Top 10 Misunderstood NYC Special Inspections
Have you ever been confused about Special Inspections on construction projects in NYC? You're not alone.
As a premier Class 1 Special Inspections Agency, our team at Crosscheck fields questions like these daily. After partnering with design and construction professionals on building projects across New York City, we've noticed that a lot of people don't fully understand what these inspections involve.
This guide answers 10 of the most frequently asked questions that we get about NYC special inspections, which are more detailed than those in other places. We'll explain the important parts of the building code and rules that cover these inspections.
Our goal is to help you figure out which inspections your project actually needs (sometimes extra ones get added unnecessarily), what the inspectors are looking for, and how often these inspections need to happen.
Let’s dive in!…
Periodic vs Continuous
#1. What do you do during a concrete pour if there's nonconformance?
At Crosscheck Special Inspections, we report the non-conformance to the Site Superintendent or the Project Foreman overseeing the concrete operation. It is then up to them if they want to waive the concrete truck or not or take some risk and keep the truck on-site. If the truck is not waived, we will report the non-conformance in our report and ask the Engineer of Record to advise if it is acceptable or not.
#2. Do you have to observe in the shop for full joint penetration fabrication?
Yes, we need to verify complete joint or partial joint penetration welds in the shop if they are being performed. The only exception is if the welding shop is an approved fabricator with the NYC DOB. If they are we just need to conduct one visit to verify paperwork is in order and then we can come by periodically if needed. You can also ultrasonic test these welds in lieu of visual inspection to confirm compliance.
Structural Stability of Existing Buildings
#3. How do you determine the number of visits needed?
This is determined between the GC and Special Inspector and is based off the schedule of operations and key milestones. The minimum number of times Crosscheck Special Inspections needs to be there for this is two times.
Have a question or want more info? Contact us, we’re here to help!
Demolition
#4. What is the definition of this inspection type and what does it cover?
Where mechanical demolition equipment (other than handheld devices) is to be used in the full or partial demolition of a building from within the building, or is to be used within the building to remove debris or move materal, such demolition operation should have this inspection marked as required.
Where full or partial demolition of a weakened structure as specified in Section 3306.7 of NYC Building Code or the demolition of a masonry wall with a height to thickness ratio of 16 or greater is proposed, or the demolition of a floor structure directly supported by such wall, such demolition operation should have this inspection marked as required.
The Special Inspector is required to visits a minimum of (3) times: before demo, during demo and after demo.
Post-Installed Anchors
#5. Do you perform or witness pull tests?
Crosscheck Special Inspections can do both. We have our own testing rigs in house and have qualified personnel to perform the tests. This is what we do most of the time. We typically do not witness a pull test done by others. We usually just accept the testing report from the other company to resolve the NCR.
#6. Continuous is for epoxy anchors?
Not exactly. There are three criteria elements that need to be met if a continuous inspection is warranted for post-installed anchors. They are:
Adhesive anchor type, so epoxy
Anchor Installed horizontally or upwardly inclined to resist sustained tension loads
Installed in hardened concrete
If you don't have all three, then you don't have continuous.
Need answers? Contact us, we’re here to help!
Tenant Protection Plan (TPP)
#7. Who prepares the TPP and who designs it?
The TPP is prepared and designed by a registered Design Professional hired by the Contractor. For one- or two-family homes, the applicant of record for the job filing can request the TPP.
#8. What are you looking at? Why are you only looking at what they're currently working on?
Crosscheck Special Inspections looks at the Tenant Protection Plan or Tenant Protection Plan Write Up from DOBNOW and performs the inspections based on what is written. We check for proper signage, dust control, fire safety, noise control, debris control, lead/asbestos notification, proper degree, and verify that essential services are still being maintained.
Fire-Stopping
#9. How do you know the Contractor used the right firestopping?
At Crosscheck Special Inspections, we ask the Contractor to show us the product they used on-site or we ask for the approved product submittal after the inspection. From there we review the product to determine if it meets NYC Building Code. According to code, the product must be tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479. Once that is verified, it is confirmed acceptable
Other
#10. If you're a Class I Special Inspection Agency, can you do the same work as Class 2 & 3 agencies as well?
Yes, Special Inspection Agencies, like Crosscheck, that have gone through the process of obtaining their Class 1 accreditation for any of the available TR1s have also obtained the highest form of accreditation and therefore can perform Class 2 and 3 inspections as well.