Special inspections and progress inspections

Special Inspection Services

Services
Projects
Locations
Certifications
FAQ

SOCOTEC delivers certified, independent special inspection services that protect public safety, ensure IBC compliance, and safeguard the long-term performance of critical assets.

Built on IBC Chapter 17 Expertise and Independent Oversight

Special inspection services are a critical requirement under IBC Chapter 17, ensuring that construction materials, workmanship, and installation methods comply with approved construction documents. These IBC special inspections verify that what is built in the field meets design intent and code requirements.

At SOCOTEC, our special inspection services are delivered in full compliance with IBC Chapter 17 and applicable local regulations, providing reliable oversight and confidence at every stage of construction.

3rd Party Special Inspection Agency

SOCOTEC is a special inspections agency known for its independence, technical rigor, and integrity. Our special inspectors, structural inspectors, and certified technicians operate as trusted third-party professionals, delivering objective oversight, precise reporting, and proactive risk mitigation across every phase of construction.

Talk to our experts

Alexis SCHLESSINGERMAN

Director, Special Inspections

alexis.schlessingerman@socotec.us +1 212 730 8915

Mark REESER

Principal / Director of Construction Services

mreeser@ninyoandmoore.com +1 (858) 576-1000

Our Special Inspection Services

Building Code Special Inspections

SOCOTEC’s structural inspectors and special inspectors are trained to adapt inspections to project-specific schedules of special inspections, minimizing delays while ensuring compliance. Our specialized inspection services meet IBC special inspections requirements and local authority mandates.

Fabrication shop audits
Steel erection and connection verification
High-strength bolting inspection and installation procedures
Field welding inspections
Structural cold-formed steel framing inspections

Mortar mixing and placement observation
Horizontal and vertical reinforcement verification
Grout space inspection prior to placement
Test specimen preparation
Hot and cold weather masonry procedures

Reinforcing steel type, size, layout, and placement verification
Welded reinforcement inspection
Anchor bolt placement verification
Concrete sampling
Concrete strength testing, including prior to removal of shoring, or stressing tendons in post-tensioned concrete
Concrete slump, air content and temperature
Post-tensioned concrete stressing verification

Subgrade and subsurface inspections
Site preparation verification, in accordance with plans and specifications
Deep foundation elements
Bearing capacity testing beneath footings
Fill material verification
Compaction testing and compaction density testing
Pile driving and drilled pier inspections
Soil nail, tie-back, and grout testing

Smoke control, sprinkler, standpipe and fire alarm inspections
Substrate condition verification prior to application
Thickness, density, and bond strength testing
Spray applied fire-resistive materials
Fire-resistant penetrations and joint inspections
Approved system compliance verification
Materials verifications

EIFS substrate verification
Installation and finish protection inspections

Nondestructive Testing

NDT for Components

SOCOTEC integrates nondestructive testing into our special inspection services to evaluate structural steel, welds, and critical connections without damaging in-place materials. Using ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing, our certified technicians support IBC special inspections, third-party inspection requirements, and quality control programs, helping teams identify issues early and maintain compliance.

Construction Materials Testing

Field & Laboratory Testing

Our construction materials testing services support our special inspection services by verifying that concrete, masonry, asphalt, soils, and aggregates meet project specifications and code requirements. With accredited laboratories and experienced laboratory and field staff, we provide reliable data, consistent reporting, and independent verification that strengthens overall construction quality and regulatory compliance.

Project Types and Industries Served

SOCOTEC delivers special inspection services across a wide range of sectors and project types:

Commercial and Residential Buildings: New core & shell construction, high-rises, mixed-use developments, historic buildings restoration and repairs
Infrastructure Projects: Bridges, transportation facilities, utilities
Educational & Healthcare: Schools, universities, life science facilities, hospitals requiring stringent compliance
Industrial & Manufacturing: Facilities requiring specialized structural and mechanical inspections
Public works and institutional buildings
Fit-Out & Tenant Improvements: Inspections for occupied buildings undergoing interior modifications

Our Special Inspection Projects

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), NY
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The Penn District Redevelopment, NY
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Oakvale Road Realignment, CA
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Davis Aqueduct Parallel Pipeline, UT
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989 Sixth Avenue, NY
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Locations We Serve

SOCOTEC builds on the legacy expertise of respected inspection companies—including Ninyo & Moore, AAR Testing and Inspection Inc., Advance Testing, ANDT, FTC and DNA Inspections—enabling coast-to-coast coverage and the delivery of consistent special inspection services aligned with local, state, and national codes. Our teams have a strong regional presence in:

Arizona
California: San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and statewide projects
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Massachusetts
Nevada
New York State: New York City (NYC DOB Class 1 Special Inspection Agency)
New Jersey
Oregon
Texas: Houston, Dallas, and Austin regions
Utah
Washington: Seattle region and beyond

Special Inspectors

Staff Certifications and Accreditations

SOCOTEC’s staff certifications reflect the highest industry standards. Our special inspectors, engineers, and technicians hold credentials from:

International Code Council (ICC)
AASHTO
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ANST)
American Welding Society (AWS)
Arizona Technical Testing Institute (ATTI)
Accreditation Program (AAP)
California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
California Division of the State Architect (DSA)
Concrete Masonry Testing Technician (CMTT)
Department of Transportation (DOT): New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, California
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)
Northeast Transportation Training and Certification Program (NETTCP)
New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists (NJSAT)
New York Construction Materials Association (NYCMA)

Our special inspections team is backed by a highly trained staff of licensed engineers, field inspectors, certified technicians, and project managers, SOCOTEC delivers the technical accuracy and human insight necessary to bring your vision to life, safely and successfully.

special inspection firm building construction

SOCOTEC’s staff certifications reflect the highest industry standards. Our special inspectors, engineers, and technicians hold credentials from:

International Code Council (ICC)
AASHTO
American Concrete Institute (ACI)
American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ANST)
American Welding Society (AWS)
Arizona Technical Testing Institute (ATTI)
Accreditation Program (AAP)
California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
California Division of the State Architect (DSA)
Concrete Masonry Testing Technician (CMTT)
Department of Transportation (DOT): New York, Florida, Massachusetts, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, California
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP)
Northeast Transportation Training and Certification Program (NETTCP)
New Jersey Society of Asphalt Technologists (NJSAT)
New York Construction Materials Association (NYCMA)

Looking for Reliable Special Inspection Services?

FAQ - Special Inspection Services

Special inspection is a code-mandated verification process required under IBC Chapter 17 or other state and local codes, to confirm that critical construction activities are performed in accordance with approved construction documents. These inspections focus on structural and life-safety elements to ensure materials, workmanship, and installation methods meet design intent and applicable building codes.

A wide range of safety-critical building components typically require special inspections, including structural concrete, masonry, structural steel, welding, fireproofing, soils, deep foundations, cold-formed steel, wood framing, and proprietary anchors. Requirements vary by project type and jurisdiction, making early coordination with a qualified special inspection agency essential.

Special inspection services are performed by certified special inspectors employed by an independent specialized inspection agency.

At SOCOTEC, inspections are conducted by qualified engineers, structural inspectors, and certified technicians who hold credentials from recognized organizations such as ICC, ACI, AWS, and NICET, ensuring regulatory acceptance and technical accuracy.

Using an independent third-party inspection company ensures unbiased verification of construction activities, improves regulatory acceptance, and reduces risk for owners and developers. Third-party inspections also provide objective documentation that supports quality control, protects design intent, and helps resolve compliance issues efficiently throughout construction.

Yes. SOCOTEC is a Class 1 Special Inspection Agency certified by the New York City Department of Buildings (NYCDOB). Our special inspectors are authorized to perform all required NYC DOB special inspections and progress inspections, including those documented on TR1 and TR8 forms, in accordance with the NYC Building Code. More details here. Discover our Special Inspections in NYC.

Absolutely. SOCOTEC integrates special inspection services with construction materials testing and nondestructive testing to deliver a comprehensive, coordinated approach to quality assurance. This integration streamlines communication, reduces coordination gaps, and provides consistent, reliable data that supports compliance, performance, and informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.