Listen up! Your building may be trying to tell you something.
The catastrophic condo collapse in Surfside has led to a sudden and increased awareness in other older buildings around South Florida and all major cities across the USA, including New York City.
Your building may be telling you that something is wrong before a crack even appears. The first step is to know the dangers and weaknesses of your facility. Identifying the signs is of the utmost importance when trying to avoid a potential disaster.
The best way to do this is through a Building Condition Survey, conducted by a licensed Engineer, which can identify necessary repair and maintenance items, as well as distinguish immediate versus long-term repairs that can be phased out over time. Once the survey is completed, the Building Owner, Property Manager and the Board will be issued a detailed report with findings and recommendations regarding the building’s structure and critical systems along with a projected budget and timeline for repairs.
For example, many building façade components, such as brick and concrete, are exposed to potential weaknesses and experience fast-paced deterioration. The Engineer would cite any potentially hazardous conditions that may pose an immediate risk to residents and/or tenants in the report. As many buildings have learned, it is crucial to ensure these items are thoroughly addressed and properly repaired. Quick fixes never pan out in the long run and can end up causing major safety risks and higher costs down the line.
If you have any questions, or would like to request a Condition Survey, please feel free to contact our office at (718) 767-0923.
PERIODIC CONDITION ASSESSMENTS OF PARKING GARAGES COMING SOON TO NYC
The Department of Buildings (DOB) has announced that the recent New York State Rule, which requires periodic inspections of parking structures, will now also apply to New York City, as part of an update to the NYC Building Code. The projected effective date is January 1, 2022. As our team becomes aware of additional details, we will continue to keep you informed. Below is a brief summery of requirements and classifications.
Requirements
• Inspections must be conducted by a NYS registered Professional Engineer (PE).
• These assessments must be performed every six (6) years.
• Similar to FISP, filings will be by Sub-cycles, which is TBD.
• Annual observations should be completed between assessments and do not require a PE.
• Records of both assessments and annual observations should be available.
• Fines and penalties are TDB.
Classifications
• Safe
• Unsafe (If Unsafe, the DOB will be notified immediately and protection installed, followed by repairs.)
• Safe with Repair and/or Engineering Monitoring (A follow up inspection will be required within a three year period.)
If you need immediate assistance, or would like to schedule a preliminary garage inspection to determine existing areas of concern, please feel free to contact us. Our team has extensive experience with garage investigations and restoration projects. Continue reading for an overview of our services offered.
Facade Violation Search Portal, Civil Penalty Payments and Waiver Requests to Launch in DOB NOW: Safety
A new Façade Violations portal launched in DOB NOW: Safety on Monday, July 12, 2021, for submitting civil penalty payments or requests to waive civil penalties for Cycles 6 and later that result from a Failure to File or Late Filing of TR6/FISP Reports, FISP Failure to Correct SWARMP Conditions, and FISP Failure to Correct Unsafe Conditions. The portal includes only civil penalties related to DOB violations payable to DOB and not OATH/ECB summonses paid to OATH.
Before a payment or waiver can be submitted, Failure to File/Late Filing FISP violations require a filed and accepted initial TR6/FISP Report applicable for that filing’s Cycle. FISP Failure to Correct Unsafe Conditions violations require a filed and accepted amended TR6/FISP Report in response to the UNSAFE filing.
For additional information, continue reading here.
FL - Residential property audit already underway in Miami-Dade and structural engineers sent to all buildings undergoing 40-year recertification process
A residential property audit was announced by Miami-Dade and is currently underway. Every building is being reviewed to make sure that any
problems have been identified and corrected. The audit focuses on residential buildings five stories or higher, and 40 years or older.
In addition, Miami Beach is in the process of sending structural engineers to each of the buildings undergoing their 40-year recertification process.
If your building is approaching or is currently 40 years old, it is time to file your 40-Year Recertification. The main purpose of the required inspection and report is to confirm that the building or structure is safe for continued use under the present occupancy. Our FL team has performed hundreds of inspections to confirm safe building conditions and fulfill all re-certification requirements.
Should you have any questions or require engineering services,
please feel free to contact us at (954) 691-0009.
How can we help you?
We are currently helping several of our clients get their buildings in shape, coordinating inspections and testing, leak investigations, façade and roofing restoration projects. All projects are managed efficiently by our team from beginning to end and are designed to provide sustainable, cost-effective results. We believe in providing our clients with the quality service they deserve. We would be happy to do the same for you.
Call us today at (718) 767-0923.
About Us
Established in 1986, Merritt Engineering has become a leading Engineering firm specializing in Building Restoration and Structural Design. We have extensive experience in Façade Restorations, Roofing & Waterproofing, Historic/Landmark Preservation, Design/Rehabilitations and Construction Administration.
For over 30 years, we have delivered customized, practical and cost-effective engineering solutions to properties throughout the United States including commercial, residential, healthcare, government and educational facilities. Today, Merritt continues to build a strong reputation through its commitment to preserving and enhancing our city’s skyline.
|