YA engineers and architects regularly perform forensic evaluations of existing buildings and are tasked with designing repairs to and evaluating repair requirements for damaged structures.
Design & Code Review
These services may include evaluating code upgrade requirements for building repairs or developing repair drawings and specifications for permitting.
Repair Design and Permitting
YA engineers and architects specialize in evaluating and repairing damaged buildings and structures. With a background in both new building design and the design of repairs to existing buildings, our professionals can provide drawings for a wide range of purposes, from rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) cost estimating to permitted construction documents.
To provide accurate repair recommendations, our services include reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting current building codes, including necessary code upgrades. YA specializes in evaluating the extent of damage to buildings and other structures from all manner of causes, including impacts, overload/collapse, fire, water, natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes, and construction or design defects.
With our design and forensic experience make YA personnel uniquely qualified to manage repair design work from the investigation phase through construction. YA communicates with building officials through pre-application meetings to obtain approval for recommended repairs, streamlining the permit, and plan check process. YA is also able to provide construction administration and periodic inspection services.
With our roster of experienced engineers and architects, clients can be assured that YA will provide accurate and efficient solutions for assignments requiring repairs.
YA services include:
- Code Reviews and Interpretation
- Conceptual Documents for ROM Pricing
- Repair Drawings and Specifications for Restoration
- Meeting with Building Officials for Design Approval
- Management of Repair Design through Construction
Code Review and Upgrade Analysis for Building Repairs
Damaged existing buildings undergoing repairs are subject to construction requirements different from those of new buildings. Evaluating code requirements for repairs begins by reviewing state, county, and local laws and ordinances to determine the relevant repair regulations and their applicability to a project. Repairs to existing buildings may require analyzing numerous systems, including accessibility, fire protection, egress, energy, structural integrity, seismic resistance, weather protection, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
YA engineers and architects regularly perform forensic evaluations of existing buildings and are frequently tasked with designing repairs to and evaluating repair requirements for damaged structures. As a result, our engineers and architects have extensive experience in navigating the repair requirements of the various existing building codes in jurisdictions throughout the country. Correctly assessing the code-required upgrades that apply to a repair project allows us to develop an accurate repair scope for construction or cost-estimating purposes.
For locations where green building codes apply, our personnel is well-versed in evaluating sustainability standards. With our roster of experienced engineers and architects, design and forensic experience, and familiarity with current and historical building codes, clients can be assured that YA will provide an accurate repair scope and upgrade analysis.
YA services include:
- Damage Assessment
- Repair Scope Development
- Property Research and Analysis
- Structural and Architectural Calculations and Analysis
- Code Review and Interpretation
Design and Construction Defect Investigations
As constructed facilities become ever more complex, the potential for design and construction defects increases, as do associated claims. YA engineers and architects have decades of experience investigating design and construction defects and contributing to dispute resolution.
Evaluation of defects in buildings and structures requires knowledge of design standards, building codes, and installation standards for a wide range of construction materials and building systems. YA has experience investigating all design and construction defects, including architectural, building envelope, structural, and MEP systems. Investigations also frequently require assessing the relative responsibilities of the parties involved and whether the defect is a design or construction issue.
YA licensed professionals provide expert testimony and litigation support services related to design and construction defect claims. YA will provide a thorough investigation with a clear presentation of findings that may include evaluation of faulty designs, substandard materials, poor workmanship, code violations, poor supervision, and scheduling impacts. If the defect requires repair or remediation, YA has considerable experience developing repair documents to correct or compensate for the observed defects.
YA services include:
- Site Investigation of Defective Conditions
- Review of Building Code and Material Standards
- Structural Analysis and Finite Element Modeling
- Expert Testimony and Litigation Support
- Development of Repair Drawings
