Brooks Hall water damage costs still to be determined
The extent of monetary damages from the recent water leak in Brooks Hall are not expected to be completed until July 1.
“We have hired a second company to determine the extent of the damages to the mechanical and electrical systems, insulation within Brooks Hall,” said Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of Facilities Management.
Pipes on the third floor of Brooks began to leak around 2 p.m. on June 4.
Insurance agents from Mid-State Plumbing and Heating, Victaulic, a manufacturer of the pipes used in Brooks, EFI Global, an investigative and consulting firm, and a technical consultant from LWG Consulting inspected the building the following week.
Janice Trionfi, director of risk management, environmental health and safety said investigating and assessing a claim takes time.
“I think (Central Michigan University) is getting closer but it’s still too soon to say,” Trionfi said. “It typically takes time to compile the information, especially with larger property claims.”
Trionfi said Belfor USA Group, a restoration company, is on site to inspect equipment in each room of the building to determine the degree of damage and whether it is reparable or a complete loss.
“CMU placed its property insurer on notice of the claim the same day of the incident,” Trionfi said. “CMU’s insurer then assigned an adjuster, forensic engineers and other experts to inspect the site, not only to assist CMU in the recovery process but also to determine the origin and cause of the incident.”
Although an estimate of damages done has yet to be compiled, CMU’s property insurer will provide coverage beyond its $50,000 insurance deductible, Trionfi said.
Drywall, ceiling tile and carpet were damaged from the water leak.
“There’s a supply chain,” said David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services. “Those insurance agents are trying to figure out how it happened and why it happened.”
Wilcox Professional Services, an engineering firm, made errors in the original renovations in August 2008, including installation of underground water pipes and air conditioning ducts.
“There are no connections as of yet,” Burdette said. “At the end of the day, you’re trying to affix blame.”
Burdette said this type of project takes time and the university has to protect its interests.
“We can’t begin the renovations and clean up until insurance agents have assessed damages,” he said.
