ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers pro-active Peer Review Inspections
Plans Specs Image from Estes
Richard Acree at ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers pro-active peer review inspections for owners, architects, engineers and general contractors involved with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and Fair Housing Act (FHA) building installations. A peer review can identify ADA, ABA and FHA accessibility compliance issues during the design, construction, and post-construction phases of new buildings and renovations or additions to existing buildings. A peer review can help to avoid costly litigation caused by errors and/or omissions during the design phase or installation phase of construction.
PEER REVIEW PROCESS: The peer review process can involve plans and specifications reviews, phased construction inspections, and post construction inspections prior to issuing the certificate of occupancy.
Plan and Specs Reviews: Plan and specs reviews typically include accessibility design assessments with respect to the ADA, ABA, and/or FHA installations. A qualified accessibility design consultant will advise on information that should be included in the plans and specs documents to better explain accessibility requirements and design intent to the general contractor.
Phased Construction Site Inspections: It is advisable to include phased construction inspections of the facility to avoid more costly re-installations after the construction is complete. The main phased construction inspection is recommended just before the drywall installations go up. The peer consultant can also inspect change orders and substitutions made along the way that may impact the project’s accessibility compliance.
Post Construction Site Inspections: Once the facility construction is mostly complete and before issuing the certificate of occupancy (CO), it is advisable to have the peer inspection consultant go to the site for the last inspection, referred to as the post construction site inspection. With the plans and specifications in hand, the consultant can complete a detailed inspection of the installation to confirm that all elements required for accessibility are installed within the design requirements and accessibility laws.
PEER REVIEW BENEFITS:
Proactive peer review inspection(s) to identify errors and omissions before a municipal building inspector inspection can “set the tone” for the installation and show the local officials that your design team and general contractor are on top of the installations including the accessibility details.
It is more cost effective and less disruptive to make necessary changes as the result of architectural plan/specs and construction reviews.
At an owner’s request, the peer reviewer can submit a statement of compliance.
Lawsuits for accessibility issues are common. Peer reviews can minimize lawsuits for accessibility issues and help maintain a good relationship with your lender(s).
Developers, architects, and contractors recognize that hiring a peer reviewer is a wise investment.
Maintaining a high level of accessibility compliance can add revenue to businesses operating for profit by encouraging the disabled community of individuals to visit your facility because of the ease of access.