The challenge

Underground parking garages in the Netherlands require targeted management and maintenance. Private equity firms, asset managers, parking service providers, and homeowners’ associations often focus on day to day maintenance and operational management, with a strong emphasis on availability and cost control. Less visible, but essential for the long term, is the structural integrity of these parking garages. Many are located in Dutch areas with soft soil conditions. Gradual processes in the subsurface and groundwater lead to deformations, settlements and damage to structures and foundations. These issues often extend beyond the scope of conventional utility construction and evolve into geotechnical and hydraulic engineering challenges.

Property management

For investors and owners, underground parking garages represent a specific risk profile within the portfolio. Uncertainty about the technical condition of foundations and sheet pile walls limits the predictability of CAPEX and OPEX. This has a direct impact on returns, asset valuation, and the business model. A lack of insight leads to unexpected investments, complex damage claims, and discussions with insurers. At the same time, increasingly stringent requirements are imposed during acquisitions and refinancing regarding technical due diligence, audits, and risk transparency. A robust portfolio requires an integrated approach that goes beyond utility construction, with attention to the structural integrity of the foundations and groundwater-related challenges.

Our activities

Walhout works for real estate and asset managers Colliers International and Primevest Capital Partners on a range of management and maintenance challenges related to underground parking garages, foundations, and sheet pile walls. Many underground parking garages were constructed in the past within excavation pits or near inner city quay walls. Groundwater related issues often only become apparent after several years and frequently result in leakage, damage, and settlements.

The activities range from strategic advisory to operational execution. By managing measures and monitoring in a cost effective way, the portfolio remains protected and risks are reduced. This approach requires close collaboration with property managers, parking operators, homeowners’ associations, commercial tenants, and insurers. Walhout supports and advises stakeholders as needed and works step by step towards effective solutions.

An overview of our activities:

  • Inspections and NEN condition assessments
  • Maintenance of steel sheet pile walls
  • Maintenance of concrete and water damage
  • Maintenance of cable penetrations and pipelines
  • FEA analyses and geotechnical modelling
  • Assessment of foundations and sheet pile walls
  • Assessment of concrete elements and plates
  • Temporary measures and reinforcements
  • Forensic engineering and claims advisory
  • Long term maintenance strategy