A lot of people are confused about responsibilities that can cost a building owner time, money and unnecessary stress. I have seen why it matters to know who is inspecting the exterior, who is preparing the repair plan and who is actually carrying out the work.

These responsibilities are connected, but they are not interchangeable. If you are preparing for a facade inspection or planning repairs, here is how I would approach it. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about this topic.

The QEWI

Who They Are

A Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector, commonly called a QEWI, is a New York State-licensed professional engineer (PE) or registered architect (RA) who meets the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) requirements for facade inspections and report filing.

Having a professional licence alone does not automatically mean someone is authorised to file these reports. Before engaging anyone, I recommend checking the DOB's current list of approved professionals and confirming their eligibility.

What They Do

The inspection specialist is responsible for evaluating the building's exterior under the applicable inspection requirements. Their work generally includes:

• Performing the critical examination: Assessing accessible exterior wall areas and identifying deterioration, damage or potentially hazardous conditions.
• Classifying the facade: Determining the appropriate condition classification based on the findings and applicable DOB requirements.
• Filing the report: Submitting the required inspection report through DOB NOW: Safety.
• Updating the record: Filing an amended report when required after relevant conditions have been corrected or the filing needs to be updated.

The inspection is more than a visual check from the pavement. The professional must evaluate the building using appropriate inspection methods and access arrangements for its conditions. One point I always stress is that the findings should guide the next decision.

The Engineer or Architect

Repair Design And Oversight

Once inspection findings are available, the building may need a design professional to turn them into a workable construction plan. Depending on the project, this person may prepare a detailed scope of work, specify suitable repair methods, review proposals, answer technical questions and monitor progress.

I recommend having the scope clearly documented before requesting prices. For example, if the building needs masonry repairs and lintel replacement, each bidder should receive consistent information about the affected areas, materials, access requirements and expected deliverables.

Sometimes, the same licensed professional also holds the required DOB approval to carry out the facade inspection. In other cases, the owner engages separate professionals. The right arrangement depends on the building, the scope and the qualifications required for each responsibility.

The Contractor

What We Do

Our role on the construction side is to carry out the agreed repairs safely and in line with the approved scope, applicable requirements and project documents. Depending on the building's needs, this work may include:

• Masonry repairs and repointing
• Lintel repair or replacement
• Parapet repairs
• Stone restoration
• Fire escape repair and painting
• Scaffolding, sidewalk sheds and other access systems

Before work begins, I want the scope, access arrangements, schedule and responsibilities to be clear. That gives the owner and building team a shared understanding of what is included.

During construction, concealed deterioration can sometimes appear after damaged material is removed. When that happens, I recommend documenting the condition, informing the relevant professionals and obtaining approval for any required scope or price change.

Who Does What

Here is a breakdown of the main responsibilities.

The precise division of work depends on the building and contract. The key is to establish responsibilities in writing rather than assume that one party will automatically handle everything.

How to Choose

I would approach the selection process in four steps.

For more information about our approach, visit the Brooklyn contractor page or read our Local Law 11 compliance guide.

In Brooklyn

Building conditions and access can vary considerably across Brooklyn. Landmark requirements can add another layer of coordination where proposed work requires review. Narrow sidewalks, neighbouring properties, resident access and the placement of protective equipment can also affect planning.

I recommend discussing these conditions before the schedule is finalised. The inspection findings, repair scope, access arrangements and required approvals should all inform the construction plan.

A well-coordinated project starts with clear responsibilities. When the owner, inspection professional, design team and repair crew understand their respective roles, it becomes easier to address problems, document decisions and keep the work moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Planning Exterior Repairs?

After more than a decade in building restoration, my advice remains simple: establish who is responsible for the inspection, who will define the work and who will carry it out before the project begins.

If your Brooklyn building needs exterior repairs, our team can discuss the construction scope, access requirements and coordination involved.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Confirm the latest building-specific requirements with the appropriate licensed professionals or call us now for details.