Milestone Inspection Near North Miami Beach, FL
Florida condo milestone structural inspection laws are some of the strongest safety regulations in the state. They require structural inspections to be performed by a licensed professional every ten years after a building reaches 30 years of age (or 25 years if located within three miles of the coast).
A Structural Integrity Reserve Study must also be conducted. Getting these done timely is the key to the success of the Florida milestone inspection law. Contact us Markone Contractors.
Why do I need a Milestone Inspection?
A milestone inspection is one of the newest laws in Florida that aim to strengthen condominium safety standards following the Surfside condo collapse. This law, along with the Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) rule, was passed by Florida legislature in May 2024, and is intended to ensure the structural integrity of all condominium buildings.
This law requires condominiums and cooperatives to conduct a milestone inspection of their building at the time of its 30th anniversary, or every 10 years thereafter. Condominium associations must also perform a Structural Integrity Reserve Study for their building in conjunction with the milestone inspection.
A milestone inspection must be performed by a certified professional engineer and is divided into two phases. Phase one is a visual inspection of the entire building, including all habitable and uninhabitable areas. This phase will allow the engineer to assess if there is evidence of substantial structural deterioration. If there is substantial deterioration found, a follow-up inspection must be done during phase two.
When a milestone inspection is complete, the inspector will prepare a report and deliver it to the condominium association. The report will include detailed suggestions for structural repairs. The building owner or condominium/cooperative association must then distribute a copy of the report to all building occupants and post a copy in a conspicuous place. Failure to carry out recommended structural repairs can result in penalties from local building officials.
What is a Milestone Inspection?
After the tragic condo building collapse in Florida, state legislators passed a bill requiring all condominium associations to have milestone structural inspections. The inspections, also known as 40 year recertifications, are designed to minimize structural building failures and help prevent the loss of lives.
The inspections are divided into two phases. In phase one, a licensed inspector visually examines habitable and non-habitable areas of the condominium building to identify any signs of substantial structural deterioration. If no such deterioration is found, the inspector will not conduct phase two of the inspection. In phase two, the inspector will conduct a more thorough examination of the building’s structure, using destructive and non-destructive testing.
If substantial structural deterioration is identified during the inspection, the inspector will recommend a program for assessing and repairing the distressed portions of the building. A detailed report of the findings will then be prepared and submitted to the association. The report must clearly state whether or not any unsafe or dangerous conditions have been observed, as well as a listing of any areas that require further investigation and testing.
The law requires that the inspections be completed in a timely fashion, or else condo associations will not be permitted to use reserves intended for structural maintenance and repairs. The initial milestone inspection must be completed before the building turns 30 years old, and subsequent inspections must be conducted every 10 years thereafter.
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How is a Milestone Inspection performed?
As a result of last year’s reforms, Florida law now requires that condominium and residential cooperative (co-op) associations with buildings three stories or taller undergo structural inspections called milestone inspections once they reach 30 years of age and every 10 years after. The inspections must be performed by a licensed engineer or architect and can include both phase one and phase two inspections.
Phase One consists of a qualitative visual examination of the building’s major structural components. During this phase, the inspector is looking for substantial structural deterioration such as significant section loss in a column or extensive cracking of critical support beams. If no evidence of such deterioration is found, the building passes and moves on to phase two.
In the event that a Florida-licensed engineer or architect deems a phase two inspection necessary, a more comprehensive examination is conducted. This inspection may include a wide range of techniques including materials testing, probing or removal of finishes, as well as non-destructive testing approaches such as ground penetrating radar. During the phase two inspection, the inspector is also looking for unsafe or dangerous conditions that require immediate attention such as unreinforced balconies. The inspection report must document any observed unsafe or dangerous conditions and clearly indicate a determination of whether the maintenance, repair, or replacement of any structural component is needed.
What is a Milestone Report?
A milestone inspection report is a document created by an architect or engineer that describes the general condition of a building’s structural components. It should include a summary of the inspection’s findings and recommendations for corrective actions. This report should be provided to the condominium/cooperative association, local building safety official and potential buyers of units in the building. It must also be maintained for 15 years by the association. Failure to comply with these requirements can be considered a breach of an officer’s fiduciary duty to the condominium/cooperative unit owners.
The state of Florida requires that condominium and co-op buildings three stories or more in height have a Milestone inspection performed at 30 years from the date on the initial Certificate of Occupancy. These inspections ensure that the buildings are safe for their current residents and future owners to occupy. The state also mandates that these buildings conduct critical structural assessments and execute a Structural Integrity Reserve Study.
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This state-level requirement impacts about 1.5 million condos in Florida. It is designed to prevent structural building failures and help protect the lives of the people that reside in them. The inspections and studies are required in order to keep the communities that these condos operate in safe for their residents. They help ensure that the structures are safe and will continue to be structurally sound for decades to come.
Key Areas Covered in Inspections
The devil is in the details, especially when it comes to property inspections. Milestone Inspection takes pride in its meticulous approach. Structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and more – every aspect is scrutinized to provide clients with a holistic understanding of their potential investment. This detailed examination sets the stage for informed decision-making, a cornerstone of Milestone Inspection’s philosophy. Their comprehensive checklist covers not only immediate concerns but also potential future issues, giving you a roadmap for the maintenance and improvement of your property.
Stress-Free Property Journey
The real estate market is notorious for inducing stress in buyers. Milestone Inspection understands this and strives to make the property journey stress-free. How? By instilling confidence in your investment. Their thorough inspections and transparent reporting give you a clear picture, allowing you to navigate the real estate landscape with assurance. With Milestone Inspection by your side, the uncertainties that often accompany property transactions become manageable. They not only identify issues but also provide insights into potential solutions, empowering you to make informed decisions with ease.
Stress-Free Property Journey
The devil is in the details, especially when it comes to property inspections. Milestone Inspection takes pride in its meticulous approach. Structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing, and more – every aspect is scrutinized to provide clients with a holistic understanding of their potential investment. This detailed examination sets the stage for informed decision-making, a cornerstone of Milestone Inspection’s philosophy. Their comprehensive checklist covers not only immediate concerns but also potential future issues, giving you a roadmap for the maintenance and improvement of your property.
FAQs
Milestone inspections are typically requested through the local building department or municipality. In North Miami Beach, you can contact the Building and Code Compliance Division to schedule inspections.
The specific stages for milestone inspections can vary, but they commonly occur during foundation, framing, electrical and plumbing rough-ins, and final inspection before occupancy in North Miami Beach.
Milestone inspections in North Miami Beach are usually conducted by qualified building inspectors employed by the city or by third-party inspection agencies contracted by the local government.
Contact the Building and Code Compliance Division in North Miami Beach to schedule a milestone inspection. The process may involve submitting a request, providing project details, and coordinating with the inspection team.
Milestone inspections ensure that construction projects in North Miami Beach adhere to building codes, safety regulations, and approved plans. They help identify and address issues early in the construction process.
Conclusion
Scheduling milestone inspections near North Miami Beach is a crucial step in ensuring that construction projects meet the required standards and comply with local building codes. Coordinating with the Building and Code Compliance Division or relevant authorities is essential for a smooth inspection process. These inspections play a vital role in identifying and addressing issues early, contributing to the overall success and safety of construction projects in North Miami Beach. Property owners and project managers should stay informed about local regulations to facilitate a seamless inspection experience and promote compliance throughout the construction process.