Offer Accessibility Inspection Services for existing commercial buildings.

[Nick Gromicko]

http://www.nachi.org/accessibility.htm

[Nick Gromicko]

Check out this NCR form we are working on: http://www.nachi.org/documents/accessibility.pdf

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by gromicko

Check out this NCR form we are working on: http://www.nachi.org/documents/accessibility.pdf

Nick, this looks great, but I have heard we should not do ADA inspections unless we are certified ICC, ADA code compliant inspectors.

What's your thoughts?

[Dominic J. Maricic]

Nick, are there any other forms other than the ADA that I should stick in the NACHI version of HIP that I'm working on? I searched the site but couldn't find any.

[Michael R. Boyett]

Originally Posted by prussell

Nick, this looks great, but I have heard we should not do ADA inspections unless we are certified ICC, ADA code compliant inspectors.

I'm sure others will take exception to this but Texas requires training, an exam and a license to perform such inspections (see http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/ab.htm ). I think someone needs to do some homework before blindly encouraging HI's to rush out and provide this service. Definitely check with your state prior to offering accessibility inspections.

[Peter C. Russell]

Originally Posted by mboyett

I'm sure others will take exception to this but Texas requires training, an exam and a license to perform such inspections (see http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/ab.htm ). I think someone needs to do some homework before blindly encouraging HI's to rush out and provide this service. Definitely check with your state prior to offering accessibility inspections.

Thanks, we in NH have no licensing and are unregulated and commercial inspections are a trade that is even more unregulated, I like the idea that Nick is helping us more forward to diversify and this check list is a good start.

I completed ITA commercial inspection course in 2005 and ADA wad a big part of it, with that said it can also be deferred to a code compliance inspector if need be.

I think one of the biggest issues in NH is when residential property undergoes a change of use and is converted into commercial property, this is where some HI get into trouble.

[Emmanuel J. Scanlan]

Originally Posted by mboyett

I'm sure others will take exception to this but Texas requires training, an exam and a license to perform such inspections (see http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/ab.htm ). I think someone needs to do some homework before blindly encouraging HI's to rush out and provide this service. Definitely check with your state prior to offering accessibility inspections.

I agree! In addition you must also be aware of how the accessibility requirements are being funded. For instance one example is if HUD/FHA/VA backed a loan then the individual will be required to be certified by HUD.

There are many obstacles and pitfalls to just rush out and start advertising and performing these inspections. I think that is a good project for NACHI National Management to research and add to their information along with http://www.nachi.org/documents/accessibility.pdf .

[Nick Gromicko]

There are no state, provincial or federal licensing of inspectors who offer accessibility surveys, whatsoever.

This is an important service that commercial property buyers want. Offer it.

[Michael R. Boyett]

Excellent! I shall notify the Texas Dept of Licensing and Regulation that their services are no longer needed :

[Nick Gromicko]

Michael, check your link. It is not to a regulation that prevents inspectors from offering accessibility surveys. Nor is it a link to a regulation that requires inspectors offering such services to be licensed.

[Michael R. Boyett]

Nick, I believe it is. I've talked to a "Registered Accessibility Specialist" and he confirms my take on this. He says he thinks there are also 4-6 other states that require 'architectural barrier' or ADA or 'accessibility' inspections to be done only by state licensed inspectors. I don't see what you are seeing in the link that would lead me to think otherwise but I'm sure open to your interpretation.

[Nick Gromicko]

Heresay. Put up a link to the regulation that requires a license if it is true.

[Michael R. Boyett]

http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/ablaw.htm#469105 Section 469.105.b.3 just like I showed in post #9. That's not hearsay, that's law.
Further evidence:

Sec. 469.201. Certificate of Registration Required.
(a) A person may not perform a review or inspection function of the commission on behalf of the owner of a building or facility unless the person holds a certificate of registration issued under this subchapter.

[Nick Gromicko]

Michael, you are incorrect.

409.105.b.3 is a plan submission requirement placed on building owners (not inspectors) who are subitting a new construction or substantial renovation plan for approval.

It is not a licensing requirement for inspectors offering accessibility surveys to buyers of commercial properties.

It requires those submitting plans to agree within their plan submission to have the new construction work they are doing inspected after completion. See Subchapter C. Review and Approval Required for Certain Plans and Specifications. Sec. 469.101 Submission for Review and Approval Required.

[Michael R. Boyett]

469.105.b.3