By Sylvie Mercier, P.Eng, LEED AP, principal, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
and Glade Schoenfeld, EIT, Design Engineer, Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.

Buildings, like cars, are depreciating assets and require ongoing regular maintenance throughout their service lives. With neglect, the cost of repair compounds over time, becomes onerous, and may eventually exceed the cost to demolish and rebuild. Conversely, with care and attention, buildings can exceed their expected lives. Proactive maintenance not only mitigates known problems but can help owners identify other problems sooner through passive review.

Dave Frislev, Eltec Elevator Ltd.
September 2005

Many owners of low- rise commercial and residential complexes have Hydraulic elevators systems servicing the building.

Eltec Elevator Ltd., a company that has been servicing elevators in the Lower Mainland for a quarter of a century is writing this letter to advise all building owners with “In ground” hydraulic elevators of possible safety concerns with regards to the in ground cylinder, and the potential for leaks.

The Toque, Canada’s Source for Humour and Satire
December 2003

BOILER ROOM– George Filbert, the building manager, doesn’t like punks. He doesn’t like them one bit.

George Filbert, the building manager, will be keeping his eye on you.

Eric Schapira, Klondike Contracting
October 2003

Until recently, apartment owners were not compelled to upgrade their buildings as demand had outstripped supply and tenants still found it cheaper to rent than to own. Today, however, this is no longer the case as apartment owners are not only competing against each other, but more importantly, against market-savvy condo developers and historically low mortgage rates. Developers are offering condos with 5% down, low monthly payments, modern appliances, the opportunity to build up equity and many amenities (i.e. fitness centers, pools, views, screening rooms, guest suites & even free use of cars).