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+.

Chapter 33 of the 2014 Construction Code Brings Changes

New provisions have been made in Chapter 33 of the 2014 Construction Codes and training sessions are underway. A total of four training sessions will highlight the following changes made:

Occupant protection plan for office buildings - during long periods of constructions and demolitions, this will ensure the safety of its occupants. 

Fire safety provisions - deep evacuation sites must include standpipes and hoists.

Daily sidewalk shed inspection - either by construction site contractors or building owners, these must now be checked daily to ensure safety and proper lighting. 

Changes to the construction code help to ensure safety for every New Yorker. Learn more about the launch at nyc.gov. 

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+.

Becoming a Certified Welding Inspector

Think you have what it takes to become an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector? It starts with specialized training and experience! High school graduates can apply after five years of work experience related to welding, and those with a Bachelor in welding engineer or technology can apply after one year of experience.  Some non-welding post-secondary education can also be applied toward the work experience requirements.

Certification exams are offered by the American Welding Society throughout the year and across the country. To pass, applicants must receive a 72 percent or better on this three part exam, which includes both fundamental questions and practical application, along with a separate vision test. A three-year renewal is required to maintain the certification, but only the vision test must be repeated for renewal.

To pass, applicants must receive a 72 percent or better on this three part exam, which includes both fundamental questions and hands on application. They must also pass a vision test to receive their certification. A three year renewal is required to keep the certification, but only the vision test must be repeated each time.

For more on the process of becoming a certified welding inspector, click here.

At Alan Margolin & Associates, our certified welding inspectors are committed to keeping both the welder and end user safe from harm. We also offer a full range of special inspection services including mechanical, sprinkler, fire and more. For a full list of inspections provided, please click here.

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+.

125 Greenwich Street: Downtown's Tallest Residential Building

Earlier this month, renderings of the 1,356-foot tower were revealed! Formally known as 22 Thames Street, this tower of condos in downtown Financial District will be developed by Michael Shvo.

Not understanding just how tall this 77-story residential building will be? 12 feet short of One World Trade Center. 

With 128 apartments, ten of those being full-floor penthouses, this new Financial District favorite will definitely leave its mark. 

For more on the story of 125 Greenwich Street, visit Curbed. 

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. 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+.

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+.

New Hotel to Rise at the Corner of Hudson and Canal Street

Two Italian soccer stars developing a brand new hotel on the corner of Hudson and Canal Street? It's true! This 30,000 square foot luxury hotel, with 50 to 60 available rooms, is said to open in early 2016. 

According to the Hudson Square Hotel website, the project design plan includes the following:

• Trendy restaurant on the ground floor
• Outdoor pool
• Rooftop sun deck
• State-of-the-art gym

There's more! Learn all about it on Curbed. 

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 all of our clients. 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+.