Services Building Inspections

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a group of building industry professionals that has been providing construction plan review, building inspection and education/training services to public and private sector clients for over 30 years. As a government-founded “not-for-profit” corporation, IBTS combines governmental credibility with private sector efficiency.

IBTS is committed to public safety; its staff has 35 years of experience in the inspection of new and existing buildings and structures for conformity to approved plans, permits, and Federal, state, and local building code requirements. IBTS can respond to all types of needs, including emergencies, priority building, or long-term inspections. Its services to the government help augment existing resources. It also performs inspections of construction components at the factory level on behalf of the government. IBTS's staff delivers unbiased and objective reports and is experienced in professional interaction with builders and contractors.

Our services include plan/peer reviews and field inspections for homes nationwide. Our fully qualified staff has all the necessary inspector, plans examiner, and code official certifications in building, electrical, fire safety, mechanical, and plumbing. We enjoy a superior reputation for timely, accurate reporting and a unique “team approach” to independent third party oversight.

IBTS Services

Inspection and Certification

• Inspections and plan reviews
  • Building
  • Electrical
  • Fire Safety
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing
• EnergySTAR Partner performing HERS ratings and certification
• LEED for new construction, and other green building program verification
• Performance testing and diagnostics
• Weatherization
• Training and curriculum development

Response to Client Needs

• Priority building
• Long-term inspections
• Military Housing
• Disaster Analysis during state of emergency

Compliance Services

• Conducting code compliance evaluation
• Performing investigations and studies
• Performing site verifications
• Monitoring factory production
• Fully certified staff

Auditing and Commissioning

• Quality audits and oversight services
• Environmental assessment and compliance
• Measurement, verification support, and project commissioning
• Training and curriculum development
• Energy audits

Analysis

• Energy modeling, systems engineering, and trade-off analysis
• Residential and light commercial building science analysis
• Green building methodology and verification
• Training and curriculum development

Code Feasibility Issues

• Architectural
• Building
• Accessibility
• Structural
• Fire Protection
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Plumbing

A building inspection is a "snapshot" in time performed during various stages of construction, to verify that the work being performed under the building permit meets the Codes as adopted by the State. Inspections help assure the built environment is safe and sanitary.

For a typical home, the following inspections will be provided:

Footings
To ensure the foundation starts out correctly, that any required reinforcing rods or tendons are in place per plans, properly positioned and secured, and to ensure the soil is suitable for building. This inspection is done prior to any concrete being placed.

Under Slab
To ensure the plumbing system is properly connected and graded to assure drain lines will function properly, that the base is properly prepared and all foreign materials are removed, and that any conduits are properly installed. This inspection is done prior to any concrete being placed.

Frame (Rough in) Plumbing
To ensure that all in wall plumbing is correctly sized, proper material, proper grade, securely fastened and in compliance with the plans, fire blocking is in place, strike plates in place, head pressure tests are done on drain lines, water pressure tests performed on domestic water.

Frame (Rough in) Mechanical
To ensure that all ducts are sized per plan (or Code), sealed, no screws in dryer duct, return air is provided, no return ducts within 3' of smoke detector or supply duct, fire blocking is in place, gas pressure test is conducted on any gas lines prior to meter set, gas lines are positioned so they will not be damaged.

Frame (Rough in) Electrical
No damaged wiring, fire blocking in place, receptacle spacing per code, strike plates in place, proper support of wiring, correct wire sizes, small appliance circuits, bathroom circuits, equipment grounding conductors, closet fixture clearance, dishwasher/disposal circuits, smoke detector locations and wiring, panel location, masthead, GFCI/AFCI locations correct, panel landed correctly.

Frame (Rough in) Building
Framing is installed using proper construction techniques, continuous load path is achieved from roof to foundation with the use of proper connectors, egress windows and sill heights are measured, any damaged framing is repaired, any notching and boring is done per code, trusses are braced per the truss plans and all additional gable end and "X" bracing is installed, attic scuttles are framed and positioned correctly, wall sheathing is nailed, house wrap is installed shingle fashion and taped per manufacturers' recommendations, windows and doors are installed and flashed, stair risers and treads are measured, room sizes are verified, corridors are measured for proper width, smoke detector locations are verified and correct, tempered glass is installed where required, fire blocking and draft stopping is in place and correct.

Final Plumbing
Water at showers does not exceed 120 degrees, all sink fixtures are operational, there is no water hammer heard, toilets are sealed at the floor, no leaking is noted, water heater T&P valve is dropped to within 6" of floor and has a drain pan.

Final Mechanical
Heat works, any exposed duct work is sealed, thermostat is installed on interior wall, register covers are in place, fireplaces have manufacturer's literature in place and fireplaces have been started up, exhaust fans work, air pressure is properly balanced.

Final Electrical
Smoke detectors are in place, GFCI receptacles are in place and work, continuity is checked at receptacles, circuits are marked in panel, AFCI breakers are in place and serve the correct rooms (bedrooms), all cover plates are installed, receptacle spacing is double checked, GFCIs are installed outside front and back and are supplied with weather proof covers, grounding conductor is connected to the ground rod, cold water supply is bonded.

Final Building
Insulation is verified as installed at all scuttles, smoke detectors are in place and tested, house numbers are installed, all egress windows open fully and easily, risers and treads are measured, handrail and guardrails are in place and measured for correct height, guards are built to prevent passage of a 4" sphere, property is graded away from foundation, decks are anchored properly, double check tempered glass locations, landings are correct at all doors.

For more information, contact Paul Hancher.

Testimonials

City of Falls Church
IBTS provides an important service to local jurisdictions. Particularly in times of rapid economic growth. I have been very impressed with the professionalism of the IBTS staff, and their helpfulness and flexibility in dealing with my staffing needs and deadlines.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
[IBTS Management] has been especially helpful in controlling cost and maintaining an excellent quality of service during a time of reduced contract resources. They coordinate with federal program staff on a monthly basis to determine workload and priorities, and to ensure that costs do not exceed the level agreed to for the period of time discussed.

Federal Emergency Management Agency
I just wanted you to know that [the IBTS inspector] has performed brilliantly, in knowledge, ideas, computer skills, and has shown an incredible work ethic towards the group. It has been my pleasure to work with him and the others. I just thought you should know that from his efforts, many desperate hurricane victims are now in safe, sanitary housing.

Case Studies

Building Inspection - Fort Belvoir Military Housing

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