Special Inspections are performed by Special Inspectors of registered Special Inspection Agencies.
According to the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB), Special Inspections are necessary during the construction process to verify that work is being performed in accordance with approved plans and specifications. In addition, Special Inspections must be conducted by Special Inspectors on behalf of registered Special Inspection Agencies.
So how does one become a Special Inspector?
First, the decision of what type of special inspector is desired needs to be made. For example, there are special inspectors who have become certified to inspect masonry, concrete, structural steel and bolting, and others. The major requirement for becoming a fully certified inspector will always include the passing of a written exam to test for technical expertise. Additional qualifications such as a college degree and/or relevant work experience may be required as well. For these reasons, many organizations, including the NYSSPE, will offer training courses to prep hard-working individuals for the special inspections exams.
The American Concrete Institute has outlined their certification programs for becoming a Concrete Construction Special Inspector here.
NYSSPE Offers courses for concrete and other special inspection certifications which can be seen on our Upcoming Events Page.
The International Code Council has outlined what topics are important for Structural Steel and Bolting Inspectors to know here.
http://www.iccsafe.org/Certification/Bulletins/s1_content.pdf
Special Inspectors who are employed by Special Inspection Agencies must be qualified according to the Special Inspector Qualifications Table:
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/sep_insp_guide.pdf
A new rule has been extended so that:
All inspections must now be performed by a registered inspection agency. This applies to projects filed on or after May 13, 2013.
The amended Special Inspector and Special Inspection Agencies Rule became effective May 13, 2012 under 1 RCNY §101-06. Agencies performing special inspections must be registered, and the deadline has been extended to May13, 2013. For more information, please read Executive Order 4/12.
Under Compliance and TR1 Filings:
- Special Inspection Agencies with projects permitted on or after May 13, 2013 must be registered to perform inspections.
- On or after May 13, 2013, the Special Inspection Agency number must be included on the TR1 when identifying responsibility and certifying completion of inspections.
- The applicant of record must identify the special inspection requirement on the TR1 prior to approval.
- The Special Inspection Agency must identify responsibility of the special inspections prior to permit and certify completion of the special inspections prior to sign-off.
An important note to remember: Owners must hire inspection agencies directly – the agency CANNOT be hired by the contractor.
An Application for Accreditation as a Special Inspection Agency in NYC is here:
http://www.iasonline.org/PDF/Forms/s-nycapp.pdf
References:
NYC DOB – http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/home/home.shtml
International Accreditation Services, Inc. – http://www.iasonline.org/
Note: NYSSPE facilitates posting on this blog, but the views and accounts expressed herein are those of the author(s) and not the views or accounts of NYSSPE, its officers or directors whose views and accounts may or may not be similar or identical. NYSSPE, its officers and directors do not express any opinion regarding any product or service by virtue of reference to such product or service in this blog.
Lauren Cobb says
Hi, this article states “Owners must hire inspection agencies directly – the agency CANNOT be hired by the contractor.” I’ve read in the NYC code that the special inspection agency cannot also be the contractor nor can the special inspector work for the contractor. So if the property owner mus hire the inspection agency, is there a requirement to have a contract between the angecy and owner? If so, can it be for $0?
I’m asking in relation to solar projects. Solar is typical a turn-key solution where contractors try to bundle all costs into 1 contract. What are the options for this industry?
Thanks so much!
Joseph A. Pasaturo PE says
The special inspection agency must be hired by the owner or the owners representative. If the contractor performing the work for the owner hires the special inspector then that is both a violation of State Education Law as well as the NYC law governing special inspections. If the engineer accepts payment from the contractor, the engineer can be charged with “fee splitting”. Where he is providing his engineering services to the Owner through an unlicensed entity (ie the contractor). The contractor can also be charged with the illegal practice of engineering because he or is firm is not authorized to provide engineering services in the state yet he entered into a contract with the owner to provide such as part of his scope of work.
I agree we have a problem in the solar industry as well as in sprinkler and fire protection systems. It is quite common for the installation firm to also provide the design services. Many of these fly under the radar until something goes wrong on the project. If there is a dispute on the project and the owner files a complaint with either NYC DOB or NYS Ed, then it all comes out.
My advise is to not accept payment from the contractor and to have a separate contract with the owner. If you are working with a contractor then I would suggest he back out the amount he allocated to you from his contract with the owner and that you enter into a separate agreement with the owner for the same amount. In the long run it is better for all parties concerned to do it this way.
michael k. says
Your answer was very clear.I ‘m a PE in NYC.
1. What if contractor is the owner at the same time. Owner also has a construction company which registered as GC with NYC DOB. Both have the same address. Can Owner/ contractor hire special inspection agency?
2. Many construction management company in New York which all of them registered as GC in NYC DOB. Can this CM hire special inspection agency?
As a matter of facts, it s happening a lot in New York and inspector will be in tough spot.
Alice Carroll says
Thanks for reminding me that I have to make sure that the inspection company that I will be working with is properly registered. I might need a third party building inspector soon because I’d like to get a commercial property appraised soon. That will be a huge factor for me to know if it’s something worthwhile for me to invest on.