Kendall Building Inspections revisited

Kendall Building Inspections revisited

The Kendall Building Safety Inspection is part of the Miami-Dade public safety inspection program. The process involves an Engineer or Architect who will examine your building’s structural and electrical systems and look for any problems that could pose a threat to residents or the nearby area. In this article, we will cover all the changes to the new condo inspection laws introduced with Senate Bill 4-D. 

We will also go over the new inspection process, what has changed with the previous Kendall 40-year inspection requirements, when the new inspection is required, which buildings require the new inspection, which buildings are exempt, what to do once you receive the letter from the Miami-Dade Building department, and the actions to take once your inspection is completed. 

We will also give you recommendations on what to do if the building inspector finds issues in your structure and how to get these problems resolved quickly. As structural engineers, we can serve as your qualified building inspector in Kendall and handle every part of the inspection from start to finish. Our team of building inspectors is always happy to answer any questions you might have during the inspection process. 

By reviewing this article on the Kendall Building Safety Inspection Program, you will have a deeper understanding of the recertification process so that you can make informed decisions when hiring a Kendall building inspector. You can click the button below to get a quote for your next building inspection in Kendall within 24 hours. 

For your convenience, we have also added the contact information for the Miami-Dade County Building Department which is the county in charge of Kendall Inspections. 

What changed with Kendall's Building recertification program?

After the collapse of Champlain Towers in Surfside, Floria’s senate quickly took action and passed Senate Bill 4-D. Senate Bill 4-D brought many changes to the existing Kendall 40-year inspection as well as added some new requirements like the Structural Integrity Reserve Study. 

One of the changes to the 40-year inspection program is the name. The 40-year inspection was renamed the Building Safety Inspection Program or BISP for short. Along with the name change the initial inspection date was changed from 40 years to 30 years/25 years depending on your building location. If your building is 3 miles or less from the coast then you are required to complete the inspection after 25 years. If your building is more than 3 miles then it is due after 30 years. 

The requirements remain the same besides the initial inspection date. The Kendall Building Safety Inspection is still a two-part inspection which includes the structural as well as the electrical portion. It also includes the Miami-Dade requirement of a parking lot illumination inspection along with a guard rail inspection if your building in Kendall has an attached parking lot. 

The next major change to the previous 40-year inspection is the addition of the Structural Integrity Reserve Study. The SIRS Study is an additional inspection that is performed by a licensed engineer or architect. It is a visual inspection that determines the current condition of your building and gives you an estimated cost of repairing and maintaining your building. The purpose of this additional inspection is so that property owners, building managers, property managers, and homeowners associations can have the funds prepared for when these repairs will be required.  

You can also view our services page or visit the Miami-Dade County inspections page for more info regarding the process and requirements. 

What if I already completed The Kendall 40 year recertification?

If you own or manage an older building then there is a high probability that you have already completed the Kendall 40-year inspection. If that is the case then you can continue with the subsequent inspection schedule which is every 10 years. The 40-year recertification Kendall had in place was already very thorough and covered the new requirements and exceeded the requirements set forth by the state. 

The main change you will need to implement moving forward is the new Structural Integrity Reserve Study. The SIRS Study is a new program that we discussed above geared to ensuring you have the funds available when they are required. Many building owners in Kendall were caught off guard by these inspections and they can be costly if your building is not maintained properly.

What is inspected during the Kendall Building Safety inspection?

The two elements the Kendall Building inspector will examine when they visit your property are the Structural and Electrical elements of your building.  In the structural portion, the Building Inspection company will inspect several structural elements such as the foundation, load-bearing walls, steel beams, wood columns, and concrete framing systems to name a few. They will look around windows and doors for cracks or signs of concrete spalling.

In the electrical portion of the inspection, the Kendall Building Inspection company handling the inspection will look at your electrical panels and make sure they are in working order. The building inspector will also examine any exterior connections such as your electrical main panels and your electrical closet to look for any lose wires or corrosion around the electrical conduits.

How do I know if I need a recertification for my building in Kendall?

Any condominium or building in Kendall that is 3,500 square feet or more and also has 3 stories or more is required to complete the Building Safety Inspection. These new condominium laws are not just for condos they are applied to any building that meets the requirements we talked about above. If your building is more than 3 miles from the coast your first inspection will be required after 30 years. 

If your building is 3 miles or less from the coast then you will be required to complete the inspection after 25 years. Most buildings in Kendall are further than 3 miles away from the coast so you will have to complete the inspection after 30 years. One key note to remember is that if your building requires the Building Safety Inspection it will also require you to complete the SIRS Study inspection as well. 

What buildings in Kendall are not required to complete the Building Safety inspection?

Some of the buildings in Kendall are not required to complete these inspections. The buildings which are exempt from these requirements, include U.S. government buildings, State Buildings, Indian reservations, school buildings under the Miami-Dade county school board, one or two-family story buildings, fee-simple townhouses, and minor structures that have less than 3500 sq ft.

How to submit your Inspection report to the Miami Dade Building Deptartment?

Once you have received signed and sealed plans from the engineer or architect then you can submit the inspection report for approval by the Miami-Dade Building Department. If the building inspector that did the inspection did not find anything then you are done for another 10 years. 

However, if there were issues found in the report you can submit the inspection report and the Miami Dade building department will issue you an extension so that you can get the permits required and start working on the repairs. At Askgbatista.com we have a 100% success rate with our inspections and have completed thousands of these building safety inspections across Florida. 

Summary of the Kendall Building inspections program

If you own a condominum or a warehouse in Kendall that stands at three stories or more and hits the 25 year or 30 year mark, it is time to complete your Kendall Building Safety Inspection. This new inspection which was updated to include the requirements found in Senate Bill 4-D includes and exceeds all of the requirements. Along with the changes to the Kendall Building Inspection program the addition of the SIRS Study is an important change. 

Make sure to keep your mailing address up to date because the Miami-Dade Building Department will send you a certified letter when you are getting close to your inspection date. Overall it is a good idea to keep your building up to date and maintained in order to avoid costly repairs when it comes time to getting your building inspected. 

As structural engineers we are one of the best building inspectors to hire because we have a comprehensive understanding of your buildings structural components which is the key element to these inspections. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions that were not answered in this article.  

HOW MUCH DOES A 40-YEAR RECERTIFICATION COST?

HOW MUCH DOES A 40-YEAR RECERTIFICATION COST?

If you are reading this blog, then you have received your notice to perform a 40 Year Inspection. Simply put, a 40 Year Recertification is an inspection that is required by the State of Florida when a building turns 40 years old. Additionally, you must to inspections every 10 years thereafter. You can find a lot of information on the web that will help you understand what a 40-year recertification is. However, this blog is about the price of a 40-year inspection. But in order to talk about the cost, one must realize the reason for the existence of the 40-year inspections, to begin with. If your looking to hire a building inspector you can click the button below to get a quote within 24 hours. 

Beginnings of the 40 Year Recertification

The 40 Year Recertifications were put into law primarily for the public safety.  Building owners perform upgrades and renovations to buildings without pulling permits. Also, Owners many times do not maintain their buildings properly.  As a result, many properties contain unsafe conditions for its occupants.  Examples of these unsafe conditions are as follows:

  • Faulty or exposed wiring
  • Spalling concrete
  • Hidden structural problems
  • Failed roofing systems
  • Possible fire hazards

The law requires that a licensed architect or engineer take the responsibility of the inspection and submit a signed and sealed report.

The Cost of a 40 Year Recertification

The best way to find out how much a 40 Year Recertification will cost you is by calling around and getting proposals.  Of course, a simple search on the internet will yield  lots of information on available professionals in your area.  Each engineer or architect has their own way of calculating how much they are going to charge you for an inspection. The following are the items that most affect the price of a 40 year building inspection (in order of importance):

  • Size of the building (i.e. number of units)
  • Complexity of the structure
  • Accessibility

Size of the Building being inspected

As you may have guessed, the size of the building is the factor that most affects the price of a 40 Year Recertification.  Lets take the example of an inspector that has decided he must visit 50 apartments in the case of a high-rise building.  An inspection like this could take most of the day.  Depending on the inspectors findings, the report could be lengthy.

Complexity of the Structure

As an extreme example, lets say that the inspector is to do a 40 year inspection of an electrical plant for FP&L.  On the structural side, there are many unusual structures such as towers and trusses which are difficult to inspect.  On the electrical side, there are high-power devices and mechanisms that are not typical to a regular inspection. Naturally, the inspector will have a very difficult time looking into all the details unless he has much experience with these types of structures.

On the other hand, a much simpler inspection would involve a one-story four-plex apartment building.  Typically, these buildings are constructed of concrete and block and a have a roof structure that has trusses and a shingle roof.  This simple building will also likely have 4 electrical meters and an electrical panel for each unit.

Accessibility

Although this does not tend to be an issue, accessibility can be a big problem. An example of difficult accessibility is the lack of authorization to enter the units of an apartment building.  Another example is where the inspector cannot easily see possible structural problems at the exterior of a 50 story high-rise building.  Accessibility issues can be easily overcome by coordinating with the Owner by planning ahead.

Conclusion of Building recertification & Milestone Inspection Cost

Although the cost of a 40 Year Recertification can vary widely from professional to professional, there are certain basic items that can affect the cost.  Either way, it is a good idea to understand what these potential issues are so you can discuss these with your engineer.  Your engineer can provide you with a proposal once he has a good understanding of your building.  Some engineers  provide a price “per door” or per apartment. Prices can range between $10 per door to $300 per door (depending on many factors).  Others provide a price based on square footage.  Still others take into consideration the location or the structure, its age, and even if it has a crawl space that he may have to squeeze into.

Be ready to provide answers to your engineer.  The better information you provide, the better proposal you will get.  Let G. Batista & Associates provide you with a proposal.

The Complete Deerfield Beach Building Inspections Checklist

The Complete Deerfield Beach Building Inspections Checklist

The Deerfield Beach Building Safety Inspection program is a new inspection program that is replacing the previous 40-year inspection. The Deerfield Beach 40-year inspection was already very comprehensive so the only new changes you will have to consider are the date of your first inspection as well as the new inspection that was introduced. The new inspection program is required when your building reaches 25 years old but has the same requirements as a structural and electrical inspection. 

In this article, we will go over all of the new changes to the Deerfield Beach inspection process and what it entails. Along with that, we will also let you know what the Structural Integrity Reserve Study is, what to do once you pass the inspection, how to proceed if you already completed the 40-year inspection, and any additional information so that you can learn more about the inspection process and requirements. 

We have also listed the Deerfield Beach Building Department contact information below for your convenience if you have any specific questions that were not answered in this article. You can always reach out to us if you are confused about the requirements or would like us to get started on your inspection. You can click the button below to get a quick quote for your next building inspection in Deerfield Beach. 

Deerfield Beach BUILDING DEPARTMENT

150 N.E. 2nd Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

[email protected]

(561) 301-7186

Why did The Deerfield Beach Building recertification program change?

The main reason behind the new condominium inspection laws was the Surfside condominium collapse in June 2021. This unfortunate event prompted the senate to create more stringent requirements as well as implement the Milestone inspection program state-wide. Many people lost their lives during the event and the Senate quickly acted introducing Senate Bill 4-D. These new changes will ensure that building owners are keeping up with routine maintenance and repairs. 

Although the new state-wide Milestone Inspection program will affect many counties that did not have a building inspection program in place Deerfield Beach was already following the guidelines set forth by Broward County’s 40-year inspection program. The 40-year inspection program already covered many of the requirements so the major change was the date of your first inspection as well as the introduction of the Structural Integrity Reserve Study. 

What if I already completed The Deerfield Beach 40 year recertification?

If you own or manage a building that is over 40 years old then there is a high probability that you have already completed the Deerfield Beach 40-year inspection. The new building safety inspection is similar in its requirements so you can continue doing the subsequent inspections every 10 years. One new additional requirement that was introduced with Senate Bill 4-D is the structural integrity reserve study. 

The Deerfield Beach SIRS study is an additional inspection that is required and must also be completed by a qualified building inspector such as a Florida-licensed engineer or architect. The SIRS study is a visual inspection of your building’s current condition. The building inspector will then provide you with an estimated cost of maintaining and repairing your building. 

What is inspected during the Deerfield Beach Building inspection?

The Deerfield Beach Building Safety Inspection examines two crucial elements of your building. It is composed of a structural inspection and an electrical inspection. Each is crucial to the safety of your residents and the surrounding neighborhood. As we learned with the Champlain Towers neglecting the structural elements of a building can have detrimental effects on the building, the people living in the building, and the surrounding neighborhood. The structural inspection process looks at key elements of your building including columns, load-bearing walls, foundation, and any concrete, wood, or metal framing. 

The second portion is the electrical inspection. The electrical portion of the Building Safety Inspection focuses on your building’s electrical system and ensures it is in working order. Some of the areas the building inspector will examine on your building’s electrical system include the electrical panels, air conditioning units, as well as any electrical conduits that are exposed. The building inspector will look at your electrical panels, junction boxes, and conduits and check if there is corrosion or any open spaces from knockouts that were not used. 

Deerfield Beach building department inspections can be complicated but we are experts and have completed thousands of inspections. Our team of structural engineers is standing by to help you complete your next inspection. 

How do I know if I need a recertification for my building in Deerfield Beach?

If you wondering whether your building in Deerfield Beach requires a Building Safety Inspection we will go over that in this section. If you own or manage a building that is at least 3,500 square feet and has 3 stories or more then you are required to complete the Deerfield Beach Safety Inspection as well as the Deerfield Beach SIRS Study.

Whether your building in Deerfield Beach is near the coast or not you will have to complete your first inspection when it reaches 25 years of age. After your first inspection or if you have already completed a 40-year inspection in the past then you will need to complete the Building Safety Inspection every 10 years.

What buildings in Deerfield Beach are exempt from the Building Safety inspection program?

Some buildings in Deerfield Beach are not required to complete the Building Safety Inspection such as U.S. government buildings, state of Florida buildings, Indian reservations, school buildings under the county school board, one or two-family story buildings, fee-simple townhouses, and any structures that are under 3500 sq ft.

How to submit your inspection Report to the Deerfield Beach Building Department?

Once the building inspector has provided you with a signed and sealed report you can then submit the inspection report to the Deerfield Beach Building Department. The best way to submit the report is in person at the Deerfield Beach building department location. Deerfield Beach requires you to submit the inspection report in person at the building department located at 150 N.E. 2nd Ave. Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

You can also send it in by mail to the building department address just make sure to add ATTENTION BUILDING DEPARTMENT somewhere in the letter to ensure the Deerfield Beach building department receives the letter. 

Final thoughts on the Deerfield beach Building inspections program

If your building in Deerfield Beach reaches the 25-year mark and stands at three stories or higher, it is required to undergo a Building Safety Inspection. This inspection is part of Deerfield Beach’s public safety program to ensure that buildings are safe for residents and the surrounding areas. The new inspection program not only meets but also surpasses the new requirements outlined in Senate Bill 4-D’s milestone inspection. 

It is important to keep your contact information up to date since the Deerfield Beach building department will be sending you a letter when your building inspection is nearing the time for the building safety inspection. However, even if you do not receive the letter it is your responsibility to follow up and get your inspection completed within the required time frame. 

Failure to complete the Deerfield Beach building recertification could lead to penalties starting from $500 a day. Even worse the Deerfield Beach building department can deem your building unsafe and you will have to vacate all of the tenants. This is why the building inspection is crucial and you should make sure to get it done properly by a qualified building inspector in Deerfield Beach.

Remember that if the building inspector finds issues in your building it is not something to worry about. Even if your report includes problems with your building the Deerfield Beach building department will grant you an extension after you have submitted the report. The extension will allow you more time to pull permits and address the issues found in the report. 

Overall the new changes to the Deerfield Beach Building inspection program are very similar to the previous 40-year inspection program. The 40-year inspection program and the new Building Safety Inspection and SIRS Study were all created to provide a safe environment for all residents of Deerfield Beach. We would be happy to serve as your Deerfield Beach building inspector and have the qualifications and experience to get it done right.