Bulley & Andrews

During condominium downturn Bulley & Andrews provides corrective work services

Chicago, Ill. (November 13, 2009) – Bulley& Andrews, LLC is seeing renovation work from a new source lately.  Project managers from the Chicago-based general contracting firm are immersed in projects that require corrective work on high-profile residential projects.  Here’s the catch: these condominiums were built just five to nine years ago. 

Although not originally involved in the construction of these newly built projects, Bulley & Andrews is quickly becoming recognized as an expert in repairing them.  With five corrective work projects in their work portfolio and two more on the horizon, Bulley & Andrews continues to expand their portfolio because of their expertise and solid reputation.  

Even though relatively new, these buildings are facing problems that are typically seen in significantly older buildings.  “The main issue that many of these buildings are facing is mold,” said Paul Hellermann, president and chief operating officer of Bulley & Andrews. “Unfortunately, these issues have developed because of water leaks from faulty masonry work or caulking.  Or, in some cases, it is a result from poor design and workmanship on mechanical systems.” 

Bulley & Andrews is currently renovating a high rise condominium building on Chicago’s affluent N. Michigan Avenue.  Although the building was completed only nine years ago, it is facing severe plumbing issues due to poor design.  The work entails removing and replacing the leaking valves and associated piping.  

“Difficulties for projects like these include coordination, protection, working with the association board and cost,” said Hellermann. “Most of the work takes place in individual units.  Therefore, coordinating access to units, security in the units and protection of existing finishes is challenging.”

A project built in 2004 in Chicago’s South Loop is another victim of faulty design and construction.  As a result, units throughout the building had leaking windows and masonry which caused severe water infiltration.  Bulley & Andrews’ extensive work on the project includes removing 100 percent of the existing windows as well as the brick and stone above the shelf angles to expose the flashing that was originally installed poorly.  To alleviate the problem, new pan stainless steel flashing is being applied above and below the windows. Flashing end dams are also being added at designated locations that were not in the original design of the building. This proves to be a successful way of ensuring that no water is driven in at the windows.  To make certain that the renovations to the building are effective, engineers are water testing the repair work.  By December 2009, all repairs will be complete and residents can enjoy the assurance that the problem has been resolved.

In Chicago’s River North neighborhood, residents of a seven-year-old condominium building are facing similar issues.  As a result of faulty insulation work, leaky pipes and an inadequate humidification system, mold has become the prominent issue.  In addition to the mold remediation, Bulley & Andrews is also working on plumbing and structural issues.  

Founded in 1891 by an English stone mason, Bulley & Andrews' company roots are in masonry work. The firm created Bulley & Andrews Masonry Restoration, LLC to oversee and perform all services necessary to maintain, protect and preserve a building's envelope.  This division is acutely qualified to address corrective masonry issues.

“Because of our reputation and expertise, it is the architects and engineers that we work with in our masonry restoration division that have recommended us to perform this corrective work,” said Hellermann.  “We provide an added benefit to these projects as we can perform all trades such as demolition, drywall and carpentry with our own work force.”