Blueprint Analysis & Beyond: Navigating Renovation Projects-Blueprint Analysis & Beyond: Navigating Renovation Projects

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this comprehensive webinar hosted by the Inland Marine Underwriters Association, Bill Hacker, a loss control manager with extensive construction and underwriting experience, delves into blueprint analysis with a focus on renovation projects. He emphasizes that while new construction plans are often complete, renovation plans can be incomplete and challenging, requiring underwriters to thoroughly review budgets, schedules, demolition plans, and structural drawings to accurately assess risk.<br /><br />Bill highlights the significance of understanding project budgets and schedules, as they reveal detailed scopes of work beyond what blueprints may show. He stresses the importance of identifying "buzzwords" such as removals, shoring, underpinning, and asbestos abatement that signify higher risk. The session covers the complexities of horizontal and vertical penetrations like elevator shafts and stairwells, which often involve substantial shoring and engineering requirements.<br /><br />Real-life examples illustrate risks like structural stability during demolition, joisted masonry vulnerabilities in century-old buildings, and challenges associated with tuck pointing and roof replacements. Bill advocates for obtaining demolition plans, renderings, and professional engineering assessments to mitigate risks effectively.<br /><br />The interaction includes practical advice on collaborating with agents and brokers to gather essential information and working alongside loss control experts. Attendees' questions address topics from construction codes and AI's role in plan review to specific risks in fire suppression replacements and earthquake upgrades. Bill underscores that while AI can assist, expert judgment remains vital due to the nuances in construction projects.<br /><br />Ultimately, the presentation equips underwriters with critical knowledge and strategies to interpret renovation blueprints, manage inherent risks, and ensure informed underwriting decisions in complex renovation projects.

Asset Caption

A renovation documentation review for underwriters, with a focus on learning to recognize what may not be immediately visible.

This presentation helps you identify both clear and hidden risks in renovation projects. Underwriters need to consider many things to develop a clear understanding of the riskiest projects – Renovations. Phil shares his 25 years of experience in General Contracting as a project manager and estimator to help underwriters learn what key documents to review to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these messy projects. He discusses where to find the information you need, what hidden risks might be present, and helps you gain an understanding of some construction techniques used specifically in renovation work. Terms like tuck-pointing, shoring, and underpinning will no longer remain a mystery once you watch this webinar.

Presented by:

Phil Hacker, CBO
Loss Control Manager
Great American Insurance Group

Keywords

Inland Marine Underwriters Association

Bill Hacker

blueprint analysis

renovation projects

underwriting risk assessment

construction budgets and schedules

demolition plans

structural drawings

shoring and underpinning

loss control

AI in plan review