Risk management professionals who are involved in constructionprojects, especially those for commercial properties, have manyconcerns but one of the most important is the safety of thebuilding.

Risk managers need to be sure that the building is on a solidfoundation and that the materials used are not defective.

Structural failures can impose a danger to life, health, orproperty. The following checklist is one that risk managers,contractors, project managers and underwriters can use to helpprevent construction defects and to ensure that buildings aresafe.

Building codes

Every jurisdiction has enacted a building code designed to providesafe buildings to local residents. Some states, such as Alabama andNew York, for example, have statewide building codes while otherstates rely on local governments to regulate building in theirmunicipalities.

Generally, building codes set minimums that contractors mustmeet, but they can certainly construct buildings with greaterprotections.

Here are some questions you can use to begin your constructionchecklist:

• Does the structure comply with the local building code?
• Does the local building code follow International Conference ofBuilding Officials (ICBO) model?
• Does the local building code follow Southern Building CodeCongress International (SBCCI) model?
• Does the local building code follow Building Officials and CodeAdministrators (BOCA) model?
• Is there a local variation on a model building code withspecial rules that I should be aware of?
• Does the area follow the International Building Code (IBC) of2000 model?

Basic construction

As with most projects, it’s important to understand the basics andthe way the building looks underneath the shell. Most constructiondefects are hidden in the walls and foundation, which makes themdifficult to detect and why they’re so difficult to repair.

• Are the footings to the structure made of a 1-2-4 mix ofconcrete and steel?
• Does the structure have appropriate masonry foundations?
• Is the structure built with basic frame construction?
• Does the frame structure have a stucco face placed over theframe?
• Does the frame structure have wood siding?
• Is the structure covered with an adequate roof?
• Are all sheet metal parts of the structure properly flashed andwater tight?
• Are all mechanical parts functioning properly?
• Do the walls and ceilings of the structure have adequateinsulation?
• Is the rating of the insulation known?
• What type of windows are installed in the structure?|
  • Vinyl
  • Basic wood-frame
  • Aluminum-frame
  • Aluminum-clad or vinyl-clad wood frames
• Are the windows single glazed or double-glazed?
• Does the structure have any structural glass?
• Does the structure have the appropriate floor finishes?
• Does the structure the appropriate wall finishes?
• Does the structure adequate exterior finishes?

Construction experts

As with every other industry, the construction too has its share ofexperts with skills in different types of building processes andmaterials. If you’re investigating a construction defect orreviewing a building project to avoid incorporating defects intothe structure before it’s built, you may need to contact anexpert.

• Are the services of a construction consultant needed?
• Are the services of a structural engineer needed?
• Are the services of a geotechnical engineer needed?
• Are the services of a forensic roofing consultant needed?
• Are the services of a building code compliance expertneeded?
• Are the services of an architect needed?

Related: What contractors need to know about rectificationand mitigation coverage