An Evolution of Special Inspection in Masonry Construction

Today, buildings need to be built with the potential for higher magnitude forces in mind, whether it be an earthquake or some other nature force. Therefore, even though an earthquake is not necessarily more likely, masonry must be designed more "robustly."

Quality assurance programs have thus too become more important due to this increased focus on reinforced masonry. Since inspection is one of the key components of QA, special inspection in masonry construction has become a critical activity. Special inspectors are instructed to assure masonry walls are built both properly and to code. 

The primary goal of masonry construction special inspection is to catch any mistakes while they are still fairly easy to correct. Public safety is also inevitably in the hands of the various procedures these special inspectors perform. 

Want to know more? Visit www.cement.org »

AM & Associates is a team of NYC special inspectors providing masonry and various other special inspection services to the entire metropolitan area. Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information. 

What is an IAS Accreditation?

An IAS Accreditation by the International Accreditation Services proves that a company operates at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Therefore, you as a customer can fully trust in the IAS accredited business you hire to perform work properly and to code. 

Before an IAS accreditation is given, a company must prove its ability to perform quality special inspections under the observation of IAS' technical experts. There are also stringent quality management requirements that the Special Inspection Agency must live up to. 

Interested in learning more about what it takes to be an IAS Accredited Special Inspection Firm? Check out the online Building Safety Journal »

Alan Margolin & Associates are IAS accredited experts in NYC construction and applicable building codes. With over 30 years of experience providing engineering services to the New York area, we have focused our craft entirely on Special Inspection engineering, making ourselves a leader in our field. Visit our website for more information. 

NYC DOB Special Inspections Q&A

Alan Margolin & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including architectural, mechanical, fire protection, structural, and civil inspections. Do you have questions regarding special inspections? These questions explain the basics of the NYC DOB’s Special Inspections program.

When did Special Inspections replace Controlled Inspections?

With the 2008 NYC Building Code, Special Inspections took the place of Controlled Inspections for all construction jobs whose applications were submitted on or after July 1, 2008.

Are Progress Inspections the same as Special Inspections?

Progress Inspections, while similar to Special Inspections, are different.  They are performed during the overall progress of work, while Special Inspections are more specialized and occur at specific points during construction.  Both Progress and Special Inspections confirm compliance with the NYCBC and construction documents, along with any relevant reference standards.

What is required from the Owner during the pre-design phase?

The owner is ultimately responsible for hiring the Special Inspection Agency, so the owner should be aware of the necessity to provide special inspections and reserve the funds to cover all inspection requirements.

What is required from the Design Applicant of Record (Architect or Engineer) during the pre-design phase?

The design applicant is responsible for determining the required list of inspection items that will be included on the TR1 submitted to the NYC DOB.

AM & Associates is your source for special inspection and related services in New York and the entire metropolitan area. With over 50 years of experience, we are known for both our high standards and specialized services. We have supported the work of some of the largest and most prestigious developers, retailers and more.

Call us today at 212.867.6720 or visit our website for more information.

Request to Revive Old Coney Island Boardwalk

Plans are underway to convert a portion of the iconic wooden Coney Island Boardwalk to a less-expensive, sturdier concrete path. As with many prospective NYC construction changes, there is some resistance to the plan. 

Source: Own Work by Alcmaeonid

According to ny.curbed.com, "Critics of the measure, of which there are many, argue that the wooden portions of the 2.5-mile stretch actually held up much better during Hurricane Sandy than its concrete sections." While the Landmarks Preservation Commission is reviewing the request it could take up to a year to complete. 

What are you thoughts about this preservation battle? Let us know on our Facebook or Google+ page. 

Alan Margolin & Associates is made up of engineering and special inspection experts, offering services from concrete inspection to structural safety and stability inspections. Visit our website for a complete list of services we provide. 

#TrendWatch | NYC Housing Market 2015

What's to come for Manhattan real estate in the new year? Experts have spoken! A few trends we can expect in the months to come include the following:

Price growth will slow in Manhattan and continue to accelerate in other boroughs. There's no doubt that million dollar condos have been popping up left and right. There will be, however, about a 50% decrease in the growth rate. Brooklyn and Queens, on the other hand, will continue to experience an influx in demand - pushing prices. 

Amenities are being put to work. In ground pools and fitness areas are included in rent but rarely get used. To switch things up, events and programs will be used to ensure these spaces are taken advantage of. It's a good way to keep residents for a longer period of time and support good value. 

Making room for roommates. Developers are not blind to the fact that young professionals are gravitating towards the city but without the funds to afford a one-bedroom apartment. To address this need, "micro-suite" models are being created to accommodate three tenants in smaller bedrooms. 

There's a great deal more where these trends came from. For more of what you can expect to see in 2015, visit DNAinfo »

AM & Associates has been providing special inspection engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. For updates on construction codes and NYC happenings, connect with us on social media! 

Facebook - Twitter - Google+ - YouTube 

NYC Housing Market Brings Demographic Changes

The NYC housing market is ever-changing and the demographic changes by neighborhood are certainly no different. Between 2000 and 2010 there has been a lot of movement within the boroughs - as certain demographics (categorized by race, age and income) have shrunk in some areas and grown in others.

According to the Citizens Housing & Panel Council, 5 major trends can be highlighted:

1. In 2010, the largest population cluster (1 million residents) includes low-income families and singles, majority-Hispanic. 
2. The black middle class declined by 18%, with an overall 5% decline of the city's overall black population.
3. Majority-white upper-middle class areas have become whiter. 
4. Traditionally diverse areas are becoming increasingly occupied by high-income white, mostly single, households. 
5. Asian populations have expanded into areas preciously dominated by white populations. 

Learn more about these housing market changes here »

IAS accredited and experts in NYC construction and applicable building codes, AM & Associates is comprised of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians and more. Our clients own and manage over 100 million square feet of space in NYC, including high rise office buildings and other major complexes. 

Tips for Avoiding Illegally Converted Apartments

Choosing safe and legal living conditions in New York can be tough if you don't know the kind of requirements to look for. To ensure both the safety of yourself and your family, use these tips below for eyeing an illegally converted apartment:

• Educate yourself on market prices. Rent that seems too low for the area in which the building resides could be illegal. 
• Look for certain keywords in postings. "Basement," "attic" and "flex" are all red-flags for conditions that would not provide adequate exit options. "Utilities included" may also be a sign that the landlord does not want another name connected to the property for maximum occupancy reasons. 
• If the address is not disclosed on the listing or mail can not be delivered directly, the landlord is likely afraid to expose the exact location due to illegal features involved. 
• Never rent a room with very small windows or locked doors. Residents should have access to efficient light, escape options, and all available exits. 

As always, New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 if they become aware of unsafe construction conditions. 

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Trinity Church Set to Expand

More residential buildings are on the rise and this time it is happening on the Trinity Church's 2 million dollar property. 

Along with a 444 seat public school and a 1 million-square-foot development at 4 Hudson Square, Trinity Real Estate (church's property arm) is now looking for a partner to undergo this 430-foot-tall, 300,000-square-foot residential building in Hudson Square. 

For more on these new developments in planning, click here. 

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Landmark Colony - Bringing Life Back to the Farm

Remember the 45-acres of abandon farm land on Staten Island? It is finally being brought back to life! Once known as the New York City Farm Colony, this land is being transformed into 350 units of senior housing by NFC Associates, backed by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. 

Vacant for more than 40 years, this land will soon be referred to as Landmark Colony. Changes to the old buildings are being made with an effort to avoid generic designs and contain a bucolic feel in the mist of a city. 

For more details on the redevelopment, click here. 

Alan Margolin & Associates has been proving engineering services to the New York area for over 30 years. Focusing our craft on special inspection, we are experts in the New York City Department of Buildings' requirements and ensure all construction is built properly and to code. 

Our IAS accreditation is proof that we operate at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. Visit our website for more information on our credentials and a complete list of services we provide. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Advantages of Precast Concrete

At Alan Margolin & Associates, we offer a number of NYC special inspection services, including Cast-in-Place, Precast & Pre-stressed concrete inspections. Today, we're giving you the low-down on the advantages that come with using Precast.

The mix, placement and curing can be tightly controlled since it is manufactured in a controlled casting environment - leading to extremely durable concrete. 

Casting is not contingent upon weather. Regardless of the weather, you will receive the same results with precast every time. 

Installation of precast can happen on site immediately. Accelerated curing eliminates the need to wait for strength gain, allowing it to be put in to service quickly. 

Precast materials can be used for a number of products and be bought in bulk, which helps you save on cost. 

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients. Whether it is a concrete inspection or one of the many other services we offer, our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate your schedule and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Long in the Works Moynihan Station in First Phase of Construction

An expansion on Penn Station? Our beloved Grand Central may have some competition! This long-awaited Moynihan Station is beginning to make progress. 

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Juan Miguel Lago

The first phase of the expansion, a $300 million dollar project, will include the following:

• An expansion of the existing concourses below the post office
• An underground passageway connected to Penn Station
• An emergency ventilation system
• Two new entrances at the corners of 8th avenue and 31st and 33rd streets

And that's not all! According to curbed, phase two "will turn the grand building into an open, light-filled train hall the size of Grand Central's grand hall."

For more on Moynihan Station's progress, click here. 

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here. 

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project. 

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Expanding Our Service Offerings to Support Your Needs

At Alan Margolin & Associates, we are constantly expanding our service offerings to supports clients' needs and to provide comprehensive support for the entire life-cycle of their buildings. With over 30 years of experience in providing engineering services to the New York metropolitan area, AM & Associates is comprised of professional engineers, architects, certified inspection technicians, and top-tier administrators.

While we have focused our craft on special inspections, we offer a variety of other services including progress inspections, energy code inspections and more!

Looking for more information on what it is we do? Our YouTube Video explains it all:



Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Peer Into 2033 for New York City

Half of the Big Apple's charm boils down to history and tradition. With world landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, there is no denying New York has some sites to see! However, changes are happening everywhere around the world each day and that doesn't stop here. 

New plans for seventeen famous attractions will revamp Manhattan. They include the following:

The New Penn Station

Thew New World Trade Center

Hudson Yards

5 Pointz Luxury Apartments 

+ Pool

MoMA Tower

The Queensway

South Bronx Initiative Plan

Thew New Whitney Museum

Cornell NYC Tech

The New Westchester Avenue Station

Essex Crossing

The New Loew's Kings Theater

East River Blueway

New York Wheel

The LowLine

Williamsburg's Bedford Avenue

For "Before and After" photos, as well as details on each, click here!

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here.

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Why Our IAS Accreditation Matters

AM & Associates is accredited by one of the world leaders in accreditation, the International Accreditation Service, or the IAS. This is a distinction held by few firms in the country and recognizes that our organization operates at the highest level of ethical, legal and technical standards. The IAS has been accrediting firms based on rigorous criteria since 1975. In fact, we were one of the first agencies in the NYC metro area permitted to perform Special Inspections. 

What does this mean? You can count on us to ensure that construction work is completed in accordance to applicable building codes. Our clients needs are met in a professional and timely fashion and the safety of their workers and future inhabitants is ensured. 

Want the details on IAS criteria for special inspection agencies? Click here. 

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here.

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

A Major Flaw in Construction Left NYC Skyscraper at Risk of Collapse

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Flashback to the year 1977 and you'll find a scramble to keep Citicorp Center skyscraper on Lexington Ave upright! The building was at risk of collapsing due to wind as a result of a major flaw in construction. When originally designed by William LeMessurier, the 9 story stilts that this 59 story building stands on, was a result of the architect's need to build around the St. Peter's Lutheran Church on the corner of that street.

Interested in what made LeMessuriers clever design fix vulnerable to wind? Click here! It was an undergraduate architectural student who actually saved the day.

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here.

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Why Choose Alan Margolin & Associates

Alan Margolin & Associates has been the leading provider of engineering services to NYC and the surrounding boroughs for over fifty years. We take a professional approach to each project and have been privileged to work on some of the city's most iconic structures such as the Chrysler Building, Time Warner Center, the Empire State Building, and 30 Rockefeller Center- to name a few.

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here.

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Are you interested in learning more about our services? Please see the following video:





Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google

AM & Associates Special Inspections

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please see the following:

Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings

Structural Steel- Welding, Erection and Bolding

Structural Cold- Formed Steel

Concrete- Cast-in-place, Precast, Pre-stressed

Masonry

Soils- Site Preparation, Fill Placement and in-Place Density, investigations (Borings/ Test Pits)

Wall Panels, Curtain Walls and Veneers

Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials

Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)

Alternative Materials- OTCR Buildings Bulletin

Smoke Control Systems

Mechanical Systems

Fuel-Oil Storage and Fuel-Oil piping Systems

High-Pressure Steam Piping (Welding)

Fuel-Gas Piping (Welding)

Structural Safety/ Stability

Site Storm drainage Disposal and Detention System Installation

Sprinkler Systems

Standpipe Systems

Heating Systems

Chimneys

Firestop, Draftstop and Fireblock Systems

Aluminum Welding

Seismic Isolation Systems

Concrete Test Cylinders

Frame Inspection

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

Fire-Resistance Rate Construction

Public Assemble Emergency Lighting

Final

Alan Margolin & Associates has been the leading provider of engineering services to NYC and the surrounding boroughs for over fifty years. We take a professional approach to each project and have been privileged to work on some of the city's most iconic structures such as the Chrysler Building, Time Warner Center, the Empire State Building, and 30 Rockefeller Center- to name a few.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Building Checklist For Inspections

 

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. It is important be educated about the inspection process. The following checklist is an outline of a building inspection:

 

Access and Premises

Building address is clear and visible from the street.

Exterior access is clear.

Fire department connection is clear, visible, and readily accessible.

Lockbox is accessible.

 

Means of Egress

Exit doors should be visible, accessible and functional.

Exit doors should open without use of key or excessive effort.

Fire doors should be self closing.

 

Electrical

Cover plates must be installed on receptacles.

Circuits should be properly labeled.

There must be 30 inches of clear access in front of electrical panels.

No use of extension cords.

 

Egress Lighting

All means of egress should be illuminated properly.

Exit signs should be properly illuminated.

 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke alarms should properly operate.

Carbon monoxide detectors should operate properly.

Are you interested in learning more about what is involved in a building inspection? To see the full checklist, click here!

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

NYC Special Inspection Services

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please see the following:

Photoluminescent Exit Path Markings

Structural Steel- Welding, Erection and Bolding

Structural Cold- Formed Steel

Concrete- Cast-in-place, Precast, Pre-stressed

Masonry

Soils- Site Preparation, Fill Placement and in-Place Density, investigations (Borings/ Test Pits)

Wall Panels, Curtain Walls and Veneers

Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials

Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS)

Alternative Materials- OTCR Buildings Bulletin

Smoke Control Systems

Mechanical Systems

Fuel-Oil Storage and Fuel-Oil piping Systems

High-Pressure Steam Piping (Welding)

Fuel-Gas Piping (Welding)

Structural Safety/ Stability

Site Storm drainage Disposal and Detention System Installation

Sprinkler Systems

Standpipe Systems

Heating Systems

Chimneys

Firestop, Draftstop and Fireblock Systems

Aluminum Welding

Seismic Isolation Systems

Concrete Test Cylinders

Frame Inspection

Energy Code Compliance Inspections

Fire-Resistance Rate Construction

Public Assemble Emergency Lighting

Final

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

What Is NFPA 25?

NFPA 25 is the standard for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. Compliance of this code helps maximize the integrity of the system and ensure a fast and effective response in a fire emergency. Are you interested in learning more about this code?



To view Frequently Asked Questions, Click here.

AM & Associates provides a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, structural, fire, and life safety to name a few. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here.

Located atop the iconic Grand Central Station in midtown Manhattan, AM & Associates is proud to deliver quick service to our clients and expeditors. Our staff of highly trained inspectors work to accommodate our clients schedules and diligently process and return the constant flow of forms required for each NYC building project.

Keep up with the latest industry news and New York City happenings by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and connecting with us on Google+.

Photo source: commons.wikimedia.org