Historic Preservation & Landmark Preservation

 

One of the greatest pleasures of living and working in New York City is that you are surrounded by beautiful buildings wherever you go. When these older structures are in need of repair it is imperative that you seek out a professional with an intimate knowledge and passion for historic buildings that can assist you through the entire process. We don't just repair older buildings; we make them better than they ever were so this generation and the next can continue to safely and comfortably live in and appreciate these structures. We are passionate about Historic Preservation and this is what Mayas Engineering brings to the table:

​

1. Knowledge and experience in mid 19th Century to early 20th century construction methods

2. Understanding and appreciation for the materials used during this time period. Proper selection of appropriate and compatible materials.

3. When to apply the latest technology and construction methods and when to stick with the tried and true traditional construction methods

4. How to navigate the latest New York City Building Code and how it applies to historic buildings

5. How to achieve staff level approval for restoration projects with the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). this is required for most restoration projects for buildings designated as a Landmark by the LPC.

6. Assist the owner in identifying and safely removing or encapsulating harmful materials that were often used in older buildings such as lead paint and asbestos. 

 

Facade Inspection & Safety Program (FISP)

(also known as "Local Law 11")

​

Owners of New York City buildings six stories or higher are required to engage a Licensed Professional engineer to inspect the facade and railings every five years. The Engineer must be a Department of Buildings recognized Qualified Exterior Wall Inspector (QEWI). The QEWI is required to perform the inspection and file a report with the DOB classifying the buildings as "SAFE", "Safe With a Repair and Maintenance Program" (SWARMP) or "Unsafe". 

​

If your building requires a FISP inspection, your filing window depends on the last digit of your building’s block number. The inspection must be completed and the report filed before the end of your filing window.

​

It is strongly recommended that building owners or their agents schedule the FISP inspection at least twelve weeks before the end of your sub-cycle’s filing window to ensure enough time to generate the report and file it properly.

Mayas Engineering is qualified to perform the inspection and to generate and file the report and TR-6 form with the Department of Buildings.

 

Special Inspections

 

Special Inspections are required for some types of construction.  The inspection must be performed by a Special Inspector working on behalf of a registered Special Inspection Agency.  The Special Inspector’s role is to verify the construction work being performed is in accordance with the construction documents, typically the details and specifications.

​

As a Registered Special Inspection Agency, Mayas Engineering is qualified to perform Special Inspections for these categories:

​

1. Structural Stability

2. Masonry

3. Cast-in-place Concrete

4. Precast Concrete

5. Anchors and Bolts

6. Curtain Walls, wall panels, veneers

7. Sprayed Fireproofing

8. Exterior Insulation Finish System (EIFS)

9. Luminous Egress Path Markings

 

We will perform the inspection and file the proper paperwork and TR-1 form with the Department of Buildings.

​

Building Envelope Inspection – Façade | Roof | Windows

​

We will perform a comprehensive visual inspection and assessment of your building’s walls, roof and windows. We will clearly identify flawed or deteriorated areas and recommend repairs.

 

Façade and Roof Repair

​

We will prepare a professional set of drawings for façade or roof repair as the Design Professional of record for the project. We can also help with the bidding process and file the documents with Department of Buildings and Landmarks Commission as the Engineer of Record for the project. We can also perform routine inspections throughout the repair project to ensure the highest quality of repair work is being performed on your building.

​​

​

Leak Investigation

​

Leaks into building interiors and living spaces can be some of the worst headaches for property owners and managers alike. Leaks can be stressful to deal with and cause odors and property damage. Due to the harsh weather in the north-east, these problems tend to get worse with time unless permanent repairs are implemented. Using a variety of non-invasive investigation methods including visual inspection, reviewing as-built construction details, thermal infrared imaging and moisture meters, Mayas Engineering will help locate the source of the leak and provide detailed, long-lasting repair recommendations.

 

Alteration Review

​

If you are a property manager or a co-op or board member and one of your building’s units is proposing an apartment renovation, it’s always a good idea to get a third-party professional to review their architect’s proposed plans and scope of work to verify the proposed construction plan adheres to the highest industry standards and ensure . Each building and renovation is unique, and proper attention to detail now can avert complaints, confusion, disruption and property damage years into the future.

 

Sidewalk and Vault Repair

​

Unlike many other major cities in the United States, New Yorkers are accustomed to walking to their destinations. An average building may have thousands of pedestrians passing by each day. It’s important that sidewalks are well designed and maintained. Furthermore, many buildings throughout New York are built with vault structures that extend beyond the building line and under the sidewalk. Many of these vault structures are decades old and have persistent leaks . Since vaults tend to be out of sight and out of mind, it’s easy to neglect repair and maintenance.