A New York City Local Law 11 inspection is not a do-it-yourself project. As described by the NYC DOB, one must be a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) to perform a Local Law 11 inspection. Section 101-07 of the NYC DOB's rules of the department define a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector as A New York State licensed civil or structural engineer with 1 year relevant experience or a New York State registered architect with 1 year relevant experience. Relevant experience is also defined by the NYC DOB, which states that it is Direct participation and practice related to the underlying construction activities that are the subject of the special or other inspection where such participation has lead to accumulation of knowledge and skill required for the proper execution of the special or other inspection.
Therefore, a NYS Registered Architect or Professional Engineer (Civil or Structural), with sufficient experience in this type of work, would be qualified to perform Local Law 11 inspections. (Note for your edification: The terms 'licensed engineer', 'professional engineer' and 'P.E.' are synonymous. In order for an engineer to be able to call himself a 'professional engineer' or 'P.E.', he needs to have passed the appropriate state examination and been issued a state license.)
What should be kept in mind about a Local Law 11 inspection?
Keep in mind what the inspector will be aiming for. He will perform such an inspection on your building to determine if the facade and appurtenances are in safe condition or not. There are actually three categories he can classify your building in, which are Safe, SWARMP (Safe with a repair and maintenance program), and lastly Unsafe. A Local Law 11 inspection is like a medical check-up for the facade of your building, and if the check-up results are SWARMP or Unsafe, then repairs will be required.
With the potential for a repair program being the result of your Local Law 11 inspection, your QEWI may develop bid plans and specifications for required repairs, and also act as your liaison with facade repair companies, scaffolding and sidewalk shed companies, window companies, material suppliers, and etc. The cost for all of this could literally run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars range, so it would behoove you to interview any QEWI that you're considering hiring, and for you to be somewhat informed about the Local Law 11 inspection process and related costs.
In closing:
We've just covered the basics of the required qualifications for a Local Law 11 Inspector. All the best in finding the right Inspector for your job!!
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