Milestone inspections are a crucial part of any construction project. They’re used to inspect the progress and quality of the work going into a project, and they help ensure that everything is up to code. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what milestone inspections are, why they’re important, and how they can be used to your advantage.
What Are Milestone Inspections?
Florida state legislature took action to implement inspection reform to mitigate the risk of structural issues with Florida condos. The new regulations require specific inspections and funding mechanisms, which mean significant changes for building owners.
Under the new legislation, a licensed engineer or architect must visually evaluate condominiums older than 30 years or 25 years if the building is within 3 miles of the shore, and every 10 years thereafter.
A secondary inspection will be required if there is evidence of significant structural damage.
The new rule also mandates that condo organizations review their reserve money every ten years to ensure that they can cover substantial repairs.
Why Are Inspections Important?
Milestone inspections are important because they uphold an essential standard of safety during construction projects. By making sure that all relevant requirements have been adhered to during each phase of a project, inspectors can help protect both workers and property owners from harm due to negligence or faulty workmanship. Furthermore, milestone inspections can also be used as evidence in court if any disputes should arise regarding a construction project later down the line.
Commonly Asked Questions…
What buildings are impacted by the new laws?
Structural inspections are now mandatory for condominium and cooperative buildings that are 3 stories or greater in height.
What do I have to do?
If your building is 30 years old you must have a milestone inspection performed, then every ten years after the initial inspection has been completed. An inspection must also be completed if your building is within 3 miles of a coastline, when the building is 25 years old , then every team years after the initial inspection.
What else do I need to know about this inspection?
The purpose of these inspections is to verify the safety and adequacy of the structural components of the building. There are two possible phases. If you pass the first, you don’t need to do the second. If you don’t pass the first, then you are required to have a second inspection performed, which is more extensive than the first.
- Phase 1 is a visual examination and qualitative assessment. Ideally, this will be all you have to complete.
- Phase 2 is a full assessment of distress to determine if the building is structurally sound and safe for its intended use. The inspector is to recommend a program for complete evaluation and repair of distressed and damaged portions of the building.
These inspections must be performed by a licensed professional, like Construction Solutions.
When is the deadline?
If your building is over 30 years old (or 25 if you’re within 3 miles of the coast), you must complete this inspection by December 31st, 2024.
We at SFPMA recommend you know about this new Florida condo law?
Don’t wait to get started on this. If you act now, you can likely avoid a Phase 2 inspection by correcting any items that might force you into a Phase 2, before the December 31st, 2024 date. Those who wait may be forced into a more expensive Phase 2 can’t make necessary repairs in time. (*If a building is less than 3 miles from the coastline, these inspections start at year 25).