from a handout that was provided by the NYC Buildings on January 2010:

1.Failing to provide certification that repairwork identified as necessary in the previous cycle has been completed.

2.Failing to state the cause and description of deterioration.

3.Failing to indicate when identified defects will render the condition of the façade Unsafe.

4.Failing to indicate which repairs will need a permit from the Department.

5.Failing to provide details about building appurtenances, such as flower pots and communication equipment.

6.Failing to indicate the status of a window air conditioner unit as either Safe or Unsafe. These units cannot be categorized as Safe With Repair and Maintenance Program (SWARMP).

7.Failing to indicate a time frame and completion date for repairs identified with SWARMP.

8.Failing to include all required items in the report, such as property profile and ownership information.

9.Failing to submit photographs and a location diagram.

10.Failing to include a statement on the façade’s water-tightness.

11.Failing to perform a close up inspection or it is in the wrong location.

12.Providing information and/or data in the report that is not the same as what is written on the TR6 or evidenced in photographs.

13.Failing to resubmit a copy of the “Notice of Rejection.”

Special Offer for Homeowners

If you are a homeowner then you will benefit from a checklist that is one of several free bonus gifts for signing up for our complementary e-zine titled, "My Designed Home." All you need to do is fill out the form to the right or go to The Designed Home website

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You can get your own copy of "Common Mistakes on Facade Reports at Link to NYC DOB Website

Our talk radio show needs YOU!

Today, we had our third broadcast of our own radio show and discussed the mess that is at the New York City Department of Buildings. Check out our archived show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/host/Segments.aspx

Also, pencil into your calendar to call in on our live radio talk show at 616-595-2228. Let us know what your biggest nightmare with an architect was. We want to hear your stories.

Tune in next Monday, 5:30 pm EST at the www.BlogTalkRadio.com/LaneArchitecture to listen and to join in our next show.

Mayhem in the NYC DOB

Today, I received an email from an expediter that files many of our projects at the New York City Department of Buildings. Since the change over from the old to the new building code and forms, the NYC DOB has been falling all over themselves trying to catch up.

This will undoubtly affect your future filings for permits in NYC!

Her letter to me reads:

"DOB is extremely busy these days and all of the lines are triple digits. All of the applications are changed. Especially TR_I forms.
It takes a lot longer to get anything done these days. Simple sign off takes a few weeks and we end up spending a lot of time locating the submitted folder.
Therefore my price is higher now. You should expect longer time for plan examination too.

The fire department checked on DOB building and issued violations. Now we can not even get to the main room on 3rd floor. Only 74 people could go in. We have to wait till some people leave and then the guard would let us in. Their TCO is expired too. People are making lines on the street from 5:30 am. They stop giving out tickets around noon. It never takes less than an hour or two just to get to the window for Q-matic tickets. "

I hope your week has gone better than hers.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend,

Larry