Renovations Done? Don’t Forget This Critical Step

By Rudy Braydich, ATI Regional Manager – Cleveland

After managing more than 40 million square feet of property as a facility manager, I know firsthand how fast things can go sideways after a loss. It’s rarely just the smoke and water — it’s the confusion that follows if you don’t have your facility documented and your plan up to date.

Not long ago, one of my clients had just finished a major renovation. When we responded to a water loss, my team almost didn’t recognize the place —  it looked completely different. More importantly, key shutoff valves had been relocated and weren’t marked on the old floor plans. That could have been a disaster in the middle of the night. I pulled the facility manager aside and said, “Let’s take a walk.” Over two energy drinks and a 360° camera walkthrough, we updated everything from finishes to hidden shutoffs. Weeks later, when his office manager needed new fire exit maps, we already had them sketched and ready to go.

That’s the difference between a delay-filled recovery and a streamlined one: preparation and documentation. My advice to every property manager is simple — don’t wait until after the loss to realize your records are outdated. Keep your floor plans current, know your shutoff locations, and inventory your assets. It doesn’t cost much to prepare, but it will save you time, money, and stress when it matters most.

My goal is to be more than a service provider. I want to be your partner, helping you recover quickly and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Get in touch to learn more about how ATI can help document your site and its contents and prepare for disasters.

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