Frost, Christenson & Associates

 

ENGINEERING PLANNING & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SERVICES Reserve Analysis Pavement Maintenance ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIRECTIONS

Transition Evaluations In performing transition evaluations for Condominium and Homeowner Associations, the Firm makes use of its multi-discipline personnel in the areas of Site Construction Inspection, Engineering and Landscape Architecture. Using these disciplines, a thorough visual investigation is made of all aspects of the Common Elements of the Association. A determination is made as to compliance with the approved site plan and architectural plans for the project, the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, and recommended industry standards for construction and installation. Further, a vigorous inspection is undertaken to determine whether construction deficiencies exist in any of these areas. Based upon the inspection work, Frost, Christenson & Associates provides the Association, Board of Trustees and Management with a detailed document describing the condition of the Common Elements, construction deficiencies that may have been discovered and proposed remedial measures necessary to ameliorate those deficiencies. In addition, areas of intermediate and long term concern in the operation and maintenance of the Common Elements are described. In addition to providing complete Transition Evaluation services, the Firm also provides similar services for specific areas of concern. Examples range from in-depth roof inspections to determine construction deficiencies and deficiencies in materials, to inspections of the framing or structure of the buildings. Frost, Christenson & Associates has been engaged on one project to act as a independent expert, as part of a major remediation of the structural components of multi-family dwellings. In each case, our findings are fully documented and proposed remedial measures are provided. Supplementing the inspection process is our familiarity with testing procedures for installation and materials. Ranging from wood to concrete to bituminous pavement, the Frost, Christenson & Associates has provided administrative support in arranging for the testing, as well as interpretation of the test results. Reserve Schedules Reserve Schedules, based upon either construction documents or field measurements, have been prepared for numerous Community Associations. This process, requiring an inspection of the Common Elements to determine the existing condition and anticipated Useful Life of capital items, along with a estimate of the Replacement Cost, ensures that adequate funds are available for the replacement of Common Elements, minimizing the need for Special Assessment of the membership. Because of our experience in Construction Administration, Replacement Cost estimates are based not only on published data, but from historical information available from the actual replacement of similar types of construction. For more information of Reserve Analysis and Reserve Studies click here. Preparation of Design Documents Frost, Christenson & Associates is a design firm. The design process, with input from our client, the preparation of design drawings, and as importantly, the preparation of Specifications, have been undertaken for a wide variety of items representative of the Common Elements under Association control. As part of this service, Frost, Christenson & Associates usually arranges for competitive "bids" from Contractors, interviews the apparent low bidder, and advises the Association on the acceptability of the bids received. Complete design documents have been prepared for the varied aspects of Community Associations. Ranging from the removal and replacement of roofs, siding, sidewalk and pavement, to remedial construction relating to drainage, detention facilities, foundations and decks, Frost, Christenson & Associates' varied expertise has allowed one design firm to address the inter-related problems that frequently exist during the construction process. Landscaping The most evident, visual impact on visitors to most Community Associations are the grounds and landscaping. Frost, Christenson & Associates strongly believes that maintenance and improvement in this area can have a significant impact on maintaining the property value of Associations. Inventories of existing landscaping and "master" landscape plans have been prepared for long term, systematic implementation, along with site-specific Landscape Architectural improvements for a number of Associations. Construction Administration In most instances, Frost, Christenson & Associates' involvement does not end with the preparation of the Construction Documents. Frost, Christenson & Associates provides Construction Administration services as the work progresses. This involves pre-construction meetings with the selected contractor, comprehensive inspection of the work, preparation of a final Punch List at the completion of the project, and authorization of invoices for payment by the Association. Annual Services As Associations age, the annual maintenance requirements become a greater concern. Frost, Christenson & Associates can assist an Association in evaluating short and intermediate maintenance requirements, update the Reserve Schedule, and provide cost information for the preparation of annual budgets to ensure that the value of the project is maintained. Involvement with Community Associations Frost, Christenson & Associates is an active supporter of the Community Association Institute. Representatives of Frost, Christenson & Associates regularly attend the various CAI functions, and have spoken on various subjects at both the State and National level. If Frost, Christenson & Associates can assist your community, please contact us at Engineering@FCAConsultants.com