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Condominium owners in St. Petersburg face towering uncertainty as over 200 buildings must complete Milestone Inspection Reports by Dec. 31.

Condominium owners in St. Petersburg face towering uncertainty as over 200 buildings must complete Milestone Inspection Reports by Dec. 31.

A new state law requires mandatory structural studies on older condo buildings with three or more stories. Senate Bill 4-D also requires association boards to increase repair funding reserves, and many owners now face six-figure special assessment fees.

 Don Tyre, building official manager, provided city council members an update on the local process at a July 11 committee meeting. He noted that 225 condo buildings must submit reinspection reports this year, as all exist within three miles of the coast.

“I’m hoping to get three-quarters of the buildings to submit by December,” Tyre said. “There are going to be some issues; this is a new regulatory requirement. There’s only so many engineering firms that do this work.”

He said bill provisions allow deadline extension in some extenuating circumstances. The city will address delinquent buildings on a “case-by-case basis.”

The legislation, passed in May 2022, stems from the Chaplain South Tower’s collapse in Surfside, Florida. The catastrophe – still under investigation and blamed on several factors – killed 98 people on June 24, 2021.

 

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties were the only jurisdictions to mandate structural inspection programs for existing buildings before the collapse. The local ordinances required buildings over 40 years old to receive a 10-year recertification.

SB 4-D established a 25 or 30-year program for cooperative and condo buildings. Those within three miles of a coastline and built before July 1, 1997, must abide by the earlier timeframe.

“That’s, basically, what we’re going to be following – a 25-year inspection program with a 10-year reinspection portion,” Tyre said. “December of this year is the big date. It’s been postponed once; I don’t anticipate it being postponed again.”

He noted that 68 of the 225 buildings have submitted milestone reports. The legislation also applies to commercial structures of any height with an occupancy limit exceeding 500 people.

Local governments must submit a 180-day notice to affected owners and associations. St. Petersburg issued those forms June 28.

Tyre explained Phase I is a visual inspection from an architect or engineer to discern “any possible substantial structural deterioration.” Those could require further evaluations, and stakeholders must submit a Phase II Inspection report within 180 days.

“The responsibility falls to the condo ownership group and architectural or engineering firm they hire to provide that documentation,” Tyre added. “If they deem it necessary to go into a Phase II inspection, that’s a more forensic investigation.”

He said that could include building material sample testing, movement measurements, soil studies and “a number of different building imaging options.” The owners have one year to pull permits and start repairs if the architectural or engineering firm finds significant deterioration.

“If there’s a life safety issue, that’s when we (the city) would step in as a regulatory authority,” Tyre said. “And potentially, either evacuate the building or a portion of the building – it could be limited to just a small area, like a couple of balconies or something like that.

“There’s going to be some condo associations or buildings that will require a deeper review.”

Tyre said the inspections focus on structural integrity rather than code violations and fall outside the city’s scope. However, building officials will provide oversight.

Councilmember Brandi Gabbard requested the update and noted that received reports would constitute municipal public records. She said that would help inform prospective buyers.

“Anybody who has ever bought or sold a condo knows that sometimes it is challenging to get all of the documentation regarding the condo association the way it is now,” Gabbard said. “But then when you add this on top of it, and the type of reserves that we could potentially see being increased, there is some concern over transparency …”

Tyre said building officials must redact some information, and residents must submit a formal public records request to receive documentation. Elizabeth Abernethy, director of planning and development services, said they could explore creating an online portal to streamline the process.

The legislation allows local governments to implement a fee for reviewing submitted inspection reports. Abernethy believes the city has adequate staff to “get through this initial push and wouldn’t be necessary to charge an additional fee for review those reports.”

However, buildings needing repairs must pay associated permitting costs. Gabbard said she has “no desire” to require additional payments.

“Some of these reserve needs are going to be pretty hefty,” she added. “I don’t think we need to pile on.”

Thank You for the contribution of this article so others can learn.

Published on July 16, 2024 By

Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

The State of Florida  Property Management Association with Legal & Engineering Members are here to  provide help so you understand the new laws and how to take the correct action to ensure you are in full compliance.

http://FLBuildingInspections.com  (a division of SFPMA)

 

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DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU AND YOUR RESIDENTS ARE IN DANGER?

DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU AND YOUR RESIDENTS ARE IN DANGER?

Did you know that condominiums and apartment complexes must be restored every seven (7) years at a minimum? Do buildings within three (3) miles of the coast need to be rehabilitated more frequently due to exposure to chloride ions that can accelerate oxidation of structural reinforcing bars in concrete?
This is what leads to spalling and structural deficiencies that cause cave-ins and collapses.
With us and our experts, you’ll launch with the right plan in place, meet the project milestone, and finish on time and on budget!
For us, your safety and that of all families is the most important thing!
The best way to predict your future is to create it
WELCOME TO SMYTH ENGINEERING!
📲Direct Line: (772) 771-3176
📍Office Location: 369 NE Baker Road Stuart, FL 34994
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Florida Building Inspections By: Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm – Joe DiPompeo, PE

Florida Building Inspections By: Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm – Joe DiPompeo, PE

  • Posted: Jun 19, 2024
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Florida Building Inspections

Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm

By: Joe DiPompeo, PE

Building inspections are a critical component of property management in the state of Florida. They help to ensure that buildings are maintained in good condition and meet building codes, which is essential for protecting both tenants and property owners.

First and foremost, building inspections are necessary to ensure that buildings are compliant with certain codes and regulations. In Florida, building codes are set by the Florida Building Code (FBC), which establishes standards for the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings in the state. These codes cover everything from electrical and plumbing systems to fire safety and structural integrity. While most codes are applicable to the construction of the building, Florida has significant codes and requirements throughout the life of the building, such as structural and electrical recertification inspections. Failure to comply with these codes can result in fines, legal action, and even the closure of the building.

By conducting regular inspections, property managers can identify any issues that may be in violation of these codes and requirements and take corrective action before they become serious problems. For example, an inspector may find deteriorating structural concrete or issues with the electrical wiring. These issues can be addressed before they put the safety of tenants and the property at risk or become a larger, more expensive problem to fix.

In some places, such as Florida, there are mandatory ordinances which enforce regular building inspections. These inspections should be conducted by a certified Professional Engineer and then file a report with the local building department or and/or state. If these requirements are not met, the property owner or manager will receive a fine.

Furthermore, building inspections can also help property managers identify maintenance needs. Over time, buildings can experience wear and tear, and components can break down. By conducting regular inspections, property managers can identify these issues and take corrective action before they become more serious and costly to repair. This can help to extend the lifespan of the building and save money in the long run.

Moreover, building inspections are essential for protecting property values. Properties that are well-maintained and free of hazards are more attractive to tenants and can command higher rents and sale prices. Regular inspections can help to identify issues that may be causing damage to the building, such as water leaks or structural issues. By addressing these issues early, property managers can prevent further damage and ensure that the building maintains its value.

Finally, building inspections can also provide peace of mind for property owners and tenants alike. By knowing that the building is being regularly inspected and maintained, owners can be confident that their investment is being protected. Tenants, on the other hand, can feel reassured that they are living in a safe and well-maintained environment.

In conclusion, building inspections are a crucial part of property management in Florida. They help to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations, identify potential hazards, identify maintenance needs, protect property values, and provide peace of mind for owners and tenants. By conducting regular inspections, property managers can prevent serious problems from occurring and ensure that their buildings are safe and well-maintained and compliant with state and local requirements.

Structural Workshop

Structural Engineering and Building Consulting firm

754-277-4245

info@structuralworkshop.com

Contact us for an Inspection. 

 

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Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

  • Posted: Jun 19, 2024
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Drones capture thousands of high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes.

Performing drone inspections on a consistent basis allows property managers to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, and hurricane damage.
At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida.
Learn more about our drone services @ https://ow.ly/Qy6u50QWZNw

DRONE SURVEYS

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Drones take many videos and high-quality photos as they move in and around buildings at different altitudes. In a single mission, hundreds of data points can be captured for later use. That data provides a historical record to aid in insurance claims, maintenance and future renovations. At SRI, our FAA-certified pilots perform drone surveys of residential and commercial properties throughout South Florida. We use Catalogger image management software to easily store, search and access image and video data.

FAA-Certified Drone Pilots

All of our pilots have passed the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107) examination and maintain their flying credentials by passing recurrent examinations every two years.

Image Management with Catalogger
With a simple interface, Catalogger allows users to quickly access and share drone survey photos to guide maintenance, repair, and improvement projects. Image data is stored on the cloud and can be viewed on multiple devices via a password-protected portal.
Mission Planning With Recorded GPS Coordinates

Allows for repeated flights along the same path. Missions can be scheduled periodically to observe time-dependent changes such as concrete deterioration, roof wear and tear, hurricane damage, and modifications to surrounding structures.

Catalogger image management system logo
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Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

  • Posted: Jun 19, 2024
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Architectural Committees Formal Procedures, Published Standards, and Self Help

by REMBAUM’S ASSOCIATION ROUNDUP

Formal Procedures

There are strict legal requirements that a homeowners’ association’s (HOA) architectural review committee (ARC) must follow, most especially if the ARC intends to deny an owner’s request. As this author has witnessed countless times, it is likely that many ARCs do not conduct their activities in conformity with Florida law such that an ARC denial may not withstand judicial scrutiny. If these legal requirements are not followed, and the ARC denies the owner’s architectural request, then it would be quite easy for the owner to challenge the ARC’s decision and prevail. Upon prevailing, the owner would be entitled to their prevailing party attorney’s fees and costs, as well. It is so easy to avoid this outcome, yet so few associations take the time to do it right.

Pursuant to §720.303(2), Florida Statutes, a meeting of the ARC is required to be open and noticed in the same manner as a meeting of the association’s board of directors. Notice of the ARC meeting must be posted in a conspicuous place in the community at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting, and the meeting must be open for all members to attend. Further, pursuant to §720.303(2)(c)(3), Florida Statutes, members of the ARC are not permitted to vote by proxy or secret ballot. Also, bare bone minutes should be taken to create a record of ARC decisions—especially denials.

We often hear from many HOAs that the ARC does not meet openly and does not notice their meetings. This leaves decisions made by the ARC vulnerable to challenge. If the ARC denies an application but fails to do so at a properly noticed board meeting, the owner can challenge the denial, claiming that it is not valid because the ARC did not follow proper procedure. In such cases, the ARC’s denial of an application is not valid because the ARC failed to comply with the procedural requirements for the meeting even if an application violates the declaration or other association-adopted architectural standards. However, by complying with the provisions of Chapter 720, Florida Statutes, your HOA can work to avoid this debacle.

 

 

Published Standards

Often a top priority for an HOA is ensuring that homes in the community maintain a harmonious architectural scheme in conformity with community standards and guidelines, and because the ARC is at the frontline of owners’ alterations and improvements to their homes, it is instrumental in ensuring that the community standards and guidelines are met. Pursuant to §720.3035(1), Florida Statutes, an HOA, or the ARC, “has the authority to review and approve plans and specifications only to the extent that the authority is specifically stated or reasonably inferred as to location, size, type, or appearance in the declaration or other published guidelines and standards.” But not every owner request is typically addressed in the declaration or other published guidelines and standards. If not, then the association may not be in a good position for proper denial. Therefore, the ARC is only as effective as the objective guidelines and standards (set forth in the declaration and other published guidelines and standards) are inclusive. So, what is the association to do when the ARC receives an owner’s application for an alteration to the home, but the association does not have any architectural guidelines or standards regulating the requested alteration?

While not court tested yet, a possible solution for this conundrum is to include a “catch-all” provision in the declaration to proactively address those ARC applications where a member may request a modification that is not directly addressed by the governing documents. Such a “catch-all” provision stands for the proposition that, if such a request is made, then the existing state of the community is the applicable standard by which the ARC application is to be judged. For example, imagine if an owner applies to the ARC to paint the owner’s house pink. If there are no architectural guidelines or standards that address what color a house must be, and there are no pink houses in the community, then the existing state of the community may provide a lawful basis for the ARC to deny the request because there are no existing pink houses in the community.

The Trouble With Self-Help Provisions

What if an owner refuses to maintain the owner’s property, such as pressure washing a dirty roof, despite the HOA sending demand letters, levying a fine, and perhaps even suspending the owner’s right to use the HOA’s recreational facilities? What is the HOA’s next step? Is it time to file a lawsuit to compel compliance? Well, Chapter 718 (governing condominiums), Chapter 719 (governing cooperatives), and Chapter 720 (governing HOAs) of the Florida Statutes authorize the association to bring an action at law or in equity to enforce the provisions of the declaration against the owner. Additionally, many declarations contain “self-help” language that authorizes the association to cure a violation on behalf of the owner and even, at times, assess the owner for the costs of doing so. These “self-help” provisions generally contain permissive language, meaning the association, may, but is not obligated to, cure the violation. Sadly, in this instance the word “may” means “shall,” and to find out why, read on.

There is a general legal principal that, if a claimant has a remedy at law (e.g., the ability to recover money damages under a contract), then it lacks the legal basis to pursue a remedy in equity (e.g., an action for injunctive relief). Remember, too, that an association’s declaration is a contract. In the context of an association, the legal remedy would be exercising the “self-help” authority granted in the declaration. An equitable remedy would be bringing an action seeking an injunction to compel an owner to take action to comply with the declaration. Generally, a court will only award an equitable remedy when the legal remedy is unavailable, insufficient, or inadequate.

Assume that the association’s declaration contains both the permissive “self-help” remedy and the right to seek an injunction from the court. Accordingly, it would appear the association has a decision to make—go to court to seek the injunction or enter onto the owner’s property, cure the violation, and assess the costs of same to the owner. However, recent Florida case law affirmed a complication to what should be a simple decision. In two cases decided ten years apart, Alorda v. Sutton Place Homeowners Association, Inc., 82 So.3d 1077 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2012) and Mauriello v. Property Owners Association of Lake Parker Estates, Inc., 337 So.3d 484 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2022), Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal decided that an association did not have the right to seek an injunction to compel an owner to comply with the declaration if the declaration provided the association the authority, but not the obligation, to engage in “self-help” to remedy the violation. Expressed simply, this is because the legal contractually based “self-help” remedy must be employed before one can rely upon equitable remedy of an injunction. Therefore, even though the declaration provided for an optional remedy of “self-help,” it must be used before seeking the equitable remedy of an injunction.

In Alorda, the owners failed to provide the association with proof of insurance required by the declaration. Although the declaration allowed the association to obtain the required insurance, the association filed a complaint against the owners seeking injunctive relief, asking the court to enter a permanent mandatory injunction requiring the owners to obtain the requested insurance. The owners successfully argued that even though they violated the declaration, the equitable remedy of an injunction was not available because the association already had an adequate legal remedy—the “self-help” option of purchasing the required insurance and assessing them for same. The Court agreed.

In Mauriello, the declaration contained similar language as in Alorda but involved the issue of the owners failing to keep their lawn and landscaping in good condition as required by the declaration. The association filed a complaint seeking a mandatory injunction ordering the owners to keep their lawn and landscaping in a neat condition. However, the facts were complicated by the sale of the home in the middle of the suit when the new owners voluntarily brought the home into compliance with the declaration. The parties continued to fight over who was entitled to prevailing party attorney’s fees with the association arguing it was entitled to same because the voluntary compliance was only obtained after the association was forced to commence legal action. The owners, citing Alorda, argued that the complaint should have been dismissed at the onset because the association sought an equitable remedy (injunction) when a legal remedy was already available—the exercise of its “self-help” authority. The Court considered the award of attorney’s fees after the dismissal of the association’s action for an injunction. Ultimately, the Court held that the owners were the prevailing party as the association could not seek the injunction because it already had an adequate remedy at law.

Accordingly, if your association’s declaration contains a “self-help” provision, and your association desires to seek an injunction against an owner rather than pursue “self-help,” the board should discuss the issue in greater detail with the association’s legal counsel prior to proceeding. Also, remember that if the association wants to enforce architectural standards, then they must be published to the membership; and always remember to notice ARC meetings and take minutes.

 

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Does your building’s exterior need a facelift? Our team of experts specializes in building maintenance and exterior services, from high-rise window cleaning to garage restoration.

Does your building’s exterior need a facelift? Our team of experts specializes in building maintenance and exterior services, from high-rise window cleaning to garage restoration.

  • Posted: Jun 19, 2024
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Does your building’s exterior need a facelift?

Well it now the Building Inspection! and Your Condo needs this NOW!

Our team of experts specializes in building maintenance and exterior services, from high-rise window cleaning to garage restoration.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to revamp your building’s look and enjoy a delicious meal on us!

Contact us today to schedule your estimate.

Our Expertise

Our 20+ years expertise in this industry guarantees our work will exceed your expectations.

HIGH-RISE WINDOW CLEANING

FALL PROTECTION

CONCRETE REPAIR & RESTORATION

POWER WASHING & WATERPROOFING

GLASS WINDOW REPLACEMENT

FISP SAFETY INSPECTIONS

 


Why Choose Thompson

Our core values lies in exceeding expectations for our clients, with a focus on accurate quotes, quality work, and the overall positive customer experience. 

Our Expertise

Our 10+ years expertise in this industry guarantees our work will exceed your expectations.

Accurate Quotes

We meet with your team for a quick walkthrough to determine options available within your budget.

Customer Care

We are confident that our customer experience will always be top-notch.

Contact Us:

LET’S CHAT!   (732) 997-8138

 

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Don’t let a natural disaster catch your community off guard! Take charge and be prepared!

Don’t let a natural disaster catch your community off guard! Take charge and be prepared!

  • Posted: Jun 19, 2024
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The coastal Northeast is experiencing a concerning trend of heating at a faster rate compared to other regions in North America. Researchers have identified a strong correlation between the accelerated warming and the rapidly increasing temperatures in the North Atlantic Ocean and increasing storm intensity. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and coastal flooding can strike at any moment, leaving communities devastated and in need of immediate assistance. It is crucial for communities to be prepared in order to minimize the impact of these disasters and ensure the safety of their residents.

Preparing your community for a natural disaster is crucial to minimize damage, save lives, and facilitate a swift recovery. Here are a few steps to assist with your preparation:

Assessment and Planning:

  • Identify the types of natural disasters that are common in your area, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or tornadoes.
  • Conduct a thorough risk assessment to understand the potential impact of these disasters on infrastructure, buildings, and residents.
  • Collaborate with professionals to create a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan.
  • Make sure that the community has backed up records of their site plans, architectural and structural drawings, as this can greatly assist in the post disaster assessment and recovery process.

Initial building evaluation performed based on the severity of the storm/event:

  • The degree of safety & habitability of the subject building is not always obvious. If there is any doubt or question that there may be structural or building envelope damage to a building, call you Professional Engineer or Architect and have an evaluation performed.
  • In some instances, you may be required by your local municipality to have your professional assist with stabilizing the structure before parties can enter the structure to collect personal belonging that may remain.

Communication and Engagement:

  • Establish a reliable communication system to disseminate information before, during, and after a disaster. This can include email, social media, or text alerts.
  • Designate community leaders or volunteers responsible for communicating updates and instructions.

Contact Insurance:

  • It can take a while to get adjusters to scene following an event. Be sure to take before, during and after photos of any damage that occurred.

Post-Disaster Recovery:

  • Establish a recovery plan that includes damage assessment, debris removal, and restoration of essential services.
  • Plans and specifications may be required to repair or reconstruct the building, depending on severity.
  • Code requirements can impact the work based on if it is classified as repair vs reconstruction. This needs to be carefully reviewed and considered as insurance carriers may try to exclude some of the necessary work, so the Architect or Engineer needs to be well versed on preparing plans for this type of work.

Remember, disaster preparedness is an ongoing effort. Regularly review and update your plans based on new information, changing community demographics, and emerging technologies. By taking proactive steps, you can help your community minimize the impact of natural disasters and ensure a more resilient future.

Contact our team for more information how to be proactive! 

The Falcon Group
Miami
15405 NW 7th Avenue in Miami, FL 33169
ph: 305.663.1970 x509
info@falconengineering.com
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
5651 Corporate Way, Suite 4, West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
Phone: 561-290-0504
info@falconengineering.com
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Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

  • Posted: May 15, 2024
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Building Envelope & Façade Inspections

Our structural engineers will design, plan and execute your project, tailored to suit each individual’s specific needs and budgets. Our engineers will inspect all materials used to ensure the strength and stability of your structure from low-, mid-, to high-rise structures and facilities. Falcon’s engineers pride themselves on ensuring the services and recommendations provided to each of our clients are held at the desired level of individualized care and attention.

  • High Rise & Mid Rise Façade Inspections & Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Stucco & Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) Evaluations & Repair

  • Mid Rise & Low Rise Siding Inspections & Repair Replacement

  • Roof Inspections & Repair/Replacement

  • Water Infiltration Investigation & Remediation

  • Window & Door Replacement Design

  • Balcony & Deck Repair/Restoration/Replacement

  • Foundation Inspections & Waterproofing

  • Parking Garage Inspections & Repair/Restoration

  • Firewall / Fire Separation Assembly Inspections & Remediation

Tampa Bay

1211 1st Avenue, N.
Suite 300
St. Petersburg, FL 33705

P (813) 438-3568

/one_third]

West Palm Beach

5651 Corporate Way
Suite 4
West Palm Beach, FL 33407

P (561) 290-0504

Miami

15405 NW 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33169

P (305) 663-1970

The Falcon Group

Engineering Architecture Energy Consultants Specialists

An industry-leader providing professional, cost effective and innovative architectural and engineering designs, solutions and services through the use of highly qualified staff and outstanding customer service.

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Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales

Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales

  • Posted: May 15, 2024
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Brighten Your Business: How Commercial LED Lighting Boosts Productivity and Sales

The lighting in your business space does more than just brighten up the area; it can have a profound impact on productivity and sales. As businesses strive to create optimal working environments and enticing shopping experiences, commercial LED lighting has emerged as a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore the powerful ways in which LED lighting can elevate your business, enhancing both productivity among your employees and customer satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased sales.

A well-lit workspace is vital for employee productivity and well-being. Studies have consistently shown that commercial LED lighting can positively influence concentration, focus, and overall mood among workers. The bright, uniform illumination provided by LEDs reduces eye strain and fatigue, leading to improved performance and reduced errors. With LEDs, your team will feel more comfortable and motivated, leading to increased efficiency and productivity that directly impacts your business’s bottom line.

  • Focused Lighting Solutions:

One of the key advantages of commercial LED lighting is its versatility. LED technology allows for focused lighting solutions, meaning you can highlight specific areas or products in retail spaces. Whether it’s accentuating merchandise in a store or illuminating important workstations in an office, LEDs provide the flexibility needed to create the perfect ambiance for each section of your business. By directing attention to critical areas, you can guide customers to key products, driving sales and optimizing their overall shopping experience.

  • Vibrant and Inviting Spaces:

First impressions matter, and your business’s lighting sets the tone for customers’ overall experience. Commercial LED lighting offers a range of color temperatures and intensity levels that can be tailored to match your brand’s personality and image. Whether you want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a restaurant or a bright and energetic vibe in a retail store, LED lighting can be customized to suit your specific needs. A vibrant and inviting space will leave a lasting impression on customers, encouraging them to return and recommend your business to others.

  • Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

Beyond boosting productivity and sales, commercial LED lighting also presents significant cost-saving opportunities. LEDs are known for their energy efficiency, consuming up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This reduction in energy usage translates to lower electricity bills, freeing up financial resources that can be reinvested in other aspects of your business. Additionally, LEDs have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance costs.

As you strive to create a thriving business environment, don’t overlook the power of commercial LED lighting. The benefits extend far beyond just lighting up your space; they enhance productivity, elevate customer experiences, and contribute to cost savings. Embrace the versatility and efficiency of commercial LED lighting to brighten your business, boost employee morale, and entice customers into a captivating shopping journey. With the right lighting strategy, your business will shine brightly and enjoy the rewards of increased productivity and sales.


L.o.T.’s Solution

Inefficient lighting wastes energy which contributes to the rising global consumption of fossil fuels. Lighting of Tomorrow is on a mission to reduce America’s environmental footprint. By partnering up with industry experts, Lighting of Tomorrow facilitates communities to switch from inefficient lighting fixtures to new state-of-the-art LED lighting technology. Our goal is to achieve significant energy cost reductions through the installation of energy-efficient lighting Our services include: ✓professional lighting consultation ✓lighting installation ✓lighting maintenance

Members of SFPMA. find us on the members directory

 

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Find everything you need to know about Florida Building Inspections SB-4D

Find everything you need to know about Florida Building Inspections SB-4D

  • Posted: Apr 17, 2024
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Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

http://FLBuildingInspections.com  (a division of SFPMA)

Find everything you need to know about Florida Building Inspections SB-4D

It’s a confusing time for everyone affected, and we can all use some extra clarity. Our experts dove through the 88 page document and outline what you need to know about SB-4D so you can focus on making your building safer instead of deciphering the wordy documents.

Florida state legislature took swift action to implement inspection reform to mitigate the risk of a similar tragedy in the future. As of May 27th, 2022, Florida passed several laws to keep building safer in the state by requiring specific inspections and funding mechanisms. These new Florida condo laws mean significant changes for building owners across Florida, all within a relatively short time.

 

The State of Florida Property Management Association with Legal & Engineering Members are here to help you understand the new laws and how to take the correct action now to ensure you are in full compliance.

When you need your condo inspection contact us!

 


More about Florida Building Inspections:

Our Building Services Division, With the addition of the new Law, (SB4D) We have had many calls, emails and messages sent to SFPMA. There are so many with questions, many are still asking what can they do? How do we go about doing these inspections! We are Bringing this information to Boards, Owners and Management Professionals throughout Florida.

Condos need to take action for Registration before January 2023. Next is Inspections by an Engineer or Architect along with Mandatory Reserve Funding.

SFPMA and our Members will provide information to make these new legal requirements easier to understand and learning through the articles re: Legal, Maintenance, Engineering, Services to name a few.

 

Florida Condo Building Inspections (SB4d)

Milestone Inspections

Structural Integrity Reserve Studies

Mandatory Reserves

 

 


On our website and social media we have pages where we post daily with updates, Laws and the Top Companies/Members who are ready to inspect your buildings.

Please like and follow our New Division and Pages,  In time these pages will have the information, New Articles and Contact forms where Boards and Managers can fill out and sfpma will forward these to the Engineers  Members for Inspections.  remember to send articles and other for the new areas,  membership@sfpma.com

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Drones play a major role in structural evaluation and documentation. by SRI Consultants inc.

Drones play a major role in structural evaluation and documentation. by SRI Consultants inc.

  • Posted: Apr 17, 2024
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INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO DRONE IMAGE MGMT FOR STRUCTURAL EVALUATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION

BY: SHIRISH RAJPATHAK, M.S., P.E., S. I. | PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

 

Drones play a major role in structural evaluation and documentation. A drone survey of a typical building can generate over 100 GB of data, including thousands of images and videos.

Systematically viewing, sharing, and storing drone data is a major challenge. This post explores the best practices for managing a vast amount of collected imagery, including accessing and sharing images on demand across different platforms (computers, tablets, phones).

Who Needs to Document Structural Conditions and Why?

In view of the building collapse in Surfside, FL, and subsequent action by the State legislature (Florida Senate Bill 4D), many stakeholders, namely high-rise building owners, property management companies, building officials, engineers, and insurers, will need to document the existing conditions of structures.

Drones have already proved to be valuable in search and rescue operations, and after hurricanes, earthquakes, and similar natural disasters. They also play a major role in structural evaluation.For consultants, drone surveys help in a detailed and thorough evaluation of structures. They aid in reducing report preparation time, categorizing the type of damage, determining the quantity and location of damage, providing evidence for expert witness testimonials, as well as optimizing project portfolio, marketing, and advertising. For property owners, they can be important in justifying maintenance and repair expenses and supporting insurance claims. Even contractors can benefit, from documenting pre-construction conditions and construction progress to providing as-built documentation (rebar, PT cables, utility piping layout in slab before concrete pour) and defending legal actions.A drone survey of a typical building can generate over 100 GB (Gigabyte) of data including thousands of images and videos. Systematically viewing, sharing, and storing this data is a major challenge.

This paper will discuss the pros and cons of video versus high-definition still images, how to manage a vast amount of collected imagery, and how to view and share images on demand using different platforms (computers, tablets, or phones).

Video Vs. High-Resolution Still Images

Capturing images using drones is an art! Besides flying skills and knowledge of drones, a drone operator should have good knowledge of photography and videography. The quality of video recording is subject to the type of camera shutter (electronic vs mechanical), frame rate, camera steadiness, and smoothness of panning. Video images tend to be of lower resolution than still images, and they have more compression noise. Also, electronic shutters often produce distortion called rolling shutter. This is also known as “The Jello Effect”

Therefore, video recording may be convenient but not very practical for capturing details. During video recording, the drone is moving continuously. In any given video, one must watch the entire footage to pinpoint a location of interest; and there are often several videos of each structure to watch. This requires tedious time-tagging by someone who is both familiar with the structure and good at problem identification. In reality, videos are best suited for real estate professionals to highlight structures in relation to their surroundings for prospective buyers.

It is important to stress that the flight time of all drones is limited by battery life. Thus, it is critical that each flight is well planned and executed to acquire the maximum information possible.

Many drones today have the built-in capability of producing panoramas from a collection of high-resolution still images, captured while rotating a drone 360 degrees. Each image also contains data such as ISO, exposure, GPS coordinates, and altitude

This information is useful in building a database with powerful indexing functions that link to a visual map and allow users to access any image quickly. Also, still images tend to be of much higher resolution (most drones allow the storing of raw images which are typically 2-3 times larger in file size compared to typical JPEG format). Most importantly, images can be stored on the cloud and accessed via a simple interface.

Regardless of who needs information and for what purpose, information is only good if it is made available when needed. That said, not all consultants conducting structural evaluations need to be certified drone operators. A qualified drone operator can perform a survey with detailed instructions from an engineer, saving time and expense.

Innovative Image Management System

As explained before, still images have the unique advantage of being easy to index. Innovative image management systems automatically catalog drone data as illustrated in the example below. Figure 3 shows a sample site located on the intercoastal waters in South Florida.

The site was imaged with a drone on two consecutive days. Figures 4 and 5 show the locations of the drone flights.

At each of the locations, a drone was flown to various heights, and at each height, a panorama was captured. A drone is always oriented towards the structure to lock in the exposure of the camera. This avoids wash-out or darkening of the subject. To access a panorama at a specific height, one clicks on any blue tag and selects the height from the pop-up table (Figure below).

Two side-by-side photos of client site by drone with blue markers indicating locations where images were acquired

This opens a panorama at the chosen height in an adjacent window (Figure 5 b). After clicking to load the panorama, the user is free to move around, 360 degrees. This allows the user to examine a point of interest in the structure or in the surrounding area. A user can also zoom in or view the structure in full screen. At this point, the user has the choice of capturing the screen or checking the hot spot checkbox at the bottom of the window, which displays hot spots as red circles. These red circles are pointers to the actual drone images stored in the cloud.

Clicking on any of the hot spots activates a pop-up window asking the user to either view the actual image in a new window or download a high-resolution image to their device

Read the rest of this Article, Learn how Drones are used for your Buildings Inspections and Documentation.
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