Document the problem
First things first: figure out if there really is a problem, or if your customer’s inner voice is having a heart-to-heart with him or her. Clearly identify the issues, find out how frequently the issue occurs, and evaluate the immediate and long-term risks. For example, if the occupants are sick or in danger, the response needs to be quick and aggressive. If, on the other hand, the problem doesn’t interfere with the occupant’s daily activities, time isn’t as much a factor. First stop along the trail is the homeowner—they’ll be glad to tell you everything they know about the problem, and their information could be the key that unlocks the mystery.
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Know how to troubleshoot and solve building issues so that you and your homeowners can sleep well at night.
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Next you want to collect more information about the specific timing of the problem. When did the homeowners first notice the problem? How often has the problem recurred since they first noticed it? Is this occurring all the time, or only at certain times, like when it rains, only in the winter, just at night, etc. Also explore how the occupant lives in the home. Is the temperature hot or cold? Are there lots of plants or other moisture sources in the home? Is someone always home, or is everyone at work or school during the day? How many people live in the house?
Look at your Construction Practices and History
It’s important to understand if a design change, new material, or practice is to blame for the problem, as this first occurrence may repeat itself in other houses built the same way. Alternately, a site-specific condition may be a contributing factor. It may also be important to document key performance attributes of the home, such as building airtightness, HVAC system performance, and air movement patterns in the house. Systematically collecting and analyzing this information is critical to getting to the bottom of the problem.
Determine the Root Cause and Fix the Problem
Once you have all the data, analyze the possible causes, research your theory, reach a conclusion, and come up with a solution for your current homes, as well as future ones.
Read the related article on troubleshooting building issues . |
