1ST Choice Consulting & Advising provides structural engineering and IBC special inspections in Houston for new homes, additions, and structural changes. We design structural work and inspect construction against approved plans. Our reports record inspections and any problems found.
Our internal Houston engineering consultant reviews your engineering and inspection needs and defines the services included in your quote.
Special inspections check building work that needs expert review, such as foundation piers, steel connections, and post-tension systems. Houston’s single-family home checklist lists this work. Your approved plans and permit show which inspections your home needs.
Houston’s home permit guide covers new homes, additions, and remodels. Many homes follow the International Residential Code. Some work designed by an engineer may also need IBC Chapter 17 inspections in Texas. IBC stands for International Building Code.
Rebar is steel that strengthens concrete. Depending on your plans, foundation inspections and tests may cover:
Post-tension foundations use steel cables tightened after the concrete gains strength. Houston’s post-tension foundation policy requires a sealed engineering design and reports from qualified special inspectors. The soil report guides required soil tests. Our quote lists tests that need a lab or another provider.
Steel beams and columns may support open floor plans or additions. We check the welds and high-strength bolts listed in the inspection plan. Some welds need tests for hidden flaws. Our steel connection design guide covers joint design.
Removing a wall or adding living space may require structural design and inspections. Houston’s home remodel guide lists:
Our structural engineering services cover design work alongside special inspections.
A general home inspection before buying a property covers more than the structural work. A concern about an existing home’s structure may need review by an engineer.
We can inspect work designed by another engineer as a third-party inspection engineer in Houston. Your builder remains responsible for construction and corrections.
Our engineering services are provided by a Texas professional engineer. Inspectors need training in the work they check. The Texas engineering board search lists licensed engineers and firms. Houston’s inspector qualification form records staff training. An inspection agency approved by the City of Houston must have current city registration for the work it checks.
The Statement of Special Inspections for Houston projects lists required inspections and tests. Our Houston engineering consultant can prepare it as part of our engineering services or review a statement supplied by another design professional. Under the International Building Code, the statement lists:
We schedule IBC special inspections in Houston to match these stages of work:
Work must remain exposed for inspection.
During continuous inspection, the inspector stays throughout the task. For periodic inspection, the inspector visits at set stages or intervals. The International Building Code and related standards set how often checks take place. IBC Chapter 17 inspections in Texas may need both types.
City inspection requirements also apply:
The city’s structural permit guidance explains the survey requirement.
Our reports for IBC special inspections in Houston record:
Metal building inspections cover bracing and members supporting roof and wall panels, as required by the Houston building code amendments. We also provide steel detailing and fabricator support, including shop drawings and quality control audits. Our approved fabricator guide explains Houston’s approval process.
Houston uses the 2021 International Building Code with local changes. The city’s adopted codes and special inspection rules explain requirements for commercial building code compliance in Houston. Reports and test results record the work checked, any problems found, and how they were fixed.
Our TDI windstorm inspection services cover homes and businesses in eligible coastal areas. Windstorm certificates follow a separate process from Chapter 17 reports. A Texas professional engineer appointed by TDI may check work as it is built. The TDI windstorm inspection guide explains the steps.
Verify the current registration of a City of Houston approved inspection agency. Check the listed specialties and staff qualifications. Use the Houston registered special inspectors list.
