The Architect’s Guide to NYC Special Inspections
NYC Special Inspections are a critical part of virtually every construction project in the city, yet many find the process confusing and overwhelming.
As the registered design professional, you play a key role in identifying what needs special inspection and coordinating with building owners, contractors, and inspection agencies to ensure projects move forward.
This guide simplifies the special inspection process, giving you the knowledge to confidently navigate requirements, avoid common pitfalls, and keep your projects moving forward smoothly from permit to completion.
Let’s get started!
What are NYC Special Inspections?
What are NYC Special Inspections for?
NYC Special Inspections are the inspection of selected materials, equipment, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, to ensure compliance with approved construction documents and referenced standards as required by NYC Building Code and NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) rules and regulations.
Who dictates NYC Special Inspections?
The registered design professional of record shall identify the materials, equipment, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections, or construction operations for the work indicated on the construction documents that are subject to special inspections on the construction documents and in any other form supplied or manner required by the department prior to the approval of the construction documents.
How do NYC Special Inspections work?
An accredited special inspection agency like Crosscheck shall observe work subject to special inspection to confirm that the work that is the subject of the special inspection is in compliance with the approved construction documents; with the approved shop drawings, where provided; and with the special inspection requirements of the NYC Building Code and NYC DOB rules and regulations.
When are Special Inspections required? Are there any that are optional?
Special Inspections are required for most, if not all, construction projects in NYC governed by NYC DOB.
Special Inspections are not required for building components unless the design involves the practice of professional engineering or architecture as defined by the Education Law of the State of New York and applicable regulations governing the professional registration and certification of engineers or architects.
What types of projects need Special Inspections?
The following project types need special inspections. Any job filed with the NYC DOB needs Special Inspections except for FA and Electrical work types.
New Buildings
Exterior and Facade Renovations
Interior Renovations
Tenant Improvement
Historic Districts
Have a question or want more info? Contact us, we’re here to help!
What is the process for getting a Special Inspection?
The job is filed with NYC DOB (Learn more about Crosscheck’s sister company, KM Associates, providing building code, zoning, and expediting services)
The Architect or responsible design professional lists required Special Inspections on the field drawings
The Building Owner sends the drawings to a Special Inspection Agency like Crosscheck for bidding and selects an agency to work with
The Expediter assigns the Special Inspection Agency to the conduct the required special inspections on DOBNOW
The Special Inspection Agency identifies responsibility for inspections
Once the inspections have been conducted, the job obtains a work permit to proceed with construction
During the course of construction, the permit holder reaches out to the Special Inspection Agency to schedule inspections
Step #7 happens multiple times until the work is completed
Once the project has passed inspection(s), the design professional can proceed with obtaining the Letter of Completion or Certificate of Occupancy
What to expect from a good Special Inspection Agency?
A good Special Inspection Agency like Crosscheck will do the following:
Before Inspection
Your Special Inspection Agency Dispatcher will coordinate the inspection date and time with the Permit Holder
Once the inspections details are set, the Permit Holder will receive a confirmation email from the Special Inspection Agency Dispatcher
Your Special Inspection Agency Dispatcher will coordinate and retrieve drawings for the scheduled inspection
During Inspection
Your Special Inspector will arrive and conduct the inspection with the Permit Holder's representative
The Special Inspector will identify conforming and non-conforming items
The Special Inspector’s Initial observations will be given to the Permit Holder’s representative before leaving the project site
After Inspection & Reporting
Your Special Inspection Agency will send the Permit Holder a full report approximately 24-48 hours after the scheduled inspection
The report is sent via email with all representatives on the distribution list: the Permit Holder, Responsible Design Professional, Client, and Expediter.