Changing Construction

CDS Construction Verification Technicians never know what they are going to find on a job site. The full case study will tell you the whole story.

Case 080707-01
What NOT to do with a cutting torch

CDS Construction Verification Technicians never know what they are going to find on a job site. In this case, a roaring cutting torch caught the attention of our CVT, Bob Gross. Bob noticed a worker who was cutting holes in the columns of an outer wall that CDS had verified two months earlier. Upon closer inspection, Bob observed that each time the torch punched through a column it also burned a hole in the water barrier behind it.
Management learned of the damage through CDS’ project update. Repairs were scheduled and completed for less than five thousand dollars.

We can’t speculate what the repair costs might have been without CDS’ alert. However, once the finished wall started leaking water, the fix would have included leak detection and repair plus the replacement of damaged drywall, flooring and personal property. Of course, there would be added insurance and legal costs as well.

It is worth noting that the wall damage occurred after the waterproofing inspection had taken place with none others scheduled before a concrete pour later that week. Also, there were roughly 30 construction workers working nearby that day. Each kept to his own business as their misguided comrade blasted away with his torch. That is, until one noticed Bob the CVT and said with a jerk of his head “can you believe that guy?”