Whether it is water infiltration or building damage, our team has extensive experience performing the necessary inspections and investigations to determine the cause of damage and provide a corrective course of action and remedial repair. Our experience includes but is not limited to investigating and identifying the causes of leaks into building interiors; assessing the impact of construction at adjacent properties on our clients’ buildings; and providing expert witness testimony on behalf of our clients in legal proceedings between building owners or developers.

SW Engineering Company has extensive experience evaluating façades, windows, roofing membranes, and storm drainage systems of new and historic buildings, recognizing deficiencies, and determining the necessary work to restore and preserve buildings and their features. Each property requires a specific process centered on an understanding of the original materials and methods of construction. We work in conjunction with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) when required to maintain the unique features of historic buildings, and our familiarity with the requirements of the Commission allow us to perform all project filing and correspondence services on behalf of building owners.

Our office provides support for the film industry, including location safety and structural analysis, design support for set construction and stunts, and assistance with city Buildings and Fire Departments. We are registered to do business in the states of New York and New Jersey.

The NYC Façade Inspection and Safety Program (FISP, formerly known as Local Law 11 of 1998) requires that buildings retain a Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI) to inspect all building façades and provide a report of their condition every five (5) years to the Department of Buildings (DOB). SW Engineering Company performs inspections from suspended scaffolding and/or boom lift trucks, composes the reports, and submits them according to DOB requirements. If inspections reveal the presence of defects requiring repairs, we can prepare construction documents, oversee competitive bidding to qualified contractors, and provide administration and management during the construction process to ensure that repairs are conducted according to the approved plans. We also have an affiliated NYC Special Inspection Agency, SWL Engineering Inspections, for projects that require special inspections during the course of construction.

CAPITAL BUDGETING AND PHYSICAL CONDITION SURVEYS

SW Engineering Company frequently assists management and ownership with proactively anticipating and budgeting for necessary capital expenditures to maintain building structure and equipment in good working order and compliant with all local laws.

APARTMENT ALTERATION REVIEWS

Our engineers can review construction drawings and other documents for cooperative and condominium shareholder/unit owner alterations to advise management of potential negative impacts to the building and/or other tenants/shareholders, as well as for compliance with building alteration agreements and NYC laws and building codes.

PROFESSIONAL PEER REVIEWS

SW Engineering Company can review construction documents and provide our independent professional opinion of the efficacy and code compliance of proposed work.

Our mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) team has decades of experience in the design and implementation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system upgrades, as well as installations of new systems. Typical projects include plumbing systems; central air conditioning systems (including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and controls); building heating systems (boiler and steam plants and control systems); oil to gas conversions; oil tank replacements; mechanical ventilation systems; electrical service upgrades; and plumbing riser replacements in both residential and commercial buildings.

Local Law 126 of 2021 requires that all properties with parking structures to undergo inspections by a trained professional and submit a report of their condition at least once every six (6) years. SW Engineering Company is available to perform all required inspections, prepare the report, and submit this report according to DOB requirements. If repairs or maintenance are found to be necessary, we can assist with developing the scope of work to maintain the parking structure in a code-compliant manner.

Special Inspections are required by the NYC Building Code to verify the quality of methods and materials in construction. SWE’s affiliated company, SWL Engineering Inspections, is a Class II Special Inspection Agency (License No. 006912) for a variety of inspections, including Steel, Concrete, Wood, Masonry, Fireproofing, Structural Stability and Post-Installed Anchors.

The diversity of existing buildings in New York City reflects the evolution of design and building construction over the city’s history, from simple brick masonry structures to later steel and concrete framed cavity wall structures and contemporary glass curtain wall skyscrapers. Our familiarity and expertise with each of these types of structures allows us to offer a broad range of structural engineering services for existing and new buildings.