Risk management professionals who are involved in construction projects, especially those for commercial properties, have many concerns but one of the most important is the safety of the building.

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

Structural failures can impose a danger to life, health, or property. The following checklist is one that risk managers, contractors, project managers and underwriters can use to help prevent construction defects and to ensure that buildings are safe.

Building codes

Every jurisdiction has enacted a building code designed to provide safe buildings to local residents. Some states, such as Alabama and New York, for example, have statewide building codes while other states rely on local governments to regulate building in their municipalities.

Generally, building codes set minimums that contractors must meet, but they can certainly construct buildings with greater protections.

Here are some questions you can use to begin your construction checklist:

• Does the structure comply with the local building code?
• Does the local building code follow International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) model?
• Does the local building code follow Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) model?
• Does the local building code follow Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) model?
• Is there a local variation on a model building code with special rules that I should be aware of?
• Does the area follow the International Building Code (IBC) of 2000 model?

Basic construction

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

• Are the footings to the structure made of a 1-2-4 mix of concrete 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 the frame?
• 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 and water tight?
• Are all mechanical parts functioning properly?
• Do the walls and ceilings of the structure have adequate insulation?
• 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 of experts with skills in different types of building processes and materials. If you’re investigating a construction defect or reviewing a building project to avoid incorporating defects into the structure before it’s built, you may need to contact an expert.

• 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 expert needed?
• Are the services of an architect needed?

Related: What contractors need to know about rectification and mitigation coverage