Defects in Buildings: What Restaurant Owners Need to Know

In light of the recent Surfside condominium collapse of Champlain Towers South, many building owners and tenants are evaluating the condition of their buildings, including deferred maintenance items and potential construction and design defects. Restaurant owners should likewise be concerned about the condition of their premises. Construction defects can devastatingly affect revenue and raise health and safety concerns for patrons and employees. This article discusses some of the warning signs to look for, and what to do if you discover a potential issue. 

What to Look For:  Water intrusion such as roof leaks and window leaks. Even a small leak may be a sign of a much larger construction issue. Repeated roof leaks may be a sign of systemic construction defects and could develop into a costly repair. Cracking of the exterior walls. Wall cracks and efflorescence may be a sign that your walls are experiencing water intrusion. As water enters a building’s wall cavity and reaches the…