Milestone Structural Inspections
Condo and co-op buildings three habitable stories or more, starting at 30 years.
What the Program Requires
Residential condominium and cooperative buildings three habitable stories or more
By December 31 of the year the building turns 30, then every 10 years. The local building department may set 25 years based on local conditions such as proximity to salt water.
An architect licensed under chapter 481 or an engineer licensed under chapter 471
The association, any other owner of part of the building, and the local building official
The Details That Matter
A milestone inspection has two phases. Phase one is a visual examination of habitable and nonhabitable areas with a qualitative assessment of structural conditions, completed within 180 days after the owner receives the building department's notice. Phase two is required only if phase one finds substantial structural deterioration, and it may include destructive or nondestructive testing.
The report must be signed and sealed, identify any substantial structural deterioration and recommended repairs, state whether unsafe or dangerous conditions were observed, and identify items needing further inspection. The association must send the inspector's summary to every unit owner within 45 days.
An architect or engineer who bids on the inspection must disclose in writing any intent to bid on the repair work the inspection may recommend.
Before You Take This Work
- Professional liability policies define the services they cover. Check that yours describes inspection and report work accurately, not only design, and tell your agent roughly how much of your revenue comes from this work.
- The inspector's summary goes to every unit owner and the sealed report goes to the building official, so a dispute about a finding can involve many people at once. Report a demand or a threat of a claim to your insurer before you respond.
Official sources
Every fact on this page comes from these sources, read in October 2026. Laws change; read the current text before relying on it.
General information, not legal advice or a statement of coverage. Laws and local rules change; read the current text at the source links and confirm requirements with the building department. Whether a policy responds depends on its wording and the facts. Hardcover is an insurance agency, not a law firm.
Doing This Work? Let’s Check Your Coverage.
We check that your policy describes the inspection work you actually do, before a report is questioned.