What to Know About Condominium Inspection in Florida
According to area property owners, Florida condominium building owners must complete a public inspection every 40 years. However, inspections must happen every 10 years if a building is more than 30 years old. The new mandate was passed in 2022, but in 2023, there are more questions than answers for building owners. Regardless of the age of your building, or the need for clarity over changes to inspection requirements, we recommend working with the best window manufacturers available. Continue reading as we delve a bit deeper into the current building inspection requirements that are now in place.
New Milestone Inspections Must Be Completed by December 2024
Because of the new laws, which are stricter than those previous, a new “milestone” inspection has to be completed by the end of next year. If you are required to undergo such an inspection, getting it scheduled sooner than later is important, as qualified inspectors are likely to be overbooked and in high demand.
Inspections Must Be Conducted by a Licensed Engineer or Architect
The new structural inspections that are now required must be done by an engineer or architect licensed in the state of Florida. The first step is to reach out to your local city, county, or municipality. A survey needs to be completed that includes information like the address of the building, its age, and the number of floors that it has. Once this survey is complete, the relevant department will contact you with more information.
Benefits of Working With the Best Window Manufacturers
As a property owner in Florida, you are well aware of the requirements surrounding the structure of buildings and windows. For developers and property owners who want to do things right, impact-resistant windows, up to Category 5 Hurricane winds are a smart move. The necessary investment for these types of windows will likely pay dividends. Impact-resistance windows can also attract unit buyers to your buildings because they make them a safer place to live. Now is an ideal time to learn more.
Environmental Concerns
In Florida, environmental concerns play a significant role in the inspection process, particularly due to the state’s vulnerability to severe weather conditions, including hurricanes and tropical storms. Condominiums, especially those located in coastal areas, need to adhere to strict building codes and regulations designed to enhance structural resilience against extreme weather events. These regulations may include requirements for impact-resistant windows and doors to mitigate the potential damage caused by high winds and flying debris during storms. Buyers and inspectors should verify that the condominium’s windows and doors comply with the state’s wind-borne debris requirements, ensuring they meet the necessary impact resistance standards.
As part of the inspection process, potential buyers should ensure that these high-performance window and door systems are in good condition, properly installed, and compliant with the relevant building codes and standards. This not only safeguards the property and its occupants during adverse weather events but also contributes to the long-term durability and sustainability of the condominium.
Understanding the Wind-borne Debris Region
By mandate of the Florida Building Code, there are areas of the state that are designated as wind-borne debris regions. These areas along the coastline also include inland areas, located within one mile of the coastal mean high water line or any location where the wind speed is 140 mph or greater. If a home or property is found within these designated areas, it is required by the Florida Building Code to have some means of protection such as impact-resistant windows, doors, or shutters that have received approval from the state. Properties at High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) such as Miami-Dade, Broward, or Monroe counties must adhere to even stricter codes and receive a Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA).
Florida’s condominium inspection mandates present both challenges and opportunities for building owners. The requirement for a comprehensive “milestone” inspection by the end of 2024 adds urgency to the process, emphasizing the need for timely scheduling. Additionally, understanding the Wind-borne Debris Region, becomes crucial in areas prone to severe weather, highlighting the necessity for approved protective measures such as impact-resistant glass windows and doors. Navigating these new regulations requires proactive engagement with inspections and a commitment to meeting elevated standards for building safety and resilience.
Are you a condo building owner or another real estate developer or investor? If so, you understand the importance of buying from the best window manufacturers for your property. Contact EGS International today to learn more about our products and services.
