by Chuck McClain | Sep 26, 2018 | Uncategorized
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) is a flexible plastic (polymer) tubing pipe primarily used in both hot and cold-water distribution plumbing systems. During the past two decades in the United States, PEX has also become a common alternative to copper, polyvinyl... by Chuck McClain | Jun 22, 2017 | Uncategorized
Electrical circuit breakers manufactured by the Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Company, and Stab-Lok® models in particular, have the potential to fail to trip in the case of an overload or short-circuit. A circuit breaker that fails to trip or that is conducting... by Chuck McClain | Apr 17, 2017 | Uncategorized
The presence of various historically-deficient building materials such as polybutylene piping, fire-retardant treated plywood, and aluminum branch wiring is considered a “red flag” by real estate investors, managers, and lenders. The identification of these... by Chuck McClain | Mar 24, 2016 | Uncategorized
“It takes a wise man to learn from his mistakes, but an even wiser man to learn from others.” Zen Proverb An important aspect of a facility assessment is a review of available documentation pertaining to the property. This step in the evaluation can uncover... by Chuck McClain | Mar 4, 2015 | Uncategorized
Buddha once said, “Things are not as they seem. Nor are they otherwise.” Every facility – new and old – has deficiencies. A new building will likely appear better than an older building with its new materials and painted surfaces, but no matter how new the facility,... by Chuck McClain | Jul 15, 2014 | Uncategorized
Through the years I have had the opportunity to train new professionals in the building evaluation industry. One of the biggest challenges for those who are initially learning the ins and outs of assessments is the large degree of subjectivity and “gray areas” with... by Chuck McClain | Apr 21, 2014 | Uncategorized
Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS) is a type of exterior building wall cladding. It was developed in Europe after World War II and became popular in the United States building industry beginning in the 1960s. EIFS is a composite material system applied to a... by Chuck McClain | Mar 24, 2014 | Uncategorized
Property Condition Evaluations identify and quantify existing conditions and provide a framework for future facilities management. There are many reasons why real estate owners and investors perform systems evaluations. Depending on the reasons, the scope and depth... by Chuck McClain | Nov 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
Recently we were asked to clarify the various scopes of work available to a client considering an acquisition of the property. It could be said that there are generally three different levels of third-party engineering due diligence PCAs for properties: Level 1: ... by Chuck McClain | May 6, 2013 | Uncategorized
For the better part of a year, in between assessment projects for clients, I’ve been spending time updating a book I wrote back in the early 1990s called the Building Systems Evaluation Handbook. Initially, it seemed like and simple task to put out a 20th anniversary...