Pre-Construction Surveys NYC
New York City requires pre-construction surveys for most construction projects. There's a good reason: pre-construction surveys protect all stakeholders and reduce the risk of damage claims and litigation.
Precon Survey
Residential Sites
Commercial Sites
Civic Sites
Historic Sites
About Pre-Construction Surveys
Pre-construction surveys are visual reviews of structures adjacent to a construction site. They provide a record of the conditions that existed prior to the start of construction.
For developers and contractors, pre-construction surveys can assist a defense against unwarranted damage claims.
For property owners, pre-construction surveys provide a record of baseline conditions that can help validate damage claims, if necessary.
Are Surveys Required?
Sections 1814.1 and 3309.4.3 of the New York City Building Codes specify pre-construction surveys. TPPN 10/88 specifies surveys and monitoring for historical buildings.
In general, pre-construction surveys are required for construction that involves any of the following activities:
- Excavation and trenching
- Blasting and demolition
- Foundation work
- Tunneling
What Conditions are Documented?
Pre-construction surveys identify any existing defects or signs of damage on interior and exterior surfaces of the structures.
The documentation consists of high-resolution photographs and written or recorded observations. Video and drone photography can be included as needed.
The images and observations are then organized and submitted to the client in digital form.
Reduce Exposure to Damage Claims
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Follow-Up Services
Monitoring Plans
GEO's monitoring plans present the location and type of instruments, frequency and duration of readings, and permissible movement and vibration criteria, in accordance with Sections 1814.3 and 3309.16 of the New York City Building Code.
Vibration Monitoring
Vibration monitors (seismographs) help contractors work within allowed vibration limits. Automated alerts and reports satisfy regulatory agencies and improve community relations.
Crack Monitoring
Crack gauges monitor changes in cracks identified in the survey. Building codes may require daily or weekly readings. Automated crack gauges eliminate site visits.
Optical Monitoring
Building codes may require optical monitoring of affected buildings. GEO's AMTS automated optical monitoring works around the clock without the cost of survey crews.
Dust Monitoring
Dust mitigation is required at most construction sites. GEO deploys real-time, automated dust monitors from Aeroqual.
Full Service Monitoring
GEO-Instruments specializes in automated geotechnical and structural monitoring.