Special Inspections: Everything You Should Know
In New York City (NYC), special inspections are critical to the construction process. Special inspections play a crucial role in the overall construction success of a building project because they ensure compliance with approved codes, plans, and standards. These assessments ensure that key construction equipment such as mechanical systems and sprinklers comply with the approved plans of the Department of Buildings (DOB) and meet all New York City building code requirements.
However, in some cases, there is confusion about when special inspections are required, what gets inspected, how many special inspections are expected, who conducts the special inspections, and how they are conducted.
Understanding the NYC special inspections is important for keeping your construction project on track and ensuring a straightforward project closeout process. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about special inspections.
What are Special Inspections?
Special inspections are mandated inspections of specific equipment, materials, fabrication, erection of components, and connection to ensure compliance with approved construction plans, documents, and reference standards. They are required by Chapter 17 of the Building Code or elsewhere in the code or its referenced standards (BC 1702.1, definition for Special Inspections).
Since July 2008, special inspections have been required for all New York City projects. Essentially, the process entails hiring a professional engineer or registered architect to assess crucial construction work and ensure adherence to approved construction plans and building codes.
Types of Construction Work Special Inspections Assess
A special inspection is required for certain types of construction work which includes a range of items such as equipment, fabrication, and materials. Every component of a building under construction, where the component design involves professional engineering or architecture services, requires a special inspection. Special inspections classify construction work into four main categories, including:
General building construction
Fire-resistant construction and fire protection systems
Mechanical and plumbing systems
Structural materials and construction operations
Why is it Necessary to Conduct Special Inspections?
Special inspections are required to ensure the safety of the public and building occupants by preventing potential structural and equipment failures. They contribute to the safety of construction projects by improving the integrity of tests and inspections and preventing unqualified personnel from assessing equipment and material installations.
Department Of Building Requirements
In May 2012, the Department of Buildings increased the requirements for special inspections in New York City. Specifically, a comprehensive special inspection program can only be conducted by qualified special inspectors who work for a special inspections agency registered within the Department of Buildings. Now, for special inspections, it is expected that all building owners and managers in NYC only hire engineers or architects with the required credentials working with a special inspection agency.
Who Performs Special Inspection?
Special inspection can be performed by a professional engineer, a registered architect, or someone with the required training and qualifications working with a registered special inspection agency. Inspectors who are not licensed design professionals must obtain the necessary credentials to conduct special inspections.
Importantly, special inspectors must have no connection to the project under inspection. Building owners and project managers cannot hire general contractors for special inspections. A special inspector must meet the following general criteria:
Having no connection or involvement with the project construction
Registered for the necessary class of special inspections expected by the project
Working for a New York City DOB-registered special inspection agency
Meeting the Department of Buildings qualification for special inspections
What Special Inspections are Needed and How Many are Required?
Special inspections depend solely on the type of construction work performed. For example, a residential building project may require inspections of the foundation work, solid compaction, and wood framing. A high-rise renovation project could involve the inspections of the structural steel connection and fireproofing systems. A water treatment facility system may entail special inspection of the piping systems, concrete tanks, and structural steel supports.
Ideally, these inspections are performed several times during the construction process. The number of special inspections varies depending on the construction project and the contractor’s sequence of work. For example, a roofing system may require only one special inspection if all materials needed for the project are installed in a single phase. However, if the roofing project is completed in different stages, special inspections will be needed for each stage such as installation, waterproofing, flashing, and final surfacing.
How Special Inspections are Performed
Special inspections range from visual inspections with basic measurement instruments such as measuring tape to laboratory testing with complex equipment such as hydraulic compressive testing equipment. A simple roofing repair project may require visual observation to ensure adequate installation of the flashing or syringes, as well as measurement to ensure proper alignment and overlap.
However, a concrete construction project often necessitates a variety of destructive and non-destructive tests in the laboratory and the field. Larger projects frequently involve laboratory testing demonstrating that special inspections vary in complexity depending on the project requirement and type.
Special Inspections Reports
Periodic special inspection reports must be submitted by the special inspector to the contractor or building owner throughout the course of the construction work or project. The special inspector must notify the contractor if any inconsistencies are observed in the construction. These deficiencies are expected to be corrected immediately and if they are not, the special inspector must notify the building owner, the design engineer, or the architect.
After the project, the special inspection agency confirms that special inspections were properly performed and the construction work complies or does not comply with the approved construction plan and documents.
TR-1: Statement Of Responsibility
The TR-1 form, also known as the Technical Report Statement of Responsibility, plays a key function in the building and construction industry. It is a form that contains information about location, applicant, special inspection categories, and project inspection categories related to the project. It is mandatory to accurately complete and submit this form to ensure compliance with New York City construction codes and safe construction practices.
Benefits of Special Inspections
One of the common factors contributing to significant building failures and structural failures is the failure of construction work to comply with codes, standards, and approved plans of the Department of Buildings (DOB). Special inspection improves quality and safety by ensuring compliance with increased inspection frequency and specialized oversight during construction. Here are some of the additional benefits of special inspections:
Provision of corrective measures to rectify errors
Provision of a shield against liability (document compliance)
Promotes team communication among contractors, designers, and the building department, minimizing misinterpretation of approved structural design
Ensures building owners receive the best quality
How AG Engineering PLLC Can Help
AG Engineering PLLC's team of experienced professional engineers is committed to ensuring your construction projects comply with approved plans of the DOB and NYC building code requirements, from initial application to final approval. AG Engineering PLLC offers top-notch special inspection services backed by a strong team of engineers, architects, and building system specialists who form the foundation of our practice. For more information on special inspections contact us at (347)-314-6801 and Ariel@agengineeringpllc.com. You can also visit our website for more information.
