Turning 40 is a significant milestone for both individuals and buildings in Florida. It marks the need for a crucial recertification process for many structures in our region. If you own commercial property here, obtaining a 40 Year Inspection/Recertification is mandatory to guarantee the safety, functionality, and structural integrity of your building.
In Florida, various county codes mandate a 40-Year Inspection for most commercial buildings. Property owners are notified of the required inspection as their structure’s anniversary date approaches, based on the original Certificate of Occupancy issuance.
While duplexes and single-family homes are typically exempt, certain criteria apply for other buildings, such as occupant load and square footage thresholds in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.
Upon receiving the inspection notice, property owners have 90 days to schedule the examination. The results determine if recertification for a 10-year period is possible. If immediate recertification is not feasible, repairs and improvements are necessary within a 60-day period to achieve compliance.
During a 40-Year Building Recertification Inspection, all major components of the structure undergo thorough examination. This includes electrical and foundational systems, roofing, steel frames, masonry bearing walls, concrete framing systems, wood framing, flooring, emergency lighting, and conduit raceways.
Inspectors meticulously assess these structural elements to ensure their integrity. Any indications of compromised structural integrity are documented in the inspection report. Additionally, the electrical room is inspected, covering panels, gutters, feeders, breakers, and other components. In cases where the electrical system operates at over 400 amps, a thermal inspection may be necessary.
Only licensed professionals under the supervision of a registered architect or engineer are authorized to perform 40 Year Inspections in Florida. Hiring a qualified professional is essential to ensure compliance and accurate assessments.
Commercial buildings in Miami-Dade County larger than 2,000 square feet, excluding single-family homes and duplexes, must undergo recertification. Exceptions include structures with occupant loads of 10 or fewer and those under 2,000 square feet.
In Broward County, commercial buildings exceeding 3,500 square feet require inspection and recertification after 40 years. Single-family homes, duplexes, Broward County school board-owned schools, structures on Indian Reservations, state-owned buildings, and federal government buildings are exempt.
Is your building nearing its 40th anniversary? If so, you may have received a notice mandating an inspection and recertification.
Clear2Close Inspections is your go-to destination for comprehensive assistance with the 40-year building inspection and recertification process. With a seasoned team of professional inspectors, we bring extensive experience and expertise to every project. Rest assured, our detailed and impartial reports will guide you through the recertification process, highlighting necessary repairs and upgrades.
We urge clients to act promptly upon receiving the Notice of Required Inspection, ensuring ample time for a thorough examination and any subsequent repairs.
When you partner with Clear2close Inspections, you benefit from the assurance of working with seasoned professionals adept in commercial building inspections.
Don’t risk penalties for delayed inspections. Contact Clear2Close Inspections today, and let our proficient inspectors support you through the recertification process.