BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Building inspections are critical for ensuring the safety, compliance, and overall quality of structures. There are various types of building inspections, each focusing on different aspects of the construction process, maintenance, or specific concerns. Here are the main types of building inspections for existing buildings:

Regulatory Compliance

Structural Safety Recertification

A structural safety inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a building's structural integrity to ensure it remains safe and compliant with current codes and regulations. The purpose of the inspection is assessing the overall condition and safety of the building's structural components, identifying signs of deterioration, damage, or non-compliance with current building codes, recommending necessary repairs, reinforcements, or upgrades to extend the building’s lifespan and ensure occupant safety.

Electrical Safety Recertification

An electrical safety inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of a building's electrical systems to ensure they meet current safety standards and codes. Includes Ensuring the electrical system is safe and up to code. Identifying potential hazards, such as outdated wiring or overloaded circuits. Evaluating the need for upgrades or repairs to enhance safety and efficiency.

Façade Inspection

Facade inspection refers to the examination and evaluation of the exterior walls of a building to assess their condition, safety, and compliance with local regulations. This process is particularly important for high-rise buildings, as their facades are exposed to environmental elements, which can lead to deterioration over time and life-safety issues for tenants walking on ground.

SIRS Inspection

The purpose of the Structural Integrity Reserve Study is to produce a reserve study broken down by the following line items as required by the State of Florida:

Roofs, Load-bearing Walls, Primary Structural Members, Floors, Foundations, Fireproofing, Plumbing, Electrical Systems, Waterproofing & Paint, Windows & Doors, and Amenities.

Seismic Inspection

The Purpose is to Evaluate a building’s ability to withstand earthquakes. Common Areas of Focus include: Structural integrity, foundation stability, and compliance with seismic building codes.

Permit Inspections

These inspections are required during different stages of construction to ensure each phase complies with local building codes. Common Areas of Focus include: Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and final inspection stages of a construction project.

Structural Special Inspection

The purpose of Special Inspections are to ensure the correct repairs are being performed by the contractor on a threshold building (any structure over 3 stories). These inspections are required to be performed by a qualified special inspector hired by the association in order to open and close permits.

Final Inspection

The Purpose is to inspect at the end of a construction project to ensure all work has been completed according to plans and codes. Common Areas of Focus include: All systems and structures, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finishes, are thoroughly inspected before occupancy is allowed.

Building Code Compliance Inspection

The Purpose is to Ensure that construction or renovations meet local building codes and regulations. Common Areas of Focus include: All aspects of the building, from structural integrity to electrical, plumbing, and safety features, must comply with local codes.

Structural Inspection

The Purpose is to Evaluate the integrity and safety of a building’s structural components. Common Areas of Focus include: Foundations, beams, columns, load-bearing walls, and other structural elements to ensure they are free from defects.

Electrical Inspection

The Purpose is to Ensure that the electrical systems within a building are safe, up to code, and functioning properly. Common Areas of Focus include: Wiring, electrical panels, circuit breakers, outlets, light fixtures, and grounding systems.

Fire Safety Inspection

The Purpose is to Ensure that a building complies with fire safety regulations and has adequate measures in place to prevent and respond to fires. Common Areas of Focus include: Fire alarms, sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and smoke detectors.

Plumbing Inspection

The Purpose is to Assesses the condition and functionality of a building’s plumbing system. Common Areas of Focus include: Pipes, water heaters, sewer lines, drainage systems, faucets, and toilets to check for leaks, blockages, or compliance with local codes.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Inspection

The Purpose is to Evaluate the performance and safety of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Common Areas of Focus include: Furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, thermostats, filters, and ventilation systems to ensure they are operating efficiently and safely.

Energy Efficiency Inspection

The Purpose is to Assesses how energy-efficient a building is, potentially leading to recommendations for improvements that could reduce energy consumption. Common Areas of Focus include: Insulation, windows, doors, HVAC systems, lighting, and overall energy usage.

Foundation Inspection

The Purpose is to Assesses the stability and condition of the building’s foundation. Common Areas of Focus include: Cracks, settlement issues, water damage, and the overall integrity of the foundation.

Specialty Inspections

These are inspections that focus on specific issues that are not covered by standard inspections. A few examples include: Elevator inspections, swimming pool inspections, or inspections for specific code requirements in historic buildings.

Pest Inspection

The Purpose is to Identify any signs of pest infestations that could damage the building or affect its habitability. Common Areas of Focus include: Termites, rodents, ants, and other pests, particularly focusing on wood structures, basements, and crawl spaces.

These inspections help maintain the safety, functionality, and value of buildings, ensuring they meet the necessary standards and are safe for occupancy.

Inspections for Real Estate Transactions

Pre-Listing Inspection

The Purpose is to inspect before putting a property on the market to identify any issues that may affect the sale. This is similar to pre-purchase inspections but focused on addressing potential buyer concerns proactively.

Roof Inspection

The Purpose is to Checks the condition of the roof to prevent leaks, structural damage, and energy loss. Common Areas of Focus include: Shingles, tiles, gutters, flashing, chimneys, and ventilation systems.

Environmental Inspection

The Purpose is to Identify environmental hazards within or around the building. Common Areas of Focus include: Presence of asbestos, lead, mold, radon, and other hazardous materials, as well as environmental impacts such as proximity to flood zones or contaminated sites.

Pre-Purchase Inspection

The Purpose is to inspect before buying a property, this inspection identifies any existing or potential issues with the building, such as structural problems, water damage, or pest infestations. Common Areas of Focus include: Roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos or lead

Post-Disaster Inspection

The Purpose is to Evaluate the safety and condition of buildings after a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, flood, or hurricane. Common Areas of Focus include: Structural damage, water intrusion, and the overall habitability of the building.