Façade Inspection and Upgrade in New Jersey

A properly designed, built, and maintained building façade can help prevent significant issues such as water leakage, air infiltration, and energy loss. However, time and exposure to the elements can deteriorate the components of a building’s façade, leading to decreased performance and potential hazards to inhabitants.

Moreover, the visual appeal of buildings also matters for prospective inhabitants as they usually judge buildings based on what is visible to them. A building with peeling paint can give them the impression that the property is not adequately maintained. It can be challenging to convince someone to invest in a property that is perceived to be poorly maintained.

An improved facade can improve the property’s value, allowing the owner to request a better rent or purchase price. Even severe structural issues can be addressed by upgrading the façade. A timely and relevant façade inspection conducted by a structural engineer can help reinforce the building’s structural integrity or fix any damage before it worsens.

Results from a property condition assessment NJ can help owners and managers create maintenance plans and develop a budget for capital repairs and restoration projects. A thorough evaluation can help building owners comply with local façade inspection laws and reduce possible risks.

One of the compliance laws New Jersey building owners should know is the structural and façade examinations of multi-story buildings. The Champlain Towers collapse in Surfside, Florida, prompted the Jersey City Council to implement the ordinance. It requires inspection of the building façade at least once every five years. 

Structures with more than six floors or buildings with masonry façades with at least four floors must undergo a commercial building inspection per the guidelines established by the Jersey City Construction Code Official.

The ordinance also requires property owners to submit a documented Façade Inspection Report to the Division of the Construction Code Official thirty days after the inspection. A licensed architect or commercial building engineer NJ must produce the report.

For more details about façade inspection and upgrades in New Jersey, check this infographic by Lockatong Engineering.

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