Playground Inspections at Condo Sites

Do you have a playground structure that you are responsible for that has seen better times, is aging or has been neglected for quite some time?

If so then allow me to assist you by putting you on the correct path to confidence and responsible due diligence. Following are some of the crucial areas that may need attention

The protective surface needs to be tested on a regular basis to ensure that it meets the planned criteria to protect the children using the equipment as installed. It’s important that the limits of Head Injury Criteria (1000) and GMax (200) are not exceeded this can only be absolutely defined by surface testi ng to ASTM 1292 - 99. If designed for accessibility by users with disabilities requiring a wheelchair then surface testing with a Rotary Penetrometer should be performed. Inspection of the structure will ensure that none of the components are experiencing undue wear and that fasteners are secure and of the appropriate type maintenance by someone outside of the playground industry may be well intentioned but in contravention of the CSA standard. Frost heave can cause unplanned movement of the stairways and unsafe access ways.

Safety clearances between components must be adhered to without allowing obstacles to be introduced so initial installation is an issue and also construction activities since original installation.

To adhere to CSA Z614-07, also to show due diligence, then a documented inspection report identifying these and many other details should be compiled annually by a third party inspector. An option would be for a designated person, from within the organisation with adequate knowledge, to perform document and create a file of monthly inspections.  An insurance professional advises that many Condo Corps have a deductible of between $10k and $25K should a claim be registered, so surely having an annual expenditure of $400 for inspections can be very easily justified and possibly negate the likelihood of a tragic injury. The potential claim or even of having the insurance policy in jeopardy is a business concern also.

Did you know that something as simple as posting contact co-ordinates to allow reporting of issues requiring attention is one of the items most ignored by owner/operators?

Contact Doug White of At Home and Play Inspections for “Confidence In Your Future” at 519 239 9220 or athomeandplay@gmail.com for prompt professional service

Choosing Your Home Inspector

In todays "walmart" society great value is placed upon being 50 cents cheaper than the alternative and if this is washing liquid this may be prudent but if you are investing your future salary for the foreseeable future into a home valued at $250,000 or some other appropriate value is it best to save $50 or even $75 when evaluating its condition and potential for future problems? This amounts to 0.01% of the homes value, I would suggest this may not be the best decision process.

 

Evaluate your potential Home Inspector as to the value that they will provide towards your decision process in ways that can be easily determined: Following is What To Ask Your Home Inspector and What To Look For In A Home Inspector?

 

1.Are they a member of a Professional Association? To belong to an association they must adhere to a specific code of conduct, also perform the inspection to a specific set of standards and inspect a minimum list of items in the home. ALSO they should NOT be offering services to fix the problems that they find and making profit from their investigations.

2.What education do they posses that relates to the Home Inspection Field? If in an association they MUST pass a specific list of exams and/or have identifiable skills and also maintain upgrading of knowledge on an annual basis

3.How long will the inspection take to be completed? The minimum time an inspection should take is 2 1/2 hours. 30 mins for the report and 8 distinct systems in the home with approx 15 mins per system and then dependant upon home size and age the inspection may run over that time up to 6 hours..... ask your prospective inspector for a time for YOUR inspection

4.Does the inspector carry insurance to cover for damage caused in the home due to their errors or incase they miss a major issue?

5.Do they provide a written report (electronic or hard copy) at the end of the inspection or what is the delay until it will be available?

6.Is this the Full Time Occupation of the inspector or is it a part time home inspector money maker? A full time inspector will be available to you when you need them on your schedule

7.How many home inspections has the inspector performed in their career?

8.Ask for references from previous customers or better still check the website for posted references, there should be some!!!!!!

 

If the person you are discussing assisting you in the decision making process for the biggest purchase of your life does not give you the answers that make you feel warm and fuzzy then call AH & P at 519 239 9220 for your next home inspection and "Confidence In Your Future"