Construction Law

The Negative Effects of Outdated Construction Methods

On September 19, 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Mexico City, killing 369 people and toppling 44 buildings. Of the affected buildings, nearly two-thirds had been constructed using outdated construction methods. After being examined by several prominent engineers, the truth was revealed — the buildings were designed using a method called flat slab, which was already banned in parts of the United States, Chile, and New Zealand.

Utilizing outdated construction methods can have fatal results for those who unknowingly occupy these dangerous buildings. At Cotney, our Clearwater construction attorneys are familiar with the legal fallout that can result when you use outdated construction methods. Let us help you save time and money while preserving efficiency and maintaining the aesthetic of your next project.

Time

Concrete is widely used because it is strong and durable. Plus, most construction professionals are familiar with the process for laying concrete. However, acquiring necessary permits and procuring materials and labor can take a month or more after that. The construction timeline for concrete structures is usually longer than structures built using newer construction technologies. It’s no secret that timelines are extremely important in the construction industry, so if you can speed up the building process without compromising quality, your firm will benefit greatly.

Money

Concrete is expensive to manufacture, transport, and build, and the engineering costs associated with custom projects can be exorbitant. As we mentioned before, it also takes a long time to utilize, which adds to the cost of development. The current demand for solid foundation homes has caused the price of materials to increase sharply, so it’s hard to tell if the cost justifies the finished product. Our Clearwater construction lawyers understand how important it is for your project to stay on budget, so we recommend exploring alternative options such as modular building to ease the burden on your profit margin.

Efficiency

Innovations in construction have made it possible to build a structure with far fewer steps than longtime construction professionals are accustomed to. The presence of outdated, heavy materials minimize the usable land on a project site. This can create a logistical nightmare and lead to a widespread reduction in efficiency. Outdated building methods also require more specialists, which can bottleneck communication and impede development. In addition, utilizing new methods of construction significantly reduces our carbon footprint, which allows contractors to achieve green star ratings on projects.

Aesthetic

Concrete structures can experience physical degradation in as little as 5-10 years depending on the environmental conditions of the area. Damaged buildings tend to degenerate into visual pollution over time. New construction techniques focus on “design life” to create economical buildings that balance structural integrity and aesthetic.

If you would like to speak with a Clearwater construction attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.