Choosing the Right Partner for Parking Structure Repairs

1. Look for structural engineering expertise

Structural repairs should begin with an understanding of why the deterioration is occurring and what it means for the structure.

A qualified structural engineer can evaluate existing conditions, identify the cause of deterioration, and develop a repair approach based on the specific needs of the structure.

When evaluating a potential partner, consider their experience with:

• Parking structure inspections and condition assessments
• Concrete deterioration and corrosion
• Structural repairs and restoration
• Waterproofing and sealant systems
• Expansion joints and drainage systems
• Repair design and structural engineering

A partner with structural engineering expertise can help ensure repairs address the underlying problem rather than simply treating the visible symptoms.

2. Consider the full repair process

Structural repairs rarely happen in isolation. A repair project may involve inspection, engineering, permitting, construction, quality control, and ongoing communication with the property team. Understanding what to expect throughout the repair process can also help owners prepare for a project and evaluate potential repair partners.

Key questions include:

• Who will evaluate the existing conditions?
• Will a structural engineer be involved in developing repair recommendations?
• Who develops the repair plans and specifications?
• How are repair priorities established?
• Who manages the construction process?
• Will a structural engineer monitor the quality of the work performed?
• How will changes or unexpected conditions be communicated?
• How will the completed repairs be documented?

Having a clear process from evaluation through completion reduces risk, keeps the project on schedule, manages costs, and minimizes disruptions to your garage.

3. Choose a partner who understands parking structures

Parking structures have unique operating and maintenance challenges, and repairs often need to be completed while the garage remains partially or fully operational.

An experienced repair partner should understand how construction activities can impact:

• Parking availability
• Traffic flow and access
• Pedestrian routes
• Tenant and customer access
• Safety requirements
• Project scheduling
• Communication with facility staff and occupants

Experience with parking structures can also help anticipate common challenges and develop a plan that works for that specific structure.

4. Look beyond the immediate repair

A repair should address the current condition but also support the long-term performance of the structure. For example, repairing a deteriorated area without addressing the source of water intrusion can cause the same deterioration to return.

A good repair partner should be willing to look at the bigger picture and help you understand:

• What caused the deterioration
• Whether similar conditions exist elsewhere
• What repairs should be completed first
• What repairs can be planned for later
• How maintenance can help prevent future deterioration

This approach can help property owners make informed decisions about both immediate repairs and capital planning. Using condition data to prioritize repairs and plan future maintenance can also help owners make more informed budgeting decisions.

5. Evaluate communication and project management

Even a simple repair project can become difficult if communication is inconsistent. Before selecting a partner, consider how they communicate throughout the project. You should have a clear understanding of who your primary contact is, how progress will be reported, and how questions or unexpected conditions will be handled.

Look for a partner who provides:

• Clear project scopes and recommendations
• Defined timelines and expectations
• Regular project updates
• Documentation of completed work
• Responsive communication
• A clear process for addressing changes in scope

Good communication helps keep everyone aligned and makes it easier to manage a repair project from start to finish.

6. Ask what happens after the repairs are complete

Once repairs are completed, ongoing inspections and maintenance can help identify new issues before they become more significant. A partner who understands the full lifecycle of a parking structure can help you develop a plan for maintaining the work that has been completed.

This may include recommendations for:

• Routine inspections
• Preventive maintenance
• Waterproofing and sealant maintenance
• Drainage maintenance
• Monitoring known areas of concern
• Future condition assessments

A proactive approach can help extend the service life of the structure and reduce the likelihood of unexpected repairs.