Major Fire Reconstruction
Residence
Elizabeth, NJ Residence

Situation:
A major fire had damaged a three-story, multi-family residence. The fire began in the second story and burned all the way up to the third story, resulting in damage to entire roof. A small amount of the structural framing was charred, and due to fire-fighting all of the finishes throughout the building needed to be replaced. As a result of the fire and subsequent fire-fighting efforts there was also structural damage.

Approach:
Whereas the typical architect may not be on site for weeks, or even months, we were on site within days of the fire occurring. We identified any less-than-adequate structural components, even those not disturbed by the fire, which was mandated by code. The scope of this project involved reconstruction as well. We assembled a design and restoration team that, in this case, included a structural engineer. On day one, we spent time on site documenting the configuration of the existing structure and all damage that resulted from the fire. We discussed with the insurance adjustor the planned procedure and scope of repair. We then returned to our offices with the information and generated all construction drawings and specifications required for complete restoration of the building. We performed a code evaluation and then advised of necessary code upgrades.

Drawings were provided to the responsible adjustor for review. We worked closely with the adjustor to ensure our field evaluations aligned with the final drawings and the adjustor’s scope of work, so that nothing was overlooked. The time frame for the construction drawings, code evaluations and adjustor interfacing was two-to-three weeks.

Results:
We expedited the time to full restoration, completing the job from initial call to delivery of documents in twenty-two working days, saving over three months of ALE – additional living expenses. The normal development path for a recovery situation of this magnitude is approximately four-to-six months.

Storm Damage Loss
Single Family Home
Maplewood, NJ

Situation:
Due to severe summer thunderstorm a large thirty-six inch diameter tree fell and damaged the porch, chimney, attic roof, and deck, and crushed a car in the process.

Approach:
On site within days of incident occurring, we issued construction drawings twenty-one working days later. There were code issues in the structure for the replaced porch, which was totaled by the tree and the roof was caved in.

The homeowner made us aware that they were considering design changes during the repair. As a result of the existing circumstances it presented the homeowner with an opportunity to consider design work. They engaged our Fitzgerald Architecture Studios team and turned an unfortunate problem into an architectural positive.

Results:
We produced drawings in approximately twenty-one working days. The a more typical process would have taken about three months.

Water Damage
Multi-family residence
Montville, NJ

Situation:
The occupants were away for several days during which time the pipes had frozen on the second floor. As a result, water leaked throughout building, flooding the basement to the point that water was spilling out of the basement windows causing the problem to finally be recognized.

Approach:
We were called in by the insurance company. As a result of the water damage, all finishes throughout building required replacement, including plaster (100% plaster walls). In addition, all electrical components, wiring and flooring needed to be replaced. The adjustor called us in for a one-day site review to survey the property at the same time they began reviewing the loss. We develop detailed sketches, and also identified any potential code upgrades. There were extensive structural concerns with the framing members. We then performed building code evaluation for upgrades, identified building code mandated updates as a result of damage and created the repair drawings.

Results:
We were on site March 10th and issued the drawings on March 27th – 15 working days later. Our pro-active responsiveness saved dramatically on ALE and greatly expedited occupant return to the facility. For this type of loss, the normal development path would have taken approximately three-to-four months.

Collision Damage Repair
Commercial Retail
Fort Lee, NJ
Stand-alone restaurant establishment

Situation:
A passenger car ran off the highway and into the side of the building. Damage was to the exterior storefront wall and windows.

Approach:
The accident damage shut down a significant portion of the establishment, resulting in daily-lost revenue and significant business interruption. Fitzgerald was on the scene within days of the incident. We met with the building owner during our one-day visit, surveyed the site for the information needed to generate construction drawings, and to identify any necessary code upgrades. As a result of severe structural damage many code upgrades were identified along with other required code upgrades not associated with the impact of the incident.

Results:
With a business, every minute of every day counts. By saving approximately six weeks on the development path, we helped to significantly minimize the shut down of the business. We achieved completion in only sixteen working days, whereas a more traditional process generates a completion path of approximately two months.