“You must learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t possibly live long enough to make them all yourself.”

Sam Levenson

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Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Dealing with customer complaints can be time consuming and costly both from a financial and reputation perspective. C.L.I. can lessen those burdens by providing first class quality control/quality assurance. We have helped builders to locate and correct construction problems that use to cost tens of thousands of dollars to correct. A fast resolution to a water problem, leaky roof, wet basement or other issue can keep your costs down and help in building a reputation for customer satisfaction. We can develop a procedural plan for correcting problems during the construction phase of your project.

We can support your field personnel in implementing the procedural plans which we have developed and provide staff support for training employees to prevent further occurrences of the issues which created the initial problems.

Training

Training your employees and sub-contractors to build using a whole building approach will reduce call backs and lead to a better bottom line for you. It has been our experience that many of the most common problems in buildings are the result of each system being installed independently with no thought or concern for other integrated building components. Buildings today, due to changes in building codes, materials and practices have evolved and must be understood by those building them to avoid common problems resulting from these new practices, materials and procedures. By properly training employees, supervisors and support staff you can reduce risk, increase customer satisfaction and protect your hard earned profits.

Reduce Litigation Costs

The cost of defending lawsuits, whether frivolous or not continues to rise.  Having a proactive program for dealing with complaints in a timely and cost effective manner is critical to your company's survival. We have developed a program that can pinpoint problems and allow for a cost effective resolution to many common complaints received by builders. The cost of our services are fractional compared to the cost savings which could be realized.

Commissioning Packages That Reduce Callbacks and Headaches

Consumers today want what they pay for. However, in today's litigious society there always seems to be some disagreement on exactly what was paid for and what was delivered. Our commissioning program allows the performance of your buildings to be assured through independent testing during construction. At project completion, your home buyer can be handed an independent third party report that details the systems in their new home and the proper operation of those systems. This helps to alleviate disagreements later which adds to your bottom line by reducing callbacks. It also assures your customers that your company is willing to go the extra mile to assure the quality of the homes they sell. Quality Assurance leads to a Quality Reputation. A reputation for quality is what will keep your company profitable when home sales slow.

On a per item basis, resolution of punch-list items is the second most expensive task for a contractor (warranty calls are the most expensive).

Post-construction warranty calls are recognized to be a primary factor in reducing project profits. By troubleshooting and producing better operating systems during construction, commissioning reduces the quantity of warranty calls that would adversely affect the contractor's profits and reputation.

Energy Efficiency Sells

Energy efficiency is a main selling point for builders today. Showing potential buyers that your homes are energy efficient eases their concerns over skyrocketing energy prices and assures them that their new home will be comfortable and efficient. Closer Look Inspections can provide not only code compliance help, we can provide documentation that your homes are energy efficient. We will perform blower door testing and full written documentation of the tightness of your homes which can be viewed by potential customers. This is an excellent sales tool in today's marketplace.

View a Sample Building Tightness Report

Call our office at the completion of construction and we can schedule to perform the testing. A full type written report will be available for client viewing within 48 hours of the site visit. Your customers will truly appreciate this valuable service.

Energy Efficient Homes (Meet IECC Obligations)

Meeting your IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) obligations adds values to the homes you build. By implementing a program that meets or exceeds the code requirements you are providing your clients with the best in comfort and affordability. Our energy surveys can show your clients the added value that an energy efficient home brings. Using state of the art diagnostic equipment including blower door, infrared (thermal imaging) equipment, combustion analyzers for measuring efficiencies of fossil fuel burning appliances and pressure and indoor air quality diagnostics we can show the performance of your homes under real time conditions.

Which Code Apply?

Code Disputes?

Have the International Codes been adopted in your area? Click here to find out states and localities where some or all of the international codes have been adopted. Those states and localities which have adopted the International Codes have taken the necessary step to assuring compliance. Much of the state of Ohio has adopted some or all of the international codes.

Hiring the services of ICC Certified building inspectors can aid builders by having an independent code authority on your side when disputes arise. In many instances, someone is working from or enforcing improper codes for that area which leads to disputes. Our certified inspectors can help in resolving these issues.

Prescriptive Package, Trade-Off Method or Performance Package?

When choosing which method to use in meeting your Energy Code obligations in Ohio the above three choices are available. Here, we will discuss the "Performance Method" as this is the method which will require that you bring in a qualified "third party" consultant to verify compliance. The reason that a third-party consultant is required is that this method is more complex than the other two and requires the use of specialized software to perform "Simulated Performance Alternative" (IECC Section 404). C.L.I. Group has experience at performing the required simulations and third-party compliance testing. In addition we have ICC Certified Energy Inspectors/Plan Examiners on staff to aid in assuring compliance is met.

Green Home Builders should formulate a relationship with third-party consultants that can keep them and their employees up-to-date on the latest changes to the "performance method" and required compliance. C.L.I. Group, LLC is in the final stages of development in our training programs which will aid builders, building departments and third-party consultants in green building technologies and energy code compliance services. To see sample performance paperwork and compliance for click here.

Excellent Marketing Tool For Your Homes

Consumers today are very interested in energy efficiencies. Natural gas prices are up 15% this year according to area suppliers and that translates into higher heating costs and more consumer concern over escalating energy costs. By employing our program of testing the homes you build you can show potential customers the increased value of living in an energy efficient, well built home. We will evaluate the home and quantify the savings. By comparing a loosely built home to a tighter built home (we will provide all documentation) your customers can see why choosing your homes is a wise decision. Many of the changes which need to be implemented in building a tighter, more energy efficient home can be performed during construction for little, if any cost. Our home evaluations assure not only a more energy efficient and comfortable home, but an environmentally friendly home as well. This will also help to define your company as an energy efficient and environmentally friendly building company. We can provide a full rating of the home which can be placed out for prospective buyer's.

Builders Using Forensic Inspections to Boost Quality, Preclude Suits

More and more builders are using independent home inspectors to perform forensic inspections of new construction. This trend is spreading across the country after starting on the West Coast, where Californian builders fought hard for a right to repair defects before they can be sued. Now, 15 states have such laws: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington and West Virginia. The trend is motivated both by a desire for higher quality and a desire to avoid costly payouts in class-action suits alleging defective construction. "It helps me sleep at night; it's sleep insurance," said one major national builder's risk management officer. The forensic inspection programs differ in the details, but there are several elements often found. These are review of the plans, training of subcontractors and staff on spotting potential problems, on-site inspections and project documentation. (www.chicagotribune.com)
Chicago Tribune (11/09/03) P. 1C; Sichelman, Lew

Extensive water penetration in crawlspace of new addition
Infrared thermography pinpoints pipe leak. Excavation was performed, pipe break was verified and repaired.
Leak in addition built by C.L.I. client	Infrared thermography shows that crawlspace moisture is originating in discharge line from sump.	Extensive condensation on ductwork in basement of newer home	Area of suspected leakage in newer home. Builder was going to have to excavate entire foundation.
Infrared thermography was used to isolate the leakage to leaking sump discharge below grade.	Blower door used to quantify building leakage	Building was depressurized to 25Pa and then scanned using thermal imaging. We discovered this large leakage pathway which was repaired.	With building depressurized to 25Pa, voids in the insulation were identified for retrofitting.

Isolating The Problems

Many of the images above were all taken on projects we have performed for area builders. Through our use of electronic moisture detection and infrared thermography we saved our clients thousands of dollars which would have been spent excavating entire foundations. The upper photo's show that in many cases, we can spot the exact cause of the problem (in this case a broken drain tile). We have done the same on roofs, both commercial and residential. Pinpointing leaks and repairing is a much more cost effective method than replacement or guesswork.

Certified Inspectors

Certified by the International Code Council (ICC) we have the experience to evaluate each problem and find cost effective solutions which are satisfactory to both customer and builder. Having certifications in building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing helps us to assess each problem from the proper perspective. We are not a typical home inspection company. We are code certified and have dealt with builders for over a quarter of a century. We understand the mechanics and science of buildings and we know how to assess problems that might arise. Having a consultant that is code certified assures that your consultant understands the materials and methods used to construct a building and understands typical defects as opposed to more significant conditions that might arise in new construction.

We have helped building contractors settle disputes fast and effectively to the satisfaction of all parties involved. The fees that are paid to C.L.I. are far less costly than litigation, legal fees, insurance premium increases and a damaged reputation. In addition to our code credentials we have also arbitrated construction related cases and have experience in dispute resolution.

Our Advanced Equipment Can Save You Money

Experience That Counts

In the unfortunate event that you are already involved in litigation, we can help your attorneys to prepare your defense by investigating and documenting what went wrong and why. We can help your defense team understand your options from a builders perspective. We can aid your defense team in finding the facts of the case through assessing, documenting and researching your case. Our services can save countless hours of tedious research. We have the ability to research your case fast and efficiently.

Additional Information

Call Us Today...440-946-7191

Board Certified; Indoor Air Quality Technician, Indoor Air Quality Manager, Indoor Air Quality Investigator
Association of Energy Engineers, American Indoor Air Quality Council, National Registry of Environmental Professionals

ICC Certified; Residential Combination Inspector (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, building)

ICC Certified; Residential Energy Inspector/Plans Examiner

RESNET Member

NBI Certified HVAC Balancing and Diagnostics