SEPTEMBER 2015 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
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maintained can turn into a money pit and liability for
the owner. Liabilities often come in the form of tripping
hazards and salt solutions leaking on cars, but eventual-
ly will lead to life-safety problems for the structure if not
addressed.
A parking garage life cycle consists of two phases: initial
investment and ongoing maintenance. A typical initial in-
vestment during construction often includes good-quality
materials, but high-quality initial investment owner choic-
es – such as concrete admixtures, epoxy-coated reinforcing,
traffic coatings and sealers – save money in the long run.
For example, concrete admixtures or sealers can cost as lit-
tle as 50 cents per square foot during original construction,
but costs balloon to $50 per square foot for later surface
repairs. The numbers get even larger if repairs include new
structural reinforcing due to neglected maintenance.
Routine maintenance performed on a regular basis will
prolong the life of a parking structure, and protect against
major and costly repairs. Such measures often consist of
power washing, painting, sealing, caulking and water-
proofing parking surfaces.
The accompanying chart is a comparison between a
structure built with typical construction practices and
one for which the owner has implemented high-quali-
ty materials and protection measures. Both approaches,
when combined with proper maintenance, will yield an
acceptable product, but the typical option won’t provide
the longevity or high-value retention desired by future
owners. An extra $1,000 per space upfront can save $12,000
per space over a 50-year timeframe. This amounts to a re-
turn on investment equivalent to 5.1 percent per year com-
pounded annually. Over the long term, the high-quality
initial investment garage is less expensive and lasts longer!
A parking structure is an asset; treat it as an investment.
Protect it, tenants, and your portfolio.
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CATAMOUNT + RJM DENVER
Partnerships. Performance. Results.
RJM Construction’s Denver division is now a part of
Catamount, bringing together the strength of RJM’s
healthcare construction expertise with Catamount’s
focus on client success. It’s a collaborative
partnership that will allow us to continue to do what
we do best—build relationships that deliver results.
TRENDS
in Garages
