Broach the subject of required repairs to the owner of a commercial building? I stopped to look at an elaborate wheelchair ramp at a pediatrician’s office today, and while looking underneath, I discovered that most of the joist hangers were rotting away to the point of being useless; in fact, several were gone altogether, and part of the ramp was beginning to sag, with the joists spreading away from the girder. (They liberally douse the ramp in the winter with salt, which has devoured the hangers.)
It turns out that this building is used by the same doc my kids have been going to for almost 20 years, so I know him, though I only see him once every few years (when it’s my turn to ‘chaperone’ the doc visit.)
Should I write a letter, explaining the hazards, perhaps including how to prevent it from happening again? I don’t want to appear to be propositioning for work, but I feel the ramp is getting to the point of being dangerous, and I wouldn’t mind doing the repairs, if asked.
I hate bringing up repair-required conditions, even on a job where the required repairs are unrelated to the job scope – I think it’s poor professionalism, like you’re fishing for additional work. But this isn’t quite the same. What would you do, or what would you include in a letter?
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Invictus, by Henley.
Replies
Shoot a couple pictures and send them in a letter stating that you are not looking for work, but thought that he might be interested to know that he is the owner of a potentially libelous condition that ought to be corrected before anyone gets hurt. I've done same more than once and the owners always were thankfull. Sometimes they invited me to estimate a repair and sometimes not.
One was a dentist whose bathroom door always stuck. I planned it in a few minutes while waiting so that some kid wouldn't get stuck in there in a fire. That visit was free.
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Great thinking!
But, did ja numb it up first?
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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Great idea, it'll give me an excuse try out the new digital camera and printer. I haven't decided to talk to them in person yet, as Mak suggested, or to write a letter. I won't be going that way again after tomorrow for some time (they're closed weekends,) so a letter would reach them sooner, actually.
Either or, they need to do something, and soon, my own kids used to bounce down that ramp like a heard of kangaroos. If kangaroos traveled in herds. Bunches? Flocks? Coveys? Pods? Who knows. Jumping all the way, that's all I remember. Someone's gonna land in a pile of splinters sooner, rather than later, at this rate.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Nick,
FYI, nothing inferred;
That group of kangaroos would be called a 'gang" of kangaroos.
bum...keep smiling...makes 'em wonder what you're up to !!
I dont think bringing up this matter is unprofessional. From the way I read this, it is a structural/ safety issue. You need to bring it up with the Dr. or whoever is in charge of building maintanace. I would intitially tell them face to face, just tell them that while you where looking at the ramp you saw that the joist hangers had deteriated away and that their repair is something that needs to be addressed very soon. Offer to take them underneath and show them.
I would think that since you are already there, they would ask you for an estimate on the work. I dont see this as trolling for more work. You are warning them of problems/ dangers that are present.
If it were my building, I'd appreciate you bringing it to my attention, and I'd hire you to fix it. A couple of pics to go along with the conversation are all you need. It's a legit problem... not like the mechanic telling you that you need a new Johnson rod.
ditto on the photo's. Your doc has to realize what a lawsuit would cost him if someone got hurt on that ramp. Not that anybody loves to hear "just thought you should know, but your xxxx is rotted out and should be replaced", I'd bet he'd thankful for the heads-up.
I carry my digital camera everywhere, if I'm quoting or on a job and am going into a crawl space, under a deck or in the nether regions of the attic where the home owner may never have ventured I snap a few pics just to show them what's there. Have come across problems on occasion and the homeowners have always been greatful to find out sooner rather later - & I've always been asked to quote the work.
-Norm
Ironically I had just bought a new dig. cam. and even had it with me. I hadn't intended on taking photos, and wasn't too sure what to do about the ramp when I left. I have to swing by within a few blocks this morning and intend on snapping a few shots and send them in a letter.
Thanks.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Nick -
Definitely do it in a letter. If you try to catch him between patients, it's likely to be a bad time. If there are other patients around, it might be uncomfortable for him, like you are putting him on the spot.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
You should definitely say something. This is essentially a public safety issue --- and wouldn't you feel bad if it collapsed and someone was injured because you were unwilling to speak up? The building owner may well have a potential liability issue facing him or her, but they'll never know in time if you don't advise them.
mjan
Update. Received a call today from the doc, asking if I would please give him an 'official' estimate to replace all hangers and make any repairs necessary. I had written him a letter and included three photos showing rust stains where the hangers had once been, but were now missing.
So tomorrow I'll cruise by and get a more detailed look. Ironically, I probably won't be able to address it for at least 2-3 months due to backlog.
Thanks for everyone's input.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.