When you invest in a commercial property, you should always order a property condition assessment (PCA) as part of your due diligence process. The PCA (also called a “facility condition assessment” or FCA) is the commercial equivalent of the home inspection. Because of the relative complexity and size of the commercial investment, however, it is…
In commercial construction lending, the plan and cost review (PCR) is a standard part of the underwriting process. So standard, that most lenders don’t think much about who provides the PCR or what’s in it, so long as it gets done. That’s a mistake. A thorough, accurate, and expert PCR can prevent costly mistakes, while…
We don’t have to tell you that construction lending is high risk and that the more complex the project, the more risks there are. As part of construction lending due diligence, most institutions require a Plan and Cost Review (PCR). What many lenders don’t know, however, is that not every PCR provider has the expertise…
As we head into the new year, we like to look back to see which of our posts you enjoyed in the previous year, so we can bring you more of what you want. We thought it would be fun for you to see which of our posts were the most popular in 2017. Based…
An exposure assessment is a necessary and important tool for ensuring the health and safety of your workers. But many employers don’t understand exactly what it is, why they need it, or how to do it right. Here’s what you need to know. Definition: An exposure assessment evaluates the nature and magnitude of exposures to…
Hazard Communication Plans (HCPs) are a required, and often overlooked, element of any company’s workplace health and safety plan. Failure to communicate hazards appropriately has steep costs in terms of worker health, both in the short and the long term. Yet in the past year, OSHA has issued more than 5,000 citations for violations of…
Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are a leading cause of workplace injuries year round, and in winter the dangers increase. Icy sidewalks, frost-heaved walk surfaces, wet entryways, and dark stairwells all contribute to potential STFs. Property owners and employers can both be held liable for injuries that occur on the premises or while working, especially…
Nearly 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in the most recent year reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another 4,836 workplace incidents resulted in a fatality in the same year. That’s approximately 3 out of every 100 full-time employees who were harmed on the job. Obviously, none of us wants to put even one…
Despite being outlawed in 1978, lead-based paint continues to be the main way people in the U.S. become exposed to lead. Lead exposure causes a variety of health problems, including behavioral disorders, seizures, and death. Children under the age of 6 are most at risk, but even adults can suffer health consequences. It’s no wonder,…
It’s common to think that only the owners of old houses have to worry about lead paint. Unfortunately, that’s simply not true. Anyone who works in the renovation, repair, or painting industry needs to understand the hazards of lead paint and how to protect themselves and their employees as well as the building occupants. This…
