Common Questions From Center City, PA Property Owners

How long does concrete and rebar inspection take in Fishtown?

1.5-3 hours per inspection depending on element complexity. Elevated slab equals 2-2.5 hours including formwork check and rebar inspection. Concrete columns equal 1.5-2 hours. Concrete walls equal 2-3 hours. Concrete stairs equal 1.5-2 hours. For a 3-story Fishtown townhouse with 2-3 concrete pours total, that's 3-6 hours total on-site time spread over 4-8 months. Each inspection delivers report same-day within 6-8 hours.

What stops the pour?

We stop the pour if: rebar size wrong (must replace), rebar spacing significantly off (must add bars), lap splices inadequate (must overlap correctly), excavation depth wrong (bearing pressure calculations are off, must correct), standing water in excavation (will dilute concrete, must pump out), or vapor barrier damaged or missing if required (must install or repair). Minor issues we allow with notes: rebar spacing 1-2 inches off in isolated locations, chair spacing slightly wider than ideal, or edge distance slightly less than specified.

How long does emergency structural engineering take in Fishtown?

On-site within 2-4 hours if you call during business hours, same-day if called before 3pm, next-morning if called after 6pm. On-site assessment takes 1-3 hours. Temporary shoring installed same-day or next-day (contractor rents posts and installs under our supervision in 2-4 hours). Permanent repair drawings delivered within 3-7 days from initial assessment. Rush delivery available for premium if your contractor has a hard deadline.

Can work start before permit is issued?

Generally no. Work cannot begin without the permit even though the building is dangerous. Exception: L&I may issue verbal authorization for immediate life-safety work like removing loose debris threatening to fall onto sidewalk, but this must be documented and permit still required for actual stabilization. Most cases: we submit application Day 1, permit issued Day 2, work begins Day 2. One day delay is manageable.

How long do special inspections take in Fishtown?

Duration matches your construction timeline. Small projects: 2-4 months. Medium projects (townhouse): 6-12 months with 12-24 site visits. Large projects: 12-24+ months. We're not on-site daily. Visits scheduled around construction milestones. Between visits, we review shop drawings, prepare reports, submit documentation to L&I.

How long does underpinning inspection take?

10-14 calendar days on-site for standard 3-story rowhouse (both sides). Includes Day 1 pre-construction meeting, Days 2-10 active excavation and inspection (on-site every 2-3 days), Days 11-14 final documentation. Total on-site time: 32-96 hours spread over 10-14 days. Weather delays common since we can't inspect open excavations in rain.

What happens after make safe work is complete?

L&I removes or downgrades red tag to restricted occupancy. Building is temporarily safe but still needs permanent repairs. You'll need a separate building permit for renovation or permanent repairs. The make safe permit only covered emergency stabilization. Most property owners proceed to planning permanent repairs and obtaining regular building permits within 30-90 days after make safe work is complete.

How long does emergency structural engineering take in Fishtown?

On-site within 2-4 hours if you call during business hours, same-day if called before 3pm, next-morning if called after 6pm. On-site assessment takes 1-3 hours. Temporary shoring installed same-day or next-day (contractor rents posts and installs under our supervision in 2-4 hours). Permanent repair drawings delivered within 3-7 days from initial assessment. Rush delivery available for premium if your contractor has a hard deadline.

Can work start before permit is issued?

We document immediately with photos and code citations, notify GC same-day, explain exactly what must be corrected. GC fixes issues (usually same-day or next day), calls us for re-inspection. We don't approve non-compliant work. Our PE license is at risk if we certify defective construction.

How long do special inspections take in Fishtown?

No. We coordinate with your general contractor. GC calls us before each section is ready, we arrive, inspect, approve or identify corrections. You receive copies of reports but don't need to be on-site.