Go to WSRB
Go to BuildingMetrix
CREATE AN ACCOUNT
LOG IN

About the Company

Who we are and how we serve insurers, agents and Washington state residents.  

CEO Perspective

Engaging thought leadership on key insurance industry issues from our CEO. 

Meet the Team

Get to know the team behind WSRB’s trusted data and excellent customer service. 

Careers

Learn about the benefits of working at WSRB and apply for open positions.  

Underwriting Property

A guide to key risks in Washington state: fire, wildfire and earthquakes.


Help Center

Self-serve articles on how to use our products. Available 24/7. 

Commercial Property

Information on Loss Costs, policy rating and assessment tools 


Industry Toolkit

Links to help you work smarter and serve your customers.  

Protection Classes

The evaluation process explained from start to finish.


WSRB Blog

News on emerging risks as well as our latest products. 

Library

In-depth content on essential insurance topics.


InsuranceEDGE

Weekly newsletter covering the P&C industry, curated by our experts. 

 

The Basics on Construction Classes: Mixed Construction

Robert Lacy
September 3, 2013

Part VII of The Basics of Construction Classes series. 

It’s common to see buildings of varied construction types all over Washington. Some buildings are built using different construction methods, while others are added on to over time.

The end of the construction class road is learning how to handle mixed construction. If you need a refresher on the construction classes, see our articles on each: CC 1: Frame, CC 2: Joisted Masonry, CC 3: Non-Combustible, CC 4: Masonry Non-Combustible, CC 5: Modified Fire-Resistive and CC 6: Fire-Resistive

Whenever you think about construction classes, disregard basements. Basement walls and floor areas, or the area on grade with a basement, are not factors in determining construction class. Also, 33 1/3% is the key number to remember. If a building is constructed of two or more construction classes, use the lowest construction class (1 being the lowest, 6 the highest) over 33 1/3%.

 

Related:
WSRB's Essential Guide to Commercial Property Risk Assessment



Key points to consider about mixed construction

  • Many retail and habitational buildings are multiple construction classes. The ground floor, where the parking garage or first floor retail tenants are located, is generally of a concrete-type construction, with the upper floors constructed of wood.
  • In multiple-story buildings and occasionally in high-rises, the roof tends to be built using wood decking, despite the rest of the building being constructed of mostly noncombustible materials. This generally won’t affect your construction class because it’s less than 33 1/3% of the area.
  • Don’t confuse the 33 1/3% for construction class with the 10% requirement on Earthquake Classes. It’s common to have a CC 1 Frame building that’s an Earthquake Class 5C (hollow masonry) because more than 10% — but less than 33 1/3% — is hollow masonry.
  • Keep in mind that each rating bureau across the country determines wall portions slightly differently from one another.

RISK ASSESSMENT GUIDE


Robert Lacy, WSRB's Vice President, Inspection Services & Professional Development, oversees our team of commercial property analysts as they produce advisory loss costs, commercial property reports, and automatic fire sprinkler system evaluations. He is involved in the annual evaluation of our loss cost levels, ensuring we are current on coding and rating issues for commercial property. Additionally, Robert works to encourage professional development throughout the organization.

Guy-reading-insuranceEDGE

InsuranceEDGE


Like our blog? Check out InsuranceEDGE. We curate the week’s must-read stories from top industry sources. You stay informed and save time.

SIGN UP TODAY!

You May Also Like

These stories on commercial property risk

blog listing blog sign up

Sign up for our blog