Navigating NYC Special Inspections

In New York City, understanding the special inspections criteria for your project and aligning them with your project timeline is crucial for meeting deadlines and facilitating a smooth project closeout process.

We recently conducted a webinar in collaboration with our partners at Milrose Consultants offering insights to the NYC Special Inspections Process. See below for everything you need to know!

What are Special Inspections?

Special inspections are mandated inspections required by local building codes and regulations for certain types of construction projects, particularly those involving complex or critical structural elements. These inspections are performed by qualified and licensed professionals who are independent from the construction team to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and engineering specifications. Special inspections typically cover aspects such as structural integrity, fire protection systems, soil conditions, welding, and concrete quality, among others. The purpose of these inspections is to verify that the construction work meets the required standards and to ensure the safety and durability of the structure.

The most recent updates to the Special Inspections code requirements came into effect on November 7, 2022. Click here for further details.

Who is responsible for identifying Special Inspections?

Registered Design Professional of Record (PE or RA) have the following responsibilities:​

• Identifying the work that is subject to Special Inspections on the construction documents​
• Responding to field discrepancies​
• Reviewing shop drawing and other submittals​
• Providing amended drawings for any deviations to construction documents

Overall, special inspectors play a vital role in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of construction projects by conducting thorough inspections and providing expert oversight throughout the construction process.

Responsibilities also include:

• Maintaining independence of the contractor​
• Ensuring that Qualified Inspectors are performing Special Inspections​
• Examining Approved Construction Documents​
• Executing required performance testing​
• Providing report that identifies conforming and non-conforming items

Special Inspections Best Practices

• Initiate collaboration with your contracted special inspection agency during the project’s early stages
• Provide advance notice to the third-party inspector regarding scheduled inspections
• Ensure approved drawings and documents are easily accessible on-site for the special inspector
• Verify that the inspector possesses suitable accreditation for the project’s scope
• Confirm the inspector’s possession of the necessary equipment to conduct inspections effectively

How HLZAE Can Help

As a Class 1 Accredited Special Inspections Agency, we offer special inspection services for all types of construction projects in New York. Since the New York City Department of Buildings began mandating third-party special inspections in 2008, clients have sought out HLZAE to provide projects with an additional level of quality assurance and security. 

Our inspections are conducted for a project to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, NYC Building Code and the relevant applicable standards.

HLZAE offers standalone special inspections services supported by a deep bench of architects, engineers, and building systems specialists who form the backbone of our practice. 

For more on Special Inspections, check out the webinar recording below!