Third Party Inspections
Expediting the inspection process. What are DC third party inspections, who gets them, and how?
DC Third Party Inspections
Section: Investor Intel
Author: Susan Isaacs, Washington DC Real Estate Strategist
What Is A Third Party Inspection?
A person or company retained by a permit applicant or holder to provide code compliance plan reviews or inspections of a District of Columbia building project, in accordance with procedures of construction codes and the DC Third Party Program Procedure Manual.
The program was created to establish and review provider qualifications increase oversight of approved third-party agencies. The program manual (adopted November 6, 2017, and revised December 7, 2018) outlines qualifications required for approval by the DOB (see Sections 6-1405.02 and 6-1405.04 of Title 6 of the DC Official Code).
Who Pays For Third Party Inspections?
Third party inspections are contracted at the expense of the applicant or the permit holder, allowing the applicant to chose the inspector or company, and dictate the schedule.
DOB construction inspections, by contrast, are included in the price of the permit fee. The DOB states that their Inspections can be scheduled within two (2) weeks. DOB inspectors are certified and approved. An inspector is assigned, not chosen by the applicant.
Third Party Inspection Resources
TERTIUS is the online platform created by the DOB for use in selecting and contracting with approved District of Columbia third party inspectors.
Read The Series
The DC Real Estate Investment Compass
These articles were originally published in my Tools section at realestateinthedistrict.com. Now they live here—on DC Real Estate Channel.
Zuzu Notes
Timing and planning your house hack often involves scaling. Many property owners initially begin with a basement rental in the home they occupy, later lease the upper floor, then expand to other methods. Or simply repeat!
Start With The Basics
Whether you’re investing in DC real estate as a side hustle or full-time business, understanding the local real estate market and fundamentals is key.
How I Help
Guidance and education
Off-market opportunities
Skill, experience and resources
Assembling A Team
Having a team of professionals in place will ease acquisition and management of your investment portfolio.
Your Realtor, lenders, property manager, contractors and vendors functioning as a team can identify opportunities, speed transitions, address issues, and increase profitability.