Construction projects must adhere to many codes and regulations. While some regulations are federal, many change depending on the municipality where the project is being done. Before a construction project can be completed, it must pass a building inspection.
Building inspections vary, but they’re part of the construction process for commercial, residential and industrial projects. What is a building inspection, when does it happen and what does it cover? We explain everything you need to know.
What Is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is a review of the work done on a construction project by a building inspector, who is employed by the city, township or county in which the project is located. The building inspector will review the job site to ensure it complies with safety regulations and building codes. It’s a comprehensive assessment of the building’s structural integrity, safety and compliance with local building codes and regulations.
The building inspector is usually certified in one or more of the professional building disciplines to have the skills and knowledge needed to judge whether a building meets code requirements. There are different certifications for residential and commercial building inspectors, as well as inspectors who focus on plumbing, electrical or mechanical project aspects.
It’s crucial to pass building inspection to deliver the project successfully. General contractors must convey to their crew and subcontractors the code requirements for every aspect of the job to ensure the work passes inspection. This must be all planned. Not doing so risks having to bring the work up to code, sometimes razing structures and rebuilding them, which will delay the schedule and add costs that will negatively affect the project’s profit margin.
Project management software can help plan and organize tasks to ensure the project meets all project and regulatory requirements. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software with robust Gantt charts that assign tasks to teams and create timelines. Nothing falls through the cracks. All four task dependencies can be linked to avoid costly delays. Filter for the critical path to identify essential tasks to ensure codes are complied with. Then set a baseline to track progress in real time to help stay on schedule. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
When Should You Conduct a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is routinely done several times over the life cycle of the construction project. The first time is before the project begins. A building inspection occurs before the property on which the project will be built is purchased. This is done to identify potential problems or hazards on the construction site that can impact the property’s value.
After this initial inspection, if the property is bought and construction begins, other inspections take place throughout the project. This ensures that the work is up to code and other local regulations. For example, once plumbing or the electrical system is installed, they’re inspected for safety, code compliance, etc.
Building inspections also are required before covering or concealing any work. The last inspection takes place during the post-construction phase after grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy. This leads to the permit reaching its final status and utility releases for gas and electricity will be issued. After construction is completed and the building is in use, building inspections will still be conducted every few years to ensure the property’s longevity.
What Is a Building Inspection Report?
There are different types of building reports, but all are used to detail the building inspection and ensure that due diligence has been done. The building inspection report is typically included as a condition of the construction contract and, as noted, is done by a qualified building inspector, surveyor or builder.
A building inspection report is made up of photos of the property and building, the address of the property and the name of the applicant. It also lists the name, contact details and qualifications of the inspector, including their builder’s registration number.
The bulk of the building inspection report is made of a summary of any significant findings to be addressed or repaired. The property’s condition will also be described in detail, evaluating the property for structural soundness. If necessary, key maintenance issues, code violations and so forth will be identified.
What Does a Building Inspection Cover?
The building inspection examines the condition of the property and structure to determine if it’s sound and meets legal requirements. The building inspector will check on the stability and compliance with the safety regulations of the building. This includes the following.
Roofing
Structural integrity
Exterior inspection
Interior inspection
Grounds
Mechanical and electrical
Plumbing
Heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC)
Building Inspection Checklist
As one might expect, a building inspection is thorough. There are no corners to cut. Therefore, a building inspector isn’t expected to know everything. They are experts in the field and typically use a building inspection checklist, like this one from the United States General Services Administration or this commercial final expectation requirements checklist from the city of Tampa, Fla., to ensure they don’t miss anything.
Types of Building Inspections
There are many different types of building inspections. Almost every phase and feature of the building has specific requirements. From inspections of masonry pre-grout, wall drainage piping and the roof system to all frame and rough, insulation and the final inspection, the list of building inspections is long and varied. Rather than go into detail, here are some of the larger, more comprehensive types of building inspections one finds on a construction job site.
1. Commercial Building Inspection
Evaluates the building and/or property used for commercial purposes and is intended to drive profit from operations or rental income. Commercial construction can include cafes, retail stores, warehouses, factories, office buildings, multi-family and single-family residential units, restaurants, etc. A commercial building inspection seeks to discover any issues with the property. They tend to occur at the start and end of a tenancy or during the buying or selling of the property.
2. Pre-Purchase Building Inspection
A qualified inspector will assess the property’s condition. This pre-purchase building inspection covers a range of areas, from roofs to walls. It identifies faults and informs the potential buyer as to whether they can be repaired and, if so, what the cost for those repairs would be. Certain areas of construction procurement aren’t covered by the pre-purchase building inspection, such as concealed plumbing, air-conditioning, gas fittings and fixtures, etc.
3. Structural Building Inspection
A structural engineer executes the visual inspection to confirm the structural integrity of the building’s weight-bearing elements, such as its framing, foundation, beams, columns, posts or trusses. A structural building inspection is done when a building or property owner is questioning how sound their structure is or when an element of the building requires examination.
Building Safety Inspection
A building safety inspection is an on-site walk-through that identifies hazards to occupants and personnel. It then offers remedial action to resolve these issues. There’s also a review of safety equipment on site, such as emergency eyewash, shower, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, etc., to ensure it’s in proper working order.
Related: 17 Free Excel Construction Templates
What Is the Average Cost of a Building Inspection?
The price of a building inspection can vary depending on the location of the municipality in which the property is located. It can also vary depending on the type of building being inspected, such as a condominium, single-family home, duplex, three-story triplex or larger property. The price range for a building inspection can go from a few hundred dollars on the low end to closer to $1,000 for a larger property.
What Is a Building Inspector?
A building inspector is an expert in the construction industry with experience and technical knowledge of one or more specific building disciplines. They can review and determine the condition of a building or parts therein to ensure that the property is safe and the work is code-compliant.
What Does a Building Inspector Do?
A building inspector does many things depending on what they’re tasked with reviewing. They make field inspections of industrial, commercial and residential buildings during various stages of construction and remodeling to ensure proper and safe installation of routine and complex building systems as well as making sure they conform to codes.
How ProjectManager Helps You Plan Building Inspections
To pass a building inspection, the construction work must be completed properly. This involves planning, as we noted above. Powerful Gantt charts organize tasks and give the general manager oversight of the construction crew and subcontractors alike to ensure they’re staying on schedule, keeping to the budget and meeting quality standards. But that just sets the stage for a well-delivered project. Throughout the construction process, general managers must communicate with their crew and subcontractors, who need to be able to update on-site inspections. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that can do all that and more.
Communicate With Your Team and Share Files
Whether it’s when building inspectors are on-site or if it’s directing subcontractors to work within code regulations, communication is king. Having software that connects everyone in real time and has unlimited file storage means teams can attach photos to tasks and comment at the task level. This helps ensure that the work is completed properly. Stay in real-time communications with the construction crew whether in the office, on the job site or anywhere in between.
Use the Mobile App for On-Site Inspections
Team members working on the job site can use the ProjectManager mobile app to log hours, take photos and more. They’re always able to get into the software, update their status and ask questions to ensure that their work is done right the first time. This helps when working with a building inspector or making a punch list to confirm that the project can be completed, handed off to the project owner and the general contractor gets paid.
Related Construction Content
Building inspection is one small part of the construction project management process. If you’re interested in delving deeper into this subject, there are many more pieces of related content available to read. Here’s a sampling of some construction content.
Construction Site Management: A Guide to Site Inspection and Site Planning
Post-Construction Phase: How to Close a Construction Project
26 Construction Documents (Templates Included)
ProjectManager is online construction project management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out on the job site or anywhere in the world. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.
建筑项目必须遵守许多规范和条例。虽然有些法规是联邦法规,但许多法规会根据项目所在的城市而变化。一个建筑项目在完成之前,必须通过建筑检查。
建筑检查各不相同,但它们是商业、住宅和工业项目建设过程的一部分。什么是建筑检查,什么时候进行,包括什么内容?我们会解释你需要知道的一切。
什么是验楼?
建筑检查是由建筑检查员对建筑项目所做工作的审查,建筑检查员受雇于项目所在的城市、乡镇或县。建筑检查员将审查工作现场,以确保其符合安全法规和建筑规范。这是对建筑结构完整性、安全性以及是否符合当地建筑法规的全面评估。
建筑检查员通常在一个或多个专业建筑学科中获得认证,具有判断建筑是否符合规范要求所需的技能和知识。住宅和商业建筑检查员以及专注于管道、电气或机械项目方面的检查员有不同的认证。
通过建筑检查对成功交付项目至关重要。总承包商必须向其船员和分包商传达工作各个方面的规范要求,以确保工作通过检查。这一定都是计划好的。不这样做的风险是不得不使工作符合规范,有时会夷平结构并重建它们,这将延迟进度并增加成本,从而对项目的利润率产生负面影响。
项目管理软件可以帮助计划和组织任务,以确保项目符合所有项目和法规要求。ProjectManager是一款屡获殊荣的建筑项目管理软件,具有强大的甘特图,可为团队分配任务并创建时间表。没有东西会从缝隙中掉出来。所有四个任务依赖项都可以链接起来,以避免代价高昂的延迟。筛选关键路径,以确定基本任务,确保符合规范。然后设定一个基线来实时跟踪进度,以帮助按计划进行。立即免费开始使用ProjectManager。
你应该什么时候进行建筑检查?
在建筑项目的生命周期中,建筑检查通常要进行几次。第一次是在项目开始之前。在购买将要建造项目的房产之前,会进行建筑检查。这样做是为了识别建筑工地上可能影响物业价值的潜在问题或危险。
在这种初步检查之后,如果房产被购买并开始施工,其他检查将在整个项目中进行。这确保了工作符合规范和其他当地法规。例如,一旦安装了管道或电气系统,就要检查它们的安全性、合规性等。
在覆盖或隐藏任何工程之前,还需要进行建筑检查。最后一次检查发生在分级后的施工后阶段,建筑完工并准备入住。这将导致许可证达到其最终状态,并将发放天然气和电力的公用事业许可证。在建筑完工并投入使用后,建筑检查仍将每隔几年进行一次,以确保物业的寿命。
什么是验楼报告?
有不同类型的建筑报告,但都用于详细说明建筑检查,并确保尽职调查已经完成。建筑检查报告通常作为施工合同的一个条件,如上所述,由合格的建筑检查员、测量员或建筑商完成。
建筑检查报告由物业和建筑的照片、物业地址和申请人姓名组成。它还列出了检查员的姓名、联系方式和资格,包括其建筑商的注册号。
建筑检查报告的大部分是对任何需要解决或修复的重大发现的总结。还将详细描述该物业的状况,评估该物业的结构稳健性。如有必要,将识别关键维护问题、违反规范等。
建筑检查包括什么?
建筑检查检查财产和结构的状况,以确定它是否完好并符合法律要求。建筑检查员将检查建筑的稳定性和是否符合安全规定。这包括以下内容。
屋顶
结构完整性
外部检查
内部检查
地面
机械和电气
管道
供暖、通风和制冷
楼宇检查清单
正如人们所料,建筑检查是彻底的。没有可以偷工减料的地方。因此,建筑检查员不应该知道所有的事情。他们是该领域的专家,通常使用建筑检查清单,如美国总务管理局的清单或佛罗里达州坦帕市的商业最终预期要求清单,以确保他们不会遗漏任何东西。
建筑物检查的类型
有许多不同类型的建筑检查。几乎建筑的每个阶段和特征都有特定的要求。从砖石预灌浆、墙壁排水管道和屋顶系统的检查到所有框架和粗糙、绝缘和最终检查,建筑检查的清单很长,而且多种多样。这里有一些在建筑工地上发现的更大、更全面的建筑检查,而不是深入细节。
1.商业楼宇检查
评估用于商业目的的建筑和/或物业,旨在从运营或租金收入中获取利润。商业建筑可以包括咖啡馆、零售店、仓库、工厂、办公楼、多户和单户住宅单元、餐厅等。商业建筑检查旨在发现物业的任何问题。它们往往发生在租赁的开始和结束时,或者发生在房产的买卖过程中。
2.购房前楼宇检查
一名合格的检查员将评估财产的状况。这种购买前的建筑检查涵盖了从屋顶到墙壁的一系列领域。它识别故障,并告知潜在买家故障是否可以修复,如果可以,修复费用是多少。建筑采购的某些领域不在购买前建筑检查的范围内,如隐藏管道、空调、燃气配件和固定装置等。
3.建筑物结构检查
结构工程师进行目视检查,以确认建筑物承重元件的结构完整性,如框架、基础、梁、柱、柱或桁架。当建筑物或财产所有者质疑其结构的完好程度时,或者当建筑物的某个部分需要检查时,就进行建筑物结构检查。
楼宇安全检查
建筑安全检查是一种现场检查,旨在识别对居住者和人员的危险。然后,它提供补救措施来解决这些问题。还对现场的安全设备进行了审查,如紧急洗眼器、淋浴、灭火器、急救箱等。,以确保其处于正常工作状态。
相关:17个免费Excel构造模板
建筑检查的平均费用是多少?
建筑检查的价格会根据房产所在城市的位置而有所不同。它还可以根据被检查的建筑类型而变化,如公寓、独栋住宅、复式、三层三层或更大的物业。建筑检查的价格范围可以从低端的几百美元到更大的房产的接近1000美元。
什么是建筑检查员?
建筑检查员是建筑行业的专家,拥有一个或多个特定建筑学科的经验和技术知识。他们可以审查和确定建筑物或其中部分的状况,以确保财产安全和工作符合规范。
建筑检查员是做什么的?
建筑检查员根据他们的审查任务做很多事情。他们在建筑和改造的各个阶段对工业、商业和住宅建筑进行实地检查,以确保常规和复杂建筑系统的正确和安全安装,并确保它们符合规范。
ProjectManager如何帮助您规划建筑物检查
要通过楼宇检查,建筑工程必须妥善完成。正如我们上面提到的,这涉及到计划。强大的甘特图组织任务,并让总经理监督施工人员和分包商,以确保他们按计划进行,保持预算并达到质量标准。但这只是为一个交付良好的项目创造了条件。在整个施工过程中,总经理必须与他们的工作人员和分包商沟通,他们需要能够更新现场检查。ProjectManager是一款屡获殊荣的建筑项目管理软件,可以做到所有这些,甚至更多。
与您的团队交流并共享文件
无论是建筑检查员在现场,还是指导分包商在法规范围内工作,沟通才是王道。拥有实时连接每个人的软件和无限的文件存储意味着团队可以将照片附加到任务中,并在任务级别进行评论。这有助于确保正确完成工作。无论是在办公室、工作现场还是两者之间的任何地方,都与施工人员保持实时沟通。
使用移动应用程序进行现场检查
在工作现场工作的团队成员可以使用ProjectManager移动应用程序记录工作时间、拍照等。他们总是能够进入软件,更新他们的状态并提出问题,以确保他们的工作第一次就做对了。这有助于与建筑检查员合作或制作竣工查核事项表,以确认项目可以完成,移交给项目业主,总承包商获得报酬。
相关施工内容
建筑检查是建筑项目管理过程中的一小部分。如果你有兴趣深入研究这个主题,还有更多相关内容可供阅读。下面是一些施工内容的示例。
施工现场管理:现场检查和现场规划指南
施工后阶段:如何结束施工项目
26份施工文件(包括模板)
ProjectManager是一款在线建筑项目管理软件,无论团队是在办公室、工作现场还是在世界任何地方,它都可以将团队联系起来。他们可以共享文件,在任务级别发表评论,并通过电子邮件和应用内通知保持更新。立即免费开始使用ProjectManager。
以上中文文本为机器翻译,存在不同程度偏差和错误,请理解并参考英文原文阅读。
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