Architect messed up

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Steve_R

If it’s permanently closed why bother fixing it?

So it can be reopened. Is it the Floriduh sun...

[Don Rickles]

Originally Posted by DAB

wood rots

So does this thread…..

Originally Posted by Steve_R

If it’s permanently closed why bother fixing it?

[Vandelay Industries]

It's permanent but only on a temporary basis. Duh.

[GTOguy]

Originally Posted by Vandelay Industries

It's permanent but only on a temporary basis. Duh.

Or, temporarily permanent.

[Yadkin]

That's the terminology that they used on their website. So obviously a smarter person than I wrote it.

[Vandelay Industries]

Originally Posted by Yadkin

That's the terminology that they used on their website. So obviously a smarter person than I wrote it.

Nope, too easy. Not touching that.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Vandelay Industries

Nope, too easy. Not touching that.

[higgyburners]

Do them a favor and walk away from the project...you are not Qualified

[LATB]

Originally Posted by Yadkin

Architect messed up

Do you have a copy of the original plans? Is there a detail of the column and masonry bases? Are there as-built plans?

[Frankie the Fink]

Right now, with the influx of northeners coming to Florida from inner-city tenements, and subdivisions popping up in every old orange grove - this is "high end" construction around here.

My neighbor had some jackleg Disney friend build his pier and the guy put the upright posts in sone QuikCrete footings instead of "jetting" them into the lakebed. The whole pier tipped sideways during IRMA..

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by LATB

Do you have a copy of the original plans? Is there a detail of the column and masonry bases? Are there as-built plans?

I've asked for them, but so far have received no information if they have them or not. Believe it or not, I've found it rare for an owner to have the original plans to the multi-million dollar building that he owns. If he does have them, they are rolled up in some dusty, neglected space, like on top of an HVAC air handler.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by higgyburners

Do them a favor and walk away from the project...you are not Qualified

This is a typical post from you, stupidly disparaging with no knowledge of the subject or the folks involved. Void of substance, just like you.

Fact is, I'm likely the most qualified individual in the region to design this repair. And if it does go through a legal process to obtain funds from the original contractor or architect, I'll most likely get hired by an attorney for $400/ hour as an expert witness.

[Aerovette]

Question:

Is an expert witness a witness that is an expert, or an expert at being a witness?

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Aerovette

Question:

Is an expert witness a witness that is an expert, or an expert at being a witness?

Preferably the former. Guys that specialize in expert witness work without active field experience can get skewered by the opposition.

[GTOguy]

I've testified as an expert witness many times over a 25 year period.

I found it very satisfying. Now back to the regular program.

[LATB]

Originally Posted by Yadkin

I've asked for them, but so far have received no information if they have them or not. Believe it or not, I've found it rare for an owner to have the original plans to the multi-million dollar building that he owns. If he does have them, they are rolled up in some dusty, neglected space, like on top of an HVAC air handler.

I can't imagine an owner of a multi million dollar building not to have plans in the file. And additionally, I would expect a set of as-built plans as well.

The county permit office usually has the plans on file. You may check there.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by LATB

I can't imagine an owner of a multi million dollar building not to have plans in the file. And additionally, I would expect a set of as-built plans as well.

The county permit office usually has the plans on file. You may check there.

Counties in NC don't hold onto plans of private infrastructure. Once the C of O is issued, their copies are trashed.

I was surprised myself to find clients/ building owners who had no copies of their building plans. The early part of my career was mostly working on public projects in Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut, and each had dedicated libraries of plans dating back decades.

As a "maker" of plans, we consultants were extremely careful of using the best, most permanent media to deliver to our clients. Ink on mylar.

Winston-Salem was the same. In the last ten years all their water, sewer, drainage and street plans have all been scanned and accessible to me through a web site that I am registered with. And they are all organized using GIS protocols. All I have to do is enter a 911 address and a list of relevant plan sheets are returned.

But private business is far different. Many owners just don't understand the value in a set of original plans or as-builts.

[Steve_R]

Unless you’re the first owner of a building, AND you were involved in the construction, why would you have the plans? We’ve owned 10-12 houses and never had plans except for the one we had built.

[Yadkin]

Originally Posted by Steve_R

Unless you’re the first owner of a building, AND you were involved in the construction, why would you have the plans? We’ve owned 10-12 houses and never had plans except for the one we had built.

Because they are literally worth their weight in gold.

[Steve_R]

Originally Posted by Yadkin

Because they are literally worth their weight in gold.

Perhaps, but that didn’t answer my question. If you buy a 20 year old building, regardless of value, and the plans aren’t available, how do you get them?