Lawyer Monthly - January 2022 Edition

for a far less tumultuous process. A comprehensive understanding of responsibilities across all contracted parties is also critical. The ability of a CCA to perform site observations and communicate freely with the owner and general contractor is paramount to determining whether a small problem can be resolved or if it will potentially evolve into a catastrophic liability. Have you seen any demonstrative examples of this in your work? Yes, on many occasions. One particular project was a multi- million-dollar, single-family residence that was less than seven years old and already on its third roof, due to an incorrect assessment that a roof leak had caused significant water-related damages. The reality was that the designer, developer and/ or contractor did not have an adequate understanding of the principles of applied building science. Additionally, the lack of detailing, incompatibility of specified materials, and incomplete specifications contributed to multiple errors and construction-related issues. Forensically assessing the problem, designing repair details and administering the repair contract has brought this ongoing issue to a close. In another multi-million-dollar single family residence project; while under construction, WAA was retained to perform site observations and render opinions regarding quality control. During the process, significant structural and building envelope deficiencies were observed and noted. As such, the owner was able to address and remediate the problems prior to them being covered up and likely progressing into catastrophic latent construction defects. Another case involved an existing multi-family, multi-storey building that was experiencing active water leaks toward the centre core at the lower floors. Our forensic investigation determined that the balconies were not constructed as designed and, coupled with inadequate maintenance, contributed to bulk water entry at the balcony interface, which migrated inside building components for nearly 30 feet before dripping into the centre building core. The bottom line: partnering with a licensed architect to provide CCA oversight is the right thing to do, often saving time, money and trouble across the project lifecycle. 72 WWW.LAWYER-MONTHLY.COM | JAN 2022 EXPERT WITNESS The bottom line: partnering with a licensed architect to provide CCA oversight is the right thing to do, often saving time, money and trouble across the project lifecycle. David Wojcik Wojcik + Associates Architects, Inc (WAA) 265 Cottonwood Dr Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007-1804 Tel: +1 847-439-0815 E: d.wojcik@wojcikarchitects.com www.wojcikarchitects.com linkedin.com/in/david-wojcik- aia-58128012 About David Wojcik David Wojcik is President and Senior Architect at Wojcik + Associates Architects, Inc (WAA). With more than 20 years of project success as a licensed architect for both commercial and residential markets, as well as a construction adviser, litigation support and expert witness, he leads and collaborates on a diverse portfolio of new build and renovation efforts across the US and overseas. Wojcik + Associates Architects, Inc (WAA) WAA is an architectural firm located in suburban Chicago, Illinois. The firm specialises in providing decisive design, building science consulting, construction contract administration and forensic investigations for residential, commercial and hospitality clientele. Wojcik + Associates Architects, inc.