Threshold Inspections

The state of Florida requires special inspections to be performed during the construction of “threshold” buildings. These threshold building inspections are a unique requirement for Florida. Proper threshold inspections ensure the conformance of all building and structural components. This is a very important Orlando and Tampa, Florida, building service that provides value to the client, as well as the general public. This is because our threshold inspection service helps avert cataclysmic construction disasters, such as the 1981 Harbour Cay Condominium collapse that precipitated the need for such inspections.

After that fateful day in 1981, the state of Florida Building Construction Standards created Chapter 553 of the Florida statutes. Chapter 553.71 defines a “threshold” building as “any building which is greater than three stories or 50 feet in height or has an “assembly” occupancy classification that exceeds 5,000 square feet in area and an occupant capacity of greater than 500 persons.” Basically, if a building is tall or is meant to house a lot of people at once, its various structural elements need to be reviewed by a licensed threshold inspector to ensure proper compliance.

Our threshold inspection services consist primarily of inspections of all structural members, frames, systems, and other building components used during construction. These inspections will be conducted by a state-certified Special Inspector (SI); otherwise known as a threshold inspector. As a result of our thorough and meticulous process, these inspections ensure structural integrity and life safety of the entire structure in parts and as a whole. Daily, a detailed written record of inspections is reported along with a daily log of all inspection types made on site. The Inspection reports are submitted on a weekly basis, signed and sealed by the Special Inspector. This process includes a final conformance certification for your building.

If you’re building a taller structure meant to house many people in Tampa or Orlando, Florida, contact the professional special inspectors at Belt Engineering today to ensure you adhere to Florida’s Threshold Inspection Law.