40-Year Inspection

If you own any South Florida real estate, particularly in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties, there’s something critical you need to know about commercial properties: the 40-year recertification requirement. This inspection process is a cornerstone of building safety, designed to ensure that older structures remain safe and sound for occupants.

What is the 40-Year Recertification?

In Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, all buildings which are 40 years old from the date of the original Certificate of Occupancy must be recertified by a Building Official every 10 years to ensure they are safe. Following the Surfside condo collapse in June 2021, which tragically highlighted the importance of structural integrity, changes were made to the inspection process and recertification requirements for 2022 and beyond.

Effective from May 26, 2022, the state of Florida expanded the 40-year recertification requirement to include all counties, not just Miami-Dade and Broward. The new state law created requirements for milestone inspections of condominium and cooperative association buildings that are three stories and taller. Key aspects of the new requirements include:

• Buildings Built Before 1982: Continue to follow the established schedule of recertification every 10 years.
• Coastal Buildings (1983-1997): Located within three miles of the coastline, must have a recertification inspection by December 31, 2024, and every 10 years thereafter.
• All Other Buildings (1983-1992): Must have a recertification inspection by December 31, 2024, and every 10 years thereafter.
• Newer Coastal Buildings (1998 Onwards): Must have a recertification inspection at 25 years and every 10 years thereafter.
• Newer Inland Buildings (1993 Onwards): Must have a recertification inspection at 30 years and every 10 years thereafter.

A 40-year recertification inspection is extensive, covering both structural and electrical systems to ensure the building’s safety for continued use and occupancy. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial Notification: The building owner receives a Notice of Required Inspection from the local authority, typically when the building approaches the 40-year mark.
2. Hiring a Professional Engineer: The building owner must hire a certified structural engineer or registered architect and a licensed electrical contractor to conduct the inspections.
3. Conducting Inspections: The engineer inspects the structural elements (foundation, roofing, load-bearing walls) and the electrical systems (service, branch circuits). For buildings with electrical systems greater than 400 amps, an infrared thermography inspection by a certified Level II Thermographer is required.
4. Submitting Reports: The engineer submits detailed reports to the local authority, indicating whether the building is safe or if repairs are needed.
5. Performing Repairs: If the inspection reveals deficiencies, the building owner must hire a contractor to perform the necessary repairs.
6. Final Recertification: After repairs, the engineer re-inspects the building and submits a final report certifying its safety.

Navigating the 40-year recertification process can be complex and time-consuming. This is where Perillo Construction Inc. comes in. While Perillo Construction is not directly performing the inspections, they play a crucial role in coordinating and facilitating the entire process.

Perillo Construction works with professional structural engineers to evaluate your building. They manage the scheduling and coordination, ensuring that inspections and repairs happen smoothly and efficiently. With extensive experience in commercial construction and renovation, Perillo Construction provides high-quality repair services, addressing any deficiencies found during the inspection.

By choosing Perillo Construction, you benefit from a streamlined process where inspections and repairs are coordinated effectively. This means you don’t have to separately find an engineer and a contractor – Perillo Construction handles it all. Ensuring that repairs are completed promptly and recertification is achieved without unnecessary delays, Perillo Construction helps you stay compliant with local regulations and avoid potential fines.

1. Contact Perillo Construction: Reach out to Perillo Construction Inc. to discuss your building’s recertification needs.
2. Schedule an Inspection: Perillo Construction will coordinate with a professional engineer to conduct the necessary inspections.
3. Plan and Execute Repairs: If repairs are needed, Perillo Construction will provide a detailed plan and timeline for completing them.
4. Final Recertification: Once repairs are completed, Perillo Construction will coordinate the final inspection and submission of certification reports.

The 40-year recertification process is vital for ensuring the safety and longevity of buildings in South Florida. With the recent changes in legislation, it’s more important than ever to stay on top of these requirements. Perillo Construction Inc. offers a comprehensive solution, coordinating with professional engineers and providing expert repair services to ensure your building meets all safety standards. Contact Perillo Construction today to get started and ensure your property remains safe and compliant for years to come.