A New Jersey commercial building has several components that a certified structural engineer must inspect before stakeholders finalize an investment. These building components include the structural frame and building envelope, fire suppression system, HVAC systems, and electrical and mechanical systems.
Each part should function properly to keep the building’s occupants safe and comfortable. The structure should also adhere to relevant building codes and standards to avoid corresponding sanctions for non-compliance.
During the inspection, a NJ Structural Engineer will look for faults in the building’s frame. This part of the structure is what gives it shape and support, preventing it from collapsing. It includes components like the columns, beams, girders, and trusses. Moreover, the engineer will assess the building envelope, which is comprised of systems designed to protect the property’s interior from exterior elements, especially water intrusion.
Furthermore, as fire hazards are among the costliest disasters that can strike a commercial building, the property’s fire suppression systems and safety routes will also be examined. They must comply with the requirements stipulated under Chapters 70-76 of New Jersey’s Administrative Code Title V.
To ensure proper ventilation and a healthy indoor environment in the commercial property, the engineer will check the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment for proper functionality. Debris and chemicals that might get trapped in these systems can cause damage and entail health hazards for tenants.
Additionally, the building’s electrical and mechanical systems are inspected to ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code and  Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. These systems enable the commercial property’s occupants to utilize machines and other equipment that require electricity to make most tasks easier.
After thoroughly assessing the aforementioned structural components, a building inspection engineer NJ will write a detailed and non-biased report about the commercial property’s present condition. The potential costs for repairs and replacements are included in the report as well.
With the work scope of building inspection engineers, they are dubbed as the first line of defense against possible risks in the commercial structure. Their insights are vital in the decision-making of stakeholders before spending on the building.
The following infographic from Lockatong Engineering expounds on how building inspection engineers can ensure a property’s structural soundness.
