Tips For a Not So Scary Building Safety Inspection

As Halloween draws near, it's only fitting that we take a playful approach to an often nerve-wracking event—building safety inspections. Just like navigating a haunted house, preparing for a building inspection can be filled with uncertainty and anxiety. But fear not, for we're here to offer you a bag of tricks (and maybe a treat or two) to ensure your building safety inspection is anything but a spine-chilling experience

1. Regular Maintenance Is Key

The most effective way to ensure a smooth building safety inspection is by maintaining your building regularly. Routine maintenance will help identify and address potential issues long before they become major concerns. Keep records of maintenance work, repairs, and inspections to demonstrate that your building has been well cared for.

• Since annual roofing maintenance is important, you should schedule roof inspections every year and carry out necessary repairs.

• It’s crucial to get your building professionally painted and caulked after every 7 to 10 years and pressure wash it at least every two years. And if your property is near the sea and exposed to salt water, you should get it washed and painted more frequently.

2. Understand Local Building Codes

Familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations well in advance of the inspection. This knowledge will help you identify any non-compliance issues and address them before the inspection date. Compliance with the latest building codes ensures your building's safety and longevity.

3. Pre-Inspection Preparations

We have come to find at many properties there are common items requiring repair. For a more a seamless inspection, please consider the following items be completed prior to your scheduled inspection date:

•  Make sure GFCI’s are installed in your kitchen / bathroom areas, or within 6’-0” of wet areas.

• Properly label electrical panels & ensure 3’-0” x 3’-0” of proper clearance is provided in front of panel.

• Make sure smoke detectors are properly installed in designated areas. Along with fire alarms, sprinkler systems and working emergency exits. 

• Illuminate your parking area well, as dark parking spaces can be dangerous for the occupants of your building, and the inspection engineer can flag it as unsafe.

• Ensure all loose electrical wiring and outlets are properly concealed.

• Make sure all emergency lighting is properly working along the egress routes and all exit signs are operational in the correct locations.

4. Document Everything

Keep comprehensive records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Proper documentation will help prove that your building is well-maintained and has met all necessary requirements over the years.

5. Budget Wisely

Start budgeting for your building safety inspection well in advance. It can be a significant expense, but proper financial planning will ensure you can address any issues that arise without breaking the bank.

Remember, the key to a successful inspection is preparation, communication, and a little sprinkle of magic. So, when the inspector knocks on your door, you can greet them with a confident smile, knowing that you've transformed your building inspection into a not-so-scary adventure.