"They just don't build them like they used to"

REMODELS & RENOVATIONS

A quote most everyone in construction has heard at least once. Is it true? Sometimes. Read on to see how Elite Steel Erectors has been involved in multiple renovations and remodels lately!

According to the record drawings from 1959, this was supposed to be a slab on grade.

Tenant Improvements

It is common during the programming phase of design, for the A/E team to design the structure to be able to accommodate future tenant improvement opportunities. Space re-configuration is inevitable and if we can plan for future possibilities, it can save money for the Owner, now and in the future. But what happens when a building was designed in the 1950's and 60 years later, the Owner decides to make some changes? There will be a few surprises!

“One thing that is always known in a remodel--there will be unknowns.”

Unknowns

We have come across old, solid structures that have truly stood the test of time. But, one thing that is always known in a remodel is that there will be unknowns. This particular project brought many unknowns. As the demo crew opened up old CMU walls, it was discovered that there was no structural grout or rebar to support them. After a structural engineer review, it was necessary to add additional angle bracing from the CMU wall to the existing structure. A minor change that had a major impact on the safety of the structure.

According to the record drawings from the 1950's, a concrete slab was placed on grade. In 2019, we could now update those drawings to show that maybe they were a little off on their dimensions! No worries, the slab was cut out and Elite Steel quickly stepped in to shore up the slab--or lack thereof and provide structural support.

Do they build them like they used to?

From the structural integrity issues that we ran into we can say "thank goodness that they don't!" But, we also were witnesses to some amazing craftsmanship and for that we can definitely say, "they just don't build them like they used to."

There is always something to learn from tearing into an old building. We are grateful that we got to be apart of the strength and preservation of this 60 year old building.