The construction industry is growing and expanding daily. Several kinds of construction and building take place worldwide, be it commercial or residential. For the safety of citizens, amongst other reasons, there are guidelines that are followed throughout the construction process. With construction management and surveying comes special inspections. Special inspections are evaluations and surveillance of materials that are carried out to ensure the quality and proper placement of structures and technical connections required to build a good and strong building that is in accordance with the regulations guiding it. The special inspection involves observing the quality and materials necessary to ensure the coherence and solidarity of the structure.
The structural engineer in charge prepares a special inspection report to account for any material or whatever is required to ensure the strength of the building in question. The purpose of the special inspection is to ensure that the building is designed with all that it requires to resist extreme conditions that may damage the structure. For example, natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, etc., are considered in the special inspection report to design the building to withstand such disasters. Special inspections cover anything that may threaten the integrity of the building like pavements, foundation, water control. Things like plumbing and the likes are not necessarily included in the special inspection report or statement.
If you’re working on a building project that requires special inspection, here are some steps you should take to ensure that you are on the right path.
Steps to take for a successful special inspection
- First, you should contact the building officials in advance. It is well-advised for the project owner or designer to reach out to the necessary building authorities beforehand to confirm if a special inspection is compulsory for the project at hand. Some projects don’t necessarily require special inspections, while some are mandatory.
- The next step you should take is hiring a licensed special inspection engineer of a recognized SI agency. Ensure that the special inspection agency is listed under the government-approved building officials list. Also, carry out research to ensure that the agency has the required equipment to conduct several inspections like concrete testing NYC amongst other inspections.
- You should ensure that you have the correct statement of special inspection (SSI). It should be filled by a certified special inspector and appropriate designer as it is compulsory for all special inspection projects.
- The project owner or designer is required to apply for relevant permits and submit their application for permits along with the SSI.
Ensure that all non-conformance materials are resolved immediately. If left unresolved, it may lead to the demolition of the property. Lastly, Ensure that your special inspection engineer submits a sealed and signed letter of total inspections carried out to the project owner, designer, and building official. After this is done, you will be required to apply for the final certificate of occupancy. Carry out a local online search for special inspections ins your location. For example, special inspection services, NYC.