The City of Houston Approved Fabricator Program allows qualified fabricators to manufacture primary structural building components without continuous special inspection during fabrication. Approval is granted to fabricators that demonstrate effective quality control procedures, documented fabrication practices, and compliance with applicable building code requirements.
As an approved Special Inspection Agency, our firm provides independent review, auditing, and compliance services to help fabricators obtain and maintain Approved Fabricator status with the City of Houston.
What Is an Approved Fabricator?
Under Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code, structural load-bearing members and assemblies fabricated in a shop environment typically require special inspection during fabrication. However, the code allows an exemption for fabricators that have been approved by the City of Houston.
An Approved Fabricator is a qualified company that maintains a documented Quality Control Program capable of ensuring that structural components are fabricated in accordance with approved construction documents, applicable standards, and building code requirements.
Approval is based on:
- Written fabrication procedures
- A Quality Control Manual
- Implementation of a Quality Control Program
- Independent review and auditing by an approved Special Inspection Agency or nationally recognized certification body
- Ongoing compliance through periodic audits and annual renewals
Why Approved Fabricator Certification Matters
Approved Fabricator status provides significant operational and compliance benefits, including:
- Elimination of continuous special inspection during fabrication
- Reduced project delays and inspection hold points
- Improved production efficiency and scheduling flexibility
- Increased credibility with owners, engineers, and contractors
- Demonstrated compliance with Chapter 17 of the Houston Building Code
- Streamlined project execution and documentation control
Who Needs This Service?
The City of Houston Approved Fabricator Program applies to companies that fabricate or assemble primary structural building components, including:
Structural Steel Fabricators
- Structural frames, beams, columns, and bracing
- Steel stair systems
- Load-bearing platforms and supports
Pre-Engineered Metal Building Manufacturers
- Structural building systems
- Rigid frames and structural assemblies
- Roof and wall framing systems
Precast Concrete Manufacturers
- Structural precast panels
- Load-bearing concrete components
- Reinforced concrete assemblies
Steel Joist & Deck Fabricators
- Open-web steel joists
- Joist girders
- Structural steel decking systems
Wood & Engineered Lumber Fabricators
- Roof and floor trusses
- Laminated beams and structural members
- Engineered wood assemblies
Specialty Structural Fabricators
- Cold-formed steel systems
- Structural insulated panels (SIPs)
- Modular structural assemblies
- Other load-bearing structural components
If your products become part of a building’s primary structural system, this program may apply to your operation.
Approval Pathways
Option A: Nationally Recognized Certification
Fabricators certified by a recognized national agency may qualify through a streamlined process.
Accepted programs may include:
- AISC
- PCI
- NPCA
- ICC
- IAPMO
- SJI
- TPI
- Other approved certification bodies
Typically required submittals:
- Fabricator Qualification Statement
- Proof of current certification
Application Submission Service (Optional)
For fabricators with existing certification, we offer a City of Houston application submission service for $250.
This includes:
- Review of certification documents
- Preparation of City application forms
- Submission of the application package
- Coordination of basic follow-up, if required
Option B: Independent Special Inspection Agency Review
Fabricators without national certification must undergo review and audit by an approved Special Inspection Agency.
This process includes:
- Review of fabrication procedures
- Review of Quality Control Manual
- Evaluation of Quality Control Program
- On-site fabrication facility audit
- Preparation of City-required documentation
- Submission of recommendation for approval
Quality Control Manual Requirement
All audits assume the fabricator already maintains a written Quality Control Manual and functioning Quality Control Program.
The Quality Control Manual typically includes:
- Material control and traceability
- Fabrication procedures
- Welding and bolting practices
- Inspection and testing requirements
- Nonconformance and corrective action procedures
- Personnel qualifications
- Equipment calibration and maintenance
- Documentation and recordkeeping
Need a Quality Control Manual?
If your company does not currently have a Quality Control Manual or formal program in place, we can develop one for you for an additional fee. Please contact us for a customized proposal.
Annual Renewal Requirements
Approved Fabricator status must be renewed annually.
Renewal typically includes:
- Updated audit of fabrication practices
- Verification of continued compliance
- Review of Quality Control Program
- Submission of renewal documentation
Renewal requirements may vary depending on whether certification is maintained through a national agency or the City audit process.
Approved Fabricator Audit Pricing
Our pricing is based on location and includes review of your Quality Control Program, Quality Control Manual, fabrication procedures, on-site audit, documentation preparation, and recommendation for City of Houston approval.
All pricing assumes the fabricator already has a written Quality Control Manual and established Quality Control Program.
Within 50 Miles of Downtown Houston
$1,500 Flat Fee
Includes:
- Quality Control Manual review
- Fabrication procedure review
- On-site fabrication audit
- City of Houston required documentation
- Recommendation letter
- Travel within 50 miles of Downtown Houston
Major Texas Metropolitan Areas
$1,750 Flat Fee
Applies to:
- Austin
- San Antonio
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
Includes all services above, including travel.
Anywhere Else in the United States
$2,500 Flat Fee
Includes:
- Full Quality Control Program review
- Facility audit
- Documentation preparation
- Recommendation letter
- Travel expenses
International Facilities
Pricing Varies
Projects outside the United States are quoted based on travel requirements, scope of work, and facility location.
Annual Renewal Audits
Annual renewal audits are generally priced the same as the initial audit unless otherwise agreed upon.
How We Help
As an approved Special Inspection Agency, we support fabricators through every stage of the approval process, including:
- Quality Control Manual review and evaluation
- Facility audits and inspections
- Documentation preparation and submittals
- City of Houston application support
- Annual renewal assistance
- Quality system improvements and consulting
We work directly with fabricators to ensure compliance, reduce administrative burden, and streamline approval with the City of Houston.
Get Started
Need help becoming a City of Houston Approved Fabricator or renewing your status?
Contact our team today to review your fabrication operations and determine the appropriate path to approval. We’ll help you understand requirements, evaluate your quality system, and guide you through the entire process.