The Building Doctor Show
We’ll help you diagnose your sick building! Buildings differ from one community to the next, but when you have new volunteers joining your Board every few years (or every few months… you know who you are) it can feel IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with maintenance, bylaws, and budgets. Ask the Building Doctor your questions and listen to the struggles of other Board members just like you. Join us on the last Tuesday of every month for The Building Doctor Show. Free and open to Boards, homeowners, and managers! Just register for the next live webinar using the link below, and submit your questions and pictures! Listen here every Wednesday, or join us LIVE at 3:30pm (Pacific time) on the last Tuesday of every month! https://learn.j2consultants.com/building-dr-show The Building Doctor Show is brought to you by J2 Building Consultants — an engineering, design, and construction management firm specializing in building envelope design, testing, performance assessment of construction-related damage, and facilitation of remediation repairs. We provide building envelope inspections and design, engineering assessments and calculations, project management, and contract administration for a variety of buildings and ownership groups. J2 has experts in building envelope study, forensic analysis, building science, waterproofing, and insurance claim resolution for condominiums, apartments, and commercial buildings. We also support our building owner clients, attorneys, and contractors with expert witness services.
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Episodes
Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
This Halloween, we're shining a light on what's lurking above—roof leaks, attic moisture, and design failures that drain HOA reserves. In this episode, you will learn the 6 ways attics get in trouble, how to properly diagnose attic problems, and the re-roofing strategies that protect your investment. Perfect for HOA boards, community managers, and homeowners looking to prevent costly surprises.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
The 6 Ways Attics Get In Trouble
Myth vs Reality
Re-roofing and Remediation Protocols
Cleanup & Remediation Protocols
HOA Best Practices
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
In this episode, your Building Doctor continues to explain some flood insurance fundamentals, and answers some of your questions about flood insurance.
Things Covered in This Episode:
Claims Process & What to Expect & Best Practices
Condo & HOA Communities Planning & Risk Management
Your 30-day Action Plan
Q&A Session
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
In this episode, your Building Doctor walks you through the difference between water damage and flood damage, explains why the 30-day waiting period means you can't wait for storm warnings to act, and breaks down regional risks specific to our service areas. Whether you're a first-time board volunteer or an experienced community manager, you'll come away with clear guidance on coverage options, a practical 30-day action plan, and the confidence to protect your community before disaster strikes.
Things Covered in This Episode:
Water Damage VS Flood & The Causes
Some Tricky Scenarios
Flood Insurance Fundamentals
30-day Waiting Period
Regional Flood Risks
Types of Flood Coverage
Determine Your Flood Risk & Coverage Needs
Friday Sep 19, 2025
Friday Sep 19, 2025
In this episode, your Building Doctor answers all your questions about budget planning, fall maintenance, winterization planning, etc.
More Resources:
J2 Condo Inspection and Maintenance Guide:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/diy-condo-inspection
Schedule a call with Jens:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/meetings/jensj
J2 guide - Reserve Study and Inspection (why you need both) Guide:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/reserve-study-and-inspection
J2 Condo Project Funding 101 Guide:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/condo-project-funding-101
J2 HOA Loans FAQ Guide:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/hoa-loans-guide
J2 Fall Maintenance Guide:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/fall-guide
J2 "Design, Bidding, Permitting – every step explained" Guide:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/design-bidding-permitting-every-step-explained
Friday Sep 05, 2025
Friday Sep 05, 2025
After a busy summer, it’s time for boards and managers to get back on track with the fundamentals of community care. Fall is the season when maintenance tasks pile up, budgets demand attention, and winter weather is right around the corner, and it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.
In this episode, your Building Doctor walks you through the must-do fall maintenance items, shows you how to prepare for the wet months ahead, and breaks down what every board should know about budgeting and project planning timelines. Whether you’re a first-time board volunteer or a seasoned community manager, you’ll come away with practical checklists and clear guidance to help your community finish the year strong.
Topics Covered in this Episode:
Fall Maintenance Refresher
Budget Season Basics
Winterization Planning
Project Planning & Timelines
Borads & Managers Work Together
Friday Aug 22, 2025
Friday Aug 22, 2025
In this episode, your Building Doctor answers all your questions about how to find a good manager for your community, and how to level up the relationship between your community and your manager. More resources:
1. If you want to learn more about the CC&Rs, bylaws and all the condo docs, here is a webinar about it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iJKOZ1p6Wo
2. J2 Guide: 10 Reasons You Are Stressed or Scared about Being on the Board
https://learn.j2consultants.com/10-reasons-you-are-stressed
3. J2 Guide – Community Manager Interview Guide
https://learn.j2consultants.com/community-manager-interview-guide
4. Events with the Building Doctor
https://learn.j2consultants.com/events
5. J2 resource center
https://learn.j2consultants.com/resources
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Running a condo or HOA community is no small task—and having the right manager can make all the difference. From interpreting your governing documents to juggling vendors, projects, and communication, a great manager is more than just someone who sends out the dues notices.
In this episode, your Building Doctor breaks down what effective community management really looks like, where boards tend to feel the most overwhelmed, and how to partner with a manager who brings clarity, consistency, and peace of mind. Whether you're self-managed, newly working with a manager, or simply want to understand how it should work, this episode is packed with practical insight you won’t want to miss.
Topics covered in this episode:Why You Need a ManagerWhat a Good Manager Really DoesHow to Find a Manager Who's the Right Fit
What NOT to Expect from Your ManagerWhere Boards Tend to Struggle with "Management"
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Friday Jul 25, 2025
Worried that filing an insurance claim might get your HOA or condo dropped by your carrier? You're not alone. In this podcast, you Building Doctor breaks down the biggest myths and facts about property insurance claims for community associations. Learn how insurance really works, what affects your rates and renewals, and how to use your policy the right way—without fear. Whether you're a board member, property manager, or condo owner, this is a must-have guide to understanding your risk, your rights, and your responsibilities when it comes to filing a claim.
What's Covered in This Episode:
Will filing a claim get me dropped?
The purpose and History of Insurance
How Insurance Works Today
What Impacts Your Insurance Rates: (03:37)
Insurance Policy Facts
Myths about Filing a Claim
How to Use Your Insurance Policy Wisely
Finals Thoughts
More Resource:J2 Guide - 20 Questions to Ask Before Deciding on Builder's Risk Insurance: https://learn.j2consultants.com/20-questions-to-ask-before-deciding-on-builders-risk-insurance
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Friday Jul 11, 2025
Insurance is one of the most misunderstood parts of planning a construction project—and builder’s risk coverage is often the biggest question mark. Does your contractor’s policy cover enough? Is builder’s risk even necessary for repair work? What happens if you skip it?
In this episode, your Building Doctor answers your questions regarding insurance, builder's risk, and the best practices of managing construction risk, etc.More Resources:
J2 Blog: Is Your Project Actually Covered by Insurance?
https://blog.j2consultants.com/1-minute-building-health-advice-is-your-project-actually-covered-by-insurance
J2 Guide: 20 Questions to Ask Before Deciding on Builder's Risk Insurance:
https://learn.j2consultants.com/20-questions-to-ask-before-deciding-on-builders-risk-insurance
J2 Event: https://learn.j2consultants.com/events
Learn more about your building and J2 with fun, helpful tools!
https://learn.j2consultants.com/learn-more
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Friday Jun 27, 2025
Insurance is one of the most misunderstood parts of planning a construction project—and builder’s risk coverage is often the biggest question mark. Does your contractor’s policy cover enough? Is builder’s risk even necessary for repair work? What happens if you skip it?
In this episode, your Building Doctor unpacks the key insurance policies at play in a typical condo remediation, explains exactly what builder’s risk covers (and what it doesn’t), and helps you figure out when it’s worth the investment. Whether you’re in the early planning stages or just want to feel more confident making board decisions, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Common Insurance Policies at play in a Condo RemediationWhat is Builder's Risk Insurance and What Does It CoverWhen Does It Kick In and End
How Is It Different and Why HOAs Should Consider It
Common Misconceptions When It's Worth It vs When It's Not