Buildings are constantly exposed to conditions that can accelerate wear and tear in the demanding Florida climate. As these structures age, routine inspections become critical to ensure their safety and integrity. 

But what type of certification does a building need at 30 years? At the 30-year mark, a building must undergo specific certifications, depending on where it is located. These requirements can include inspections for structural, electrical, fire safety, thermography, and parking lot illumination.

The process to secure a Milestone Inspection, SIRS, or a 30-year building certification involves a thorough initial assessment and completing the necessary steps to finalize certification. 

You can navigate this process confidently with Florida Engineering as your partner. We bring more than 100 combined years of experience to the table and complete up to 900 projects per week!

Contact us about the 30-year recertification today and see what a difference having us on your side can make!

What Type of Inspection or Certification Does a Building Need at 30 Years?

While there are a number of inspections you can call for at this stage, there are three in particular that are the most common. We’ll break them down below to offer you 100% clarity on your next steps.

Milestone Inspection

Florida’s Milestone Inspections are a set of mandatory structural evaluations aimed at enhancing the safety of aging Florida buildings, particularly condominiums and cooperative buildings that are three stories or taller. This initiative was spurred by the tragic collapse of a condominium in Surfside, Florida, in June 2021, which led to the enactment of Florida Statute 553.899 and Senate Bill 4-D. The inspections are conducted by licensed engineers to assess the structural integrity of buildings, focusing on critical components such as load-bearing walls and primary structural systems to ensure they are safe for continued use.

Structural Integrity Reserve Study

Getting a structural integrity reserve study in Florida is pivotal for assessing a building’s framework and foundation. This reserve study assesses the necessary reserve funds for future significant repairs and replacements of communal areas, based on a visual evaluation. This study aims to:

• Catalogue the communal areas under inspection.
• Determine the estimated remaining lifespan of these areas.
• Calculate the future costs for replacing or maintaining the inspected communal areas.
• Suggest an annual contribution to the reserve fund that would cover the anticipated expenses for each area by the end of its useful life.

Building Recertification

Building Recertification’s are most often required for buildings along the southeast coast of Florida: Miami-Dade county, Broward, Marathon, and many more. These inspections are a crucial part of ensuring the structural and electrical safety of aging buildings. The inspections are typically required every ten years for buildings that are 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 years old. In most cases, property owners receive a Notice of Required Recertification to start the process.

30 Year Building Recertification’s typically require:

• Structural Inspections
• Electrical Inspections
• Thermography Report for services with more than 400amp(in some counties)
• Certification of Compliance with Parking Lot Guardrails and Parking Lot Illumination

General Process Overview of Obtaining a 30-Year Milestone Inspection or Building Recertification

The specific details will vary based on the inspection and location in question, but they are similar and more or less follow the same roadmap:

Getting a quote from Florida Engineering

Florida Engineering is a licensed Firm that provides Milestone Inspections, Structural Integrity Reserve Studies, and Building Recertifications. To obtain a free quote, we need the following information from the building owner or representative:

• Association Name / Property Type
• Residential / Commercial
• Address of the Association
• Number of Buildings
• Number of Stories
• Total Number of Units
• If a commercial building, total square footage

Initial Assessment and Inspection

Once the building inspection is scheduled, it begins with an initial assessment, which is a comprehensive evaluation of the property by Florida Engineering.  Our Engineers will visually inspect the required areas of the structure, from the load bearing walls to the roof area. 

This meticulous process ensures that every potential concern is identified, documented, and addressed as necessary. From there, findings are compiled in a comprehensive report and passed over to the building owner or representative.

Finalizing Reports

The final step in the certification process is compiling and submitting all necessary documentation to the relevant authorities. This includes detailed reports of the milestone inspection, along with any forms required by local building departments. 

Once the paperwork is finalized and submitted, this signifies that the building is safe, secure, and ready to face the future with confidence. With a Milestone Inspection or Building Recertification in hand, property owners can rest easy knowing their building is recognized as a well-maintained, compliant, and resilient structure.

So, if you’re ready to take the next step to getting your building certified then reach out to Florida Engineering today!

Closing Thoughts on the Type of Certification a Building Needs at 30 Years

As time passes, milestone inspections and recertification’s are necessary to ensure the safety of aging buildings. But what type of certification does a building need at 30 years specifically? It can range from a Milestone Inspection, SIRS, or Building Safety Inspection.

Each assessment serves a critical role in maintaining the building’s integrity. Addressing any deficiencies promptly can lead to significant cost savings and enhance the building’s longevity.

We have other resources to help you keep your property safe and compliant, such as insights into the new Florida condo laws, guidelines for how often are buildings inspected in Florida, estimates for the milestone inspection Florida cost, a guide to what a reserve study is, and more tips on navigating the traditional reserve study in Florida.

At Florida Engineering, we’re dedicated to guiding you through every step with precision and expertise. Don’t let the certification process overwhelm you – reach out to us today, and let’s ensure your property stands the test of time.