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.
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:
Approved Fabricator status provides significant operational and compliance benefits, including:
The City of Houston Approved Fabricator Program applies to companies that fabricate or assemble primary structural building components, including:
If your products become part of a building’s primary structural system, this program may apply to your operation.
Fabricators certified by a recognized national agency may qualify through a streamlined process.
Accepted programs may include:
Typically required submittals:
For fabricators with existing certification, we offer a City of Houston application submission service for $250.
This includes:
Fabricators without national certification must undergo review and audit by an approved Special Inspection Agency.
This process includes:
All audits assume the fabricator already maintains a written Quality Control Manual and functioning Quality Control Program.
The Quality Control Manual typically includes:
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.
Approved Fabricator status must be renewed annually.
Renewal typically includes:
Renewal requirements may vary depending on whether certification is maintained through a national agency or the City audit process.
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.
$1,500 Flat Fee
Includes:
$1,750 Flat Fee
Applies to:
Includes all services above, including travel.
$2,500 Flat Fee
Includes:
Pricing Varies
Projects outside the United States are quoted based on travel requirements, scope of work, and facility location.
Annual renewal audits are generally priced the same as the initial audit unless otherwise agreed upon.
As an approved Special Inspection Agency, we support fabricators through every stage of the approval process, including:
We work directly with fabricators to ensure compliance, reduce administrative burden, and streamline approval with the City of Houston.
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.
