What is a pre-construction survey?

As part of the pre-construction activities for the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Improvements Project, Morgner Construction Management has been chosen to conduct pre-construction surveys for selected properties within the I-405 project boundaries. Owners of properties that will be offered pre-construction surveys have already been contacted.

To help you better understand pre-construction surveys, a common element of large construction projects, Morgner has compiled the following frequently asked questions and their answers to describe what the surveys are designed to accomplish and not accomplish.

• What is a Pre-Construction Survey (PCS)?
  A PCS is a process for recording the pre-existing conditions of a property before construction begins.
  
  
• What do you actually measure and how is it recorded?
  The interior of the home where visible defects such as cracks, existing water damage, or wall separation are present. Digital photographs of the defects are taken. No furniture or wall hanging pictures are moved. On the exterior defects are likewise photographed, and in cases of long-running defects, video may be taken. There is no reference in the photos to street names. The only items of interest are the condition of the structure.
  
  
• Why should I consent to having this survey done to my home? How does it benefit me? It seems that the survey only benefits the contractor and Metro.
  The survey benefits all of the parties involved (Metro, Kiewit Pacific Co., and the homeowner).  In the event there are changes to the existing conditions on the structure during the course of construction, this documentation will serve to establish a baseline of conditions prior to construction commencing, protecting the homeowner’s interest.
  
  If damage occurs while the project is under construction, there is a damage claim report process. The homeowner should contact Metro Community Relations at 213.922.3665 to begin that process. Having a preconstruction survey will assist the insurance carriers to expedite your claim. The PCS also helps eliminate the expense of unnecessary litigation to all concerned.
  
  
• What will I be charged for this PCS?
  This survey is paid for by Metro through a contract with Kiewit Pacific Co. There is no cost to you.
  
  
• Who does the inspection?
  The inspectors are employees of Morgner Construction Management. We employ inspectors who have prior professional experience to expedite the process and spend the least amount of time on your property.  Each employee has undergone background checks.
  
  
• Who is Morgner Construction Management (Morgner)?
  Morgner is a Construction Management firm located in Sherman Oaks. We have been in business since 1992 and have inspected thousands of properties as a neutral third party. We have worked for Metro and Kiewit Pacific Co., as well as some of the other agencies and construction companies in Southern California.
  
  We also live in the community. One of the principles of our company lives in Sherman Oaks and in the vicinity of the I-405 Sepulveda Pass Widening Project, so we can appreciate first hand your concerns.
  
  
• Once the data is collected, who sees it?
  Once collected, the information is brought back to our office. The information is summarized in our computer system by our staff, reports are compiled, and they are hand delivered to Kiewit Pacific Co., where they take possession of, file, and secure the reports. The security of the information on our computer network adheres to common accepted information technology security procedures. Only those assigned to the project see this information. Surveys will be destroyed two years after the project is completed.
  
  
• Can I receive a copy of the completed survey?
  You may request a copy of the report from Kiewit Pacific Co., and it will be provided to you at no cost.
  
  
• May I be present during the time of the survey?
  We encourage you to be home during the survey to accompany the inspector and point out any items you believe would be of interest.
  
  
• Is the survey providing an assessment of my property value?
  No. The survey is not an assessment of the property value, and no information concerning the property value of your home will be collected.

If you have further questions on the pre-construction survey process, those questions can be addressed to

Irv Camhi, Senior Project Manager
Morgner Construction Management
818. 461.8100
irvc@morgnerco.com

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