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 problematic building materials and/or conditions is vital to the legitimacy of the due diligence effort, critical to successfully operating a property, and imperative to profitable real estate investing.
For those investing in real estate, managing properties, and performing Property Condition Assessments, it is important to have a good working knowledge of these materials, components, and conditions due to their history of failure and the resulting impact on safety, real estate value, and operations.
The first publication of its kind, this month we are publishing a reference book which discusses 20 different problematic building materials, components, and conditions seen in commercial and residential real estate throughout the United States. The book is designed to be used by students, due diligence engineers, and real estate professionals as a reference guide while studying, evaluating, and operating commercial properties.
With over 300 images and diagrams enabling the reader to identify these problematic materials, this book discusses the following building components and conditions:
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Sanitary Piping
- Aluminum Branch Wiring
- Cadet and Encore Electric In-Wall Heaters
- Chinese Drywall
- Composite Wood Siding
- Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Piping
- Edison Base (Type T) Fused Electrical Overload Protection
- Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Electrical Panels
- Fire Retardant Treated (FRT) Plywood
- HCFC and CFC Refrigerants in Air Conditioning Systems
- Insufficient Apartment Unit Electrical Amperage
- Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) in Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Mold
- Phenolic Foam Roofing Insulation (PFRI)
- Polybutylene (PB) Water Distribution Piping
- Recalled Fire Sprinkler Heads
- Recalled PTAC, Heat Pump, and Room Air Conditioner Units
- Single-Ply Thermoplastic Membranes
- Synthetic Stucco / Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)
- Zinsco/Sylvania Electrical Panels
In addition, the book features examples of historical and informational exhibits including landmark class action settlement documents, notable recall claim forms, and detailed manufacturer’s brochures of historically-deficient building components over the past fifty years.
This first edition of the reference guide has been arranged to present the 20 historically problematic building materials and conditions commonly acknowledged in the commercial building evaluation industry. Each chapter features a different red flag with information and discussion on the following topics:
- Description of the Material, Component, or Condition
- Installation Dates
- Geographic Region
- Manufacturers and Trade Names
- Common Problems
- What to Look For During an Inspection
- Lawsuits and Recalls
- Replacement Materials
- Cost to Correct
These topics provide specific data designed to be used by due diligence and real estate professionals as a reference while evaluating, operating, and investing in commercial and residential properties. For more information, go to https://consultmcclain.com/books/.