Risk Management

Minimizing property damage

By Yardi Blog Staff on Aug 1, 2013 in News

Business operations are subject to numerous internal and external risks, including severe weather, which could result in damaged goods and significant financial distress. How managers and property owners prepare ahead of time can entirely alter the course of an event.

While hurricanes, fire and other natural calamities cannot be prevented, we can be proactive and minimize potential damage. History teaches us that preparedness is key in many instances; staying informed, knowing your vulnerability and having a plan at hand can make all the difference should disaster strike.

Get your property development right by reading these words of wisdom, courtesy of American Restoration, a specialty contractor and reliable partner in the building remediation industry:

• Review your Emergency Action Plan, making sure it is accurate and up to date.
• Perform regular maintenance; this is the most practical and economic form of preservation.
• Review your insurance policies to determine if you have adequate flood and wind coverage.
• Inspect roofs and flashing to ensure they are properly secure including antennae, signs etc.
• Trim trees and shrubbery with safety in mind, not just curb appeal; during major storms, it is not uncommon for buildings to suffer a great deal of damage due to trees falling on low-rise structures or breaking windows.
• Inspect your property and surrounding areas for loose debris (i.e. construction, repair in progress) to ensure supplies, tools and trash are properly secured.
• Add pre-authorized damage mitigation program to your Emergency Action Plan.

“We all empathize with the people of Oklahoma experiencing the loss of life, destruction of personal property, and the arduous recovery process,” comments Jim Teters, General Manager at American Restoration. Moore, Oklahoma was hit hard by a recent tornado. An estimated 1,150 homes were lost, 24 people died, and $2 billion in damage was incurred in the storm.  “Commercial Property Managers have the task of protecting their tenants, securing valuable assets and minimizing an interrupted revenue stream. At American Restoration we know the responsibilities and challenges you face in these types of emergencies.”

The company’s catastrophic restoration services (ARI CAT) cover everything from emergency response services to damage mitigation, debris removal, as well as demolition and photographic support for insurance claims.

“How you respond in an emergency is critical to the success of your recovery,” explains Dave Gladney, Managing Director ARI-CAT & Director – National Business Development. “We have seen firsthand the debilitating effect of storms from tornado and hurricane damage in Ft Worth, New Orleans, Houston, and the Florida panhandle. ARI-CAT looks to be that experienced vendor as part of your Emergency response team.”

In addition to providing catastrophic restoration services, ARI has the reputation of a premier high rise contractor and enjoys an impeccable safety record, thanks to a corporate focus on training accident prevention.

The company embarked on a major rehabilitation project earlier this year when they undertook the remediation of the Mercer Condo Tower (pictured above), a 30-story condominium complex in Houston’s Uptown/River Oaks area. Built in 2003, the high-rise structure had experienced water infiltration issues and concerns with the exterior insulation and finishing system.

“The Mercer project presents some unique challenges to be successful”, says Mr. Teters. “Aside from finite adherence to manufactures’ specifications, an occupied structure requires open communication between the project team and the tenants. We want quality work, minimal disruption and a professional work site. We want The Mercer board and its tenants confident they made the right choice in American Restoration, as a waterproofing contractor.”

With extensive experience in commercial building remediation and rehabilitation, ARI will be utilizing the latest remediation solutions along with materials that will provide protection for years to come.