Columns and Beams
Never demolish, drill into, or cut away sections of structural columns, beams, or shear walls.
Safety in Your Home and Garden
The safety of a building does not depend solely on how it was constructed; even minor changes made over the years can affect its structural integrity. Removing a wall during renovation, placing heavy loads on a balcony, planting a tree too close to the building, or hiring an unqualified person for electrical work can compromise an otherwise sound structure. We have prepared these recommendations to help you keep your home and garden safe.
If you are uncertain about any aspect of a planned project, consult us or a qualified civil engineer before starting work. Correcting mistakes afterward is almost always more expensive and demanding than seeking professional advice in advance.
Natural Gas Installations
Only authorized companies should perform work on gas appliances and installations.
Electrical Installations
Test your residual current device using its test button once a month.
Earthquake Preparedness
Secure furniture that could topple over, such as cabinets and shelves, firmly to the wall.
Before Starting a Renovation
Before removing a wall to create an open-plan kitchen, combine two rooms, or enlarge a bathroom, determine whether it is load-bearing. This cannot be established through visual inspection alone. If you remove floor coverings in wet areas, make sure the underlying waterproofing is also renewed; otherwise, water damage may eventually appear as stains on the ceiling of the apartment below. Before enclosing a balcony, installing an outdoor air-conditioning unit, or adding solar panels to the roof, check the building management regulations and applicable municipal permit requirements.
Everyday Safety Precautions
Using chemical drain cleaners in blocked pipes can gradually damage pipework. Keep garden drains and stormwater grates clear of leaves and soil. Never obstruct stairways or fire doors with stored belongings; those few meters of unobstructed space can be critical during an emergency.
- Check the battery of your gas alarm regularly
- Keep your fire extinguisher easily accessible
- Keep your earthquake emergency kit near an exit
- Clean moss and algae from paving surfaces
- Do not place objects in front of balcony railings
- Never access the roof without appropriate safety precautions
- Report newly developed cracks to us
- Ensure all family members know the location of the main water shut-off valve
If you notice a new crack, moisture stain, or doors and windows becoming difficult to open or close, do not delay. Take a photograph and send it to us. Problems identified early are generally easier and less expensive to resolve, preventing minor defects from developing into more serious issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not possible to determine this simply by looking at a wall. Some structural shear walls resemble ordinary partition walls, so the building's structural engineering plans must be reviewed. If you are uncertain, consult us or a qualified civil engineer before beginning renovation work. This preliminary inspection is far less costly than correcting structural damage afterward.
This is usually caused by inadequate ground preparation. If the sub-base has not been sufficiently compacted, rainwater infiltrates beneath the paving, or the area carries loads heavier than originally designed, the paving stones may settle unevenly over time. If you notice this problem, send us a photograph.
A residual current device (RCD) quickly disconnects the electricity supply when an electrical leakage fault is detected, helping prevent electric shock and fire. Press the test button on the device in your electrical distribution panel once a month. If the device does not trip, have it inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not continue using an electrical installation with a disabled or malfunctioning RCD.
Fine plaster cracks are often harmless. However, cracks in columns or beams, as well as diagonal cracks extending from the corners of doors and windows, should be professionally assessed. Take a photograph of the crack and send it to us. If necessary, we can arrange an on-site inspection and evaluate the possible cause together.