--- title: ISES Corp Blog description: Best practices and helpful tips for building managers and owners. --- ![Ises-logo-meaning-web-retina](https://info.isescorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/ISES%20logos/Ises-logo-meaning-web-retina.png?width=370&name=Ises-logo-meaning-web-retina.png) - [Home](https://isescorp.com/) - [About](https://isescorp.com/about-ises/) - [History](https://isescorp.com/about-ises/) - [Team](https://isescorp.com/team/) - [Sectors](https://isescorp.com/sectors/) - [Careers](https://info.isescorp.com/careers) - [Contact](https://info.isescorp.com/contact) - [Services](https://isescorp.com/services/) - [Facilities Condition Assessment](https://isescorp.com/facilities-condition-assessment/) - [O&M Planning & Programming](https://isescorp.com/o-and-m-planning-and-programming/) - [Utilities Infrastructure Assessment](https://isescorp.com/utilities-infrastructure-condition-assessment/) - [Organizational Analysis](https://isescorp.com/organizational-analysis/) - [ADA Barrier Removal Plan](https://isescorp.com/ada-barrier-removal-plan/) - [Energy](https://isescorp.com/energy/) - [Emergency Damage Assessment](https://isescorp.com/emergency-damage-assessment/) - [Blog](https://info.isescorp.com/blog) - [AMS](https://info.isescorp.com/demo) - [Login](https://amsapp.isescorp.com/) - [Demo](https://info.isescorp.com/demo) [Let's Talk](https://info.isescorp.com/contact)subscribe # Don't Forget to Subscribe! - [Recent Posts](https://info.isescorp.com/blog) By [Tony Simpson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/tony-simpson) ## [Building Designs and Maintainability: Working Together in Harmony](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/building-designs-and-maintainability-working-together-in-harmony-1) **Volume 3: Restrooms** *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities management](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management), [building design](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/building-design), [TCO](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/tco), By [Michelle Thompson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/michelle-thompson) ## [The New Normal: A Grassroots Focus](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/the-new-normal-a-grassroots-focus) **It is a new day.** The pandemic, hurricanes, fires, and economic uncertainties are all reasons facilities management organizations... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities management](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management), [staff engagement](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/staff-engagement) By [Doug Fredendall](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/doug-fredendall) ## [Mitigating COVID-19 at K-12 and Higher Education Institutions: Beyond the Basics](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/mitigating-covid-19-at-k-12-and-higher-education-institutions-beyond-the-basics) As facilities professionals, we have an ethical and professional duty to protect building occupants and visitors during this... *( 5 min read )* Tags: [Mitigate COVID-19](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/mitigate-covid-19), [Strategies to mitigate COVID risk](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/strategies-to-mitigate-covid-risk) By [Tony Simpson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/tony-simpson) ## [How the Largest Higher Ed System in the World Uses FCA Data](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/using-fca-data-to-make-deliberate-and-informed-decisions) Years ago the California State University System (CSU) realized that to successfully manage the backlog of maintenance and repair... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [facilities database](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-database), [capital planning](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/capital-planning), By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [How Much Should I Spend on Facilities Renewal?](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/how-much-should-i-spend-on-facilities-renewal) A recurring question among facilities management professionals is “how much should I really be spending on renewal needs?” This... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [capital planning](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/capital-planning), [FCI](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fci), [FCNI](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fcni), By [Carl Mason, PE](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/carl-mason) ## [How's Your Moral Compass?](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/hows-your-moral-compass-0) From my earliest childhood recollections in a small North Carolina coastal town, I remember the lessons taught to me by my... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [moral compass](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/moral-compass), [engineers creed](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/engineers-creed), [code of ethics for engineers](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/code-of-ethics-for-engineers), By [Rob Camperlino](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/rob-camperlino) ## [Business Traveler vs. The World, v.2](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/business-traveler-vs.-the-world-v.2) *Disclaimer: The following is intended to be humorous and a little informative. No traveler was physically harmed in the...* *( 4 min read )* Tags: [business travel](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/business-travel), [leisure travel](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/leisure-travel), [ISES Corporation](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/ises-corporation) By [Heather Gee](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/heather-gee) ## [We're Here to Support You](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/were-here-to-support-you) **As you navigate the COVID-19 situation, we assure you that ISES Corporation remains available to assist as and when we are able.** *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facility assessment projects](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-assessment-projects), [FCA](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fca), [condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/condition-assessment) By [Rob Gasaway](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/rob-gasaway) ## [What To Expect During an FCA Site Visit](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-an-fca-site-visit) Whether you have retained a firm to conduct a facility condition assessment (FCA) on a single building or multiple buildings, you... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [facility assessment projects](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-assessment-projects), [FCA](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fca), By [Tony Simpson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/tony-simpson) ## [Building Designs and Maintainability: Working Together in Harmony](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/building-design-and-maintainability-doors-and-roofs) **Volume 2: Exterior Doors and Roofs** This is the second in a series of blogposts discussing the pros and cons of facility designs,... *( 5 min read )* Tags: [building design](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/building-design), [TCO](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/tco), [expected useful life](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/expected-useful-life), By [Carl Mason, PE](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/carl-mason) ## [40 Years of Civil Engineering: My Unique Career Perspective](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/my-unique-career-perspective-on-the-last-40-years-of-civil-engineering) There are times where I wonder if I am the old cowboy on the horse looking at those new-fangled motor carriages coming up the... *( 4 min read )* Tags: [civil engineering](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/civil-engineering), [engineering history](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/engineering-history), [engineering career](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/engineering-career) By [Michelle Thompson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/michelle-thompson) ## [Do we really need a Facility Condition Assessment?](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/do-we-really-need-a-facility-condition-assessment) ###### Every building, no matter its use, can benefit from a facility condition assessment. *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [facility assessment projects](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-assessment-projects), [facility ROI](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-roi), By [Tony Simpson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/tony-simpson) ## [Building Designs and Maintainability: Working Together in Harmony](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/building-designs-and-maintainability-working-together-in-harmony) **Volume 1: Exterior Facades and Site Components** Prestigious and influential design accolades are often awarded for handsome and... *( 4 min read )* Tags: [building design](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/building-design), [TCO](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/tco), [EUL](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/eul), By [TJ Staffieri](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/tj-staffieri) ## [The Facility Manager’s Strategy for Increased Funding: Think Competitive Advantage](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/the-facility-managers-strategy-for-increased-funding-think-competitive-advantage) In past blogs, my colleagues have provided thought-provoking insights into Facility Condition Assessments (FCAs). They’ve... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [FCA](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fca), [facility ROI](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-roi), By [Jerry Watkins](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/jerry-watkins) ## [A Comprehensive FCA Program: Doing Due Diligence](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/a-comprehensive-fca-program-doing-due-diligence) An FCA is a planning tool that demonstrates the relationship between financial investment and physical condition. The objective... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [lifecycle modeling](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/lifecycle-modeling), [FCA](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fca), By [Rob Gasaway](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/rob-gasaway) ## [Client Input = Best Output](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/client-input-best-output) One of the first things that I’m asked by the client after an FCA contract has been signed is “What do you need from me to... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [FCA](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fca), [client communication](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/client-communication) By [Rob Camperlino](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/rob-camperlino) ## [7 Tips for Better Equipment Inventory Results](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/7-tips-for-better-equipment-inventory-results) An accurate inventory of all maintainable equipment in a portfolio of facilities is often lacking at college campuses and office... *( 4 min read )* Tags: [deferred maintenance](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-maintenance), [equipment inventory](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/equipment-inventory), [PM/PdM](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/pm-pdm), By [Doug Fredendall](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/doug-fredendall) ## [Calculating In-Kind Replacement Costs](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/calculating-in-kind-replacement-costs) A Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) gives you data about a building’s current condition and how much you’ll need to budget to... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [FCA](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fca), [replacement in-kind](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/replacement-in-kind), By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [Facilities Renewal and the ROI Myth](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/facilities-renewal-and-the-roi-myth) Over the past three decades, I have observed numerous firms in the Facilities Management Consulting industry trying to upsell the... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities management](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management), [facility renewal needs](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-renewal-needs), [facilities consultants](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-consultants), By [Doug Fredendall](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/doug-fredendall) ## [When to Adjust the CRV](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/when-to-adjust-the-crv) As we discussed last month, certain facility types commonly have a relatively high percentage of nonreplaceable structure... *( 1 min read )* Tags: [current replacement value](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/current-replacement-value), [component inventory](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/component-inventory), [CRV](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/crv), By [Doug Fredendall](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/doug-fredendall) ## [Something’s Not Adding Up: Why does the Component Inventory not add up to the CRV?](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/somethings-not-adding-up-why-does-the-component-inventory-not-add-up-to-the-crv) Clients often ask why the value of a building’s component inventory doesn’t equal its CRV (Current Replacement Value). The short... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [LCM](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/lcm), [component inventory](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/component-inventory), [CRV](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/crv), By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [FCA Approach: Modeling or Comprehensive?](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/fca-model-based-or-comprehensive) *This is the fourth in an occasional series on this topic.* Previous posts have discussed deferred maintenance and illustrated the... *( 4 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [lifecycle modeling](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/lifecycle-modeling), [deferred maintenance](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-maintenance), By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [Establishing Renewal Funding Rates](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/establishing-renewal-funding-rates) *This is the third in an occasional series on this topic.* We have now established that facilities renewal funding is a... *( 7 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [FCI](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fci), [FCNI](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/fcni), By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [Facilities Renewal Rates](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/facilities-renewal-rates) *This is the second in an occasional series on this topic.* In this installment we will focus upon facilities renewal rates. We’ll... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities management](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management), [deferred renewal](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-renewal), [facility renewal rates](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facility-renewal-rates) By [Chronicle.com](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/chronicle-com) ## [Deferred Renewal: The Dangerous Secret](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/deferred-renewal-the-dangerous-secret) Last month we talked about reframing the Deferred Maintenance debate, more properly thinking about it as Deferred Renewal.... *( 0 min read )* Tags: [deferred maintenance](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-maintenance), [deferred renewal](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-renewal) By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [A Primer on Facilities Renewal: Reframing the Debate on Deferred Maintenance](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/a-primer-on-facilities-renewal-reframing-the-debate-on-deferred-maintenance) *This is the first in an occasional series on this topic.* Experienced Facilities Management professionals are intimately familiar... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [deferred maintenance](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-maintenance), [facilities management](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management), [deferred renewal](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/deferred-renewal) By [FacilitiesNet.com](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/facilitiesnet-com) ## [Calculating Lifecycle Costs and Justifying Energy-Efficient HVAC Upgrades](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/calculating-lifecycle-costs-and-justifying-energy-efficient-hvac-upgrades) [FacilitiesNet](https://www.facilitiesnet.com/) posted a helpful how-to article on calculating HVAC lifecycle costs. We've reposted the link here for your reading... *( 1 min read )* Tags: [HVAC](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/hvac), [lifecycle](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/lifecycle), [energy efficiency](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/energy-efficiency) By [Bob Camperlino](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/bob-camperlino) ## [Impact of Legacy Control Systems](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/impact-of-legacy-control-systems) ISES Corporation recently conducted an analysis of the impact of legacy building control systems, particularly pneumatic HVAC... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [HVAC](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/hvac), [pneumatic control](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/pneumatic-control) By [Dan Harrison](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/dan-harrison) ## [The Sky Is Falling!](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/the-sky-is-falling) As I travel around the country discussing [facility assessment](https://isescorp.com/facilities-condition-assessment/) projects and other facilities management initiatives, I am... *( 2 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [facilities management](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management) By [ISES Corporation](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/ises-corporation) ## [Why do a Facilities Condition Assessment?](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/why-do-a-facilities-condition-assessment) A [Facility Condition Assessment](https://isescorp.com/facilities-condition-assessment/)(FCA) is an essential tool of facilities managers. This is true whether you choose to conduct... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment) By [ISES Corporation](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/ises-corporation) ## [Lifecycle Modeling vs. Facilities Condition Assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/lifecycle-modeling-vs-facilities-condition-assessment) Entities with large building portfolios, such as colleges and universities, municipalities and larger healthcare organizations,... *( 3 min read )* Tags: [facilities condition assessment](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-condition-assessment), [lifecycle modeling](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/lifecycle-modeling) By [Rob Camperlino](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/rob-camperlino) ## [Challenges of the Low-Voltage Bolted Pressure Switch](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/challenges-of-the-low-voltage-bolted-pressure-switch) A bolted pressure switch (BPS) is a cost-effective device for providing circuit protection and electrical system isolation for... *( 1 min read )* Tags: [pressure switch](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/pressure-switch), [facilities management challenges](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-management-challenges) By [Tony Simpson](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/author/tony-simpson) ## [Facilities Managers: Focus on the Big Picture AND Details](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/facilities-managers-focus-on-the-big-picture-and-details) We sometimes hear that owners have billions of dollars in deferred maintenance (DM) backlogs and that the backlogs will only get... *( 1 min read )* Tags: [facilities database](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/facilities-database), [capital planning](https://info.isescorp.com/blog/topic/capital-planning) VIEW MORE ## Check Out Our Whitepaper! ![Whitepaper-CRV-cover](https://info.isescorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Whitepaper-CRV-cover.png?width=1500&height=1708&name=Whitepaper-CRV-cover.png) - - - Copyright © 2020 ISES Corporation. 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