Facade Inspection Services in New York City
QEWI-certified inspections for FISP / Local Law 11 compliance. We handle the full process — from close-up examination and cavity wall probes to DOB report filing — so your building stays compliant and violation-free.
What a Facade Inspection Involves
Under NYC's Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), buildings greater than six stories must have their exterior walls inspected every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector. The inspection covers all facades fronting a public right-of-way, with close-up examination drops at intervals no greater than 60 feet.
Our licensed engineers conduct hands-on, arm's-length inspections of every required area — including windows, balconies, parapets, cornices, and all exterior cladding materials. For buildings with cavity wall construction, we perform the investigative probes now mandated under Cycle 10.
After the field inspection, we prepare a detailed report with high-resolution photographs, condition maps, and clear recommendations. We file the report directly through the DOB NOW Safety portal and coordinate any necessary repairs if conditions are classified as SWARMP or UNSAFE.
Our Facade Inspection Includes
- Full visual examination of all street-facing facades
- Close-up drops at 60-foot intervals (scaffold or rope access)
- Cavity wall investigative probes (Cycle 10 requirement)
- Window, balcony, and cornice condition assessment
- High-resolution photo documentation and condition maps
- DOB NOW Safety report filing
- SAFE / SWARMP / UNSAFE classification with clear next steps
- Repair coordination if conditions require it
Why Facade Inspections Matter
Non-compliance with FISP is not a minor oversight — it carries real financial and legal consequences for building owners.
Fines Up to $20,000
The DOB issues violations and escalating civil penalties for buildings that miss their filing deadline — regardless of actual facade condition.
Legal Liability
If an uninspected facade causes injury, the building owner bears direct liability. A current FISP report is your documented proof of due diligence.
Deadline Pressure
The inspection, access coordination, probes, and DOB filing can take 3-6 months. Buildings that wait until the final year of their window frequently run out of time.
End-to-end compliance management
A full facade compliance cycle, not just a report.
ARCONDES helps owners and boards understand FISP findings, prioritize SWARMP or unsafe conditions, coordinate repair scopes, and keep DOB documentation moving toward closeout.
Inspection + documentation
Facade conditions are documented in a format owners, managers, boards, and DOB teams can act on.
Repair planning
Findings are translated into practical priorities, scopes, budgets, and contractor coordination support.
Closeout path
The goal is a clear route from inspection through repair completion, filing support, and reduced compliance risk.
How Our Facade Inspection Process Works
Free Assessment
We review your building's FISP status, confirm your sub-cycle deadline, and provide a clear scope of work with transparent pricing.
Field Inspection
Our QEWI-certified team conducts the full close-up examination with scaffold or rope access, including probes where required.
Report & Filing
We prepare a detailed report with photos and condition maps, then file directly through DOB NOW Safety within the 60-day window.
Repairs (If Needed)
If conditions are SWARMP or UNSAFE, our construction team coordinates and completes all necessary repairs through final sign-off.
Facade Inspection FAQ
What is a facade inspection in NYC?
A facade inspection is a mandatory examination of a building's exterior walls required under NYC's Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP), formerly known as Local Law 11. Buildings taller than six stories must have their facades inspected every five years by a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI).
How much does a facade inspection cost in NYC?
Costs depend on building size, number of street-facing facades, accessibility requirements, and whether cavity wall probes are needed. We provide free initial assessments and transparent pricing before any work begins.
What happens if my building fails a facade inspection?
If unsafe conditions are found, the building receives an UNSAFE classification. The DOB must be notified within 24 hours, and protective measures (like sidewalk sheds or netting) must be installed immediately. Repairs must be completed and a follow-up inspection filed.
How long does a facade inspection take?
The field inspection typically takes 1-3 days depending on building size. The complete process — from scheduling through DOB filing — usually takes 4-8 weeks. Starting early in your filing window is critical to avoid deadline pressure.
What is the difference between SAFE and SWARMP?
SAFE means no hazardous conditions were found. SWARMP (Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program) means minor conditions exist that are not immediately dangerous but require repairs within the filing cycle. Both classifications require a report filed with the DOB.
Schedule Your Facade Inspection
Don't wait for a violation. Contact us for a free FISP status check and a clear, transparent proposal.