A key component of the code compliance review process involves reviewing multiple codes and standards that apply to the project scope. Depending on the size and complexity, this may include state codes, local government codes, and industry standards such as NFPA, UL, and ASHRAE. SJH has extensive experience working with state and federal codes, including NYS Code, NYC FDNY, NYC Health Department, and national standards from ADA, IECC, NFPA, and ASHRAE.

Additionally, SJH provides comprehensive ADA Compliance services to ensure that infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes conducting ADA audits and assessments, designing accessible site improvements, and providing guidance on compliance for both new and existing projects. SJH has successfully performed curb ramps and sidewalk designs as well as parking and signage compliance solutions. 

SJH provides a range of construction support services, including construction administration, site inspections, and both written and graphic interpretations and clarifications. Additionally, our team reviews shop drawings, field orders, change orders, and other submittals, while providing commissioning, testing, written reports, and interpretations of construction documents. Our team is highly skilled in preparing drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation. We conduct inspections to ensure compliance with contract documents and prepare necessary certifications, as well as operation and maintenance manuals.

SJH has provided cost estimating and construction scheduling services for various government and private agencies. We offer cost estimating for all project phases, including conceptual planning, schematic design, design development, and 100% construction document phases. The estimating process begins with gathering all available information, such as plans, specifications, blueprints, drawings, cut sheets, and photographs, to compile a report. Once this information is reviewed, a decision is made regarding the most appropriate estimating approach: utilizing digitizers (electronic measuring boards that calculate areas and lengths automatically), scales (requiring estimators to calculate areas manually), or field measurements (physically measuring the space). Our estimating staff are fully conversant with the reconciliation process at any design stage. We analyze both quantity take-offs and unit prices to identify differences in cost between estimates. We can develop reasonable estimates for projects of varying sizes and complexity for numerous agencies.

Traditionally, as an integral part of SJH’s design services, we provide a constructability review for all our designs. We have delivered these services to various transportation agencies during both the initial design and construction phases. The constructability review is conducted by an independent team comprising professionals with extensive construction experience who are separate from the design team. These team members are generally well-versed in the agency’s protocols and the geographic context of the construction site. As part of the review, the team assesses site constraints, contractor laydown and storage areas, staging sequences, and other constructability issues, such as utility interference. Additionally, they evaluate the construction schedule and the estimated construction cost.

We have experienced schedulers who can develop project schedules for both design and construction projects. At SJH, we typically use Primavera Scheduling Software to create and manage project schedules. These schedules are regularly tracked to ensure milestone submissions are met and budgets are controlled effectively. SJH maintains control over costs and schedules by clearly defining the scope, negotiating reasonable prices, and executing the work to achieve complete client satisfaction. The process begins with the development of a work plan that includes realistic schedules and budgets, ensuring staff availability as needed. Progress is measured against task schedules and milestones integrated into the work plan. Budget progress is assessed by comparing costs and hours expended against the budgets outlined in the plan.

SJH is an approved Class 3 Special Inspection Agency in the following codes:

• Structural Steel – Welding, BC 1704.3.1
• Structural Steel – Details, BC 1704.3.2
• Structural Steel – High Strength Bolting, BC 1704.3.3
• Structural Cold-Formed Steel, BC 1704.3.4
• Concrete – Cast-In-Place, BC 1704.4
• Concrete – Precast, BC 1704.4
• Concrete – Prestressed, BC 1704.4
• Masonry, BC 1704.5
• Wood – Installation of High-Load Diaphragms, BC 1704.6.1
• Wood – Installation of Metal-Plate-Connected Trusses, BC 1704.6.2
• Wood – Installation of Prefabricated I-Joists, BC 1704.6.3
• Subgrade Inspection, BC 1704.7.1
• Subsurface Conditions – Fill Placement & In-Place Density, BC 1704.7.2, BC 1704.7.3
• Subsurface Investigations (Borings/Test Pits), BC 1704.7.4
• Deep Foundation Elements, BC 1704.8
• Vertical Masonry Foundation Elements, BC 1704.9
• Wall Panels, Curtain Walls, and Veneers, BC 1704.10
• Sprayed Fire-resistant Materials, BC 1704.11
• Smoke Control Systems, BC 1704.15
• Structural Stability – Existing Buildings, BC 1704.20.1
• Excavations, BC 1704.20.2
• Sprinkler Systems, BC 1704.23
• Standpipe Systems, BC 1704.24
• Heating Systems, BC 1704.25
• Chimneys, BC 1704.26
• Fire-resistant Penetrations and Joints, BC 1704.27
• Aluminum Welding, BC 1704.28
• Luminous Egress Path Markings, BC 1704.30 / BC 1024.8
• Emergency & Standby Power Systems (Generators), BC 1704.13 / BC 2702
• Seismic Isolation Systems, BC 1707.8

SJH provides consulting services and professional staffing in areas such as architecture, engineering, scheduling, cost estimating, construction management, inspection, and other consulting engineering services. The disciplines for these services include structural, civil, and MEP engineering, as well as architectural design.

In addition to providing skilled staff, SJH offers meaningful input to keep projects on track. We continuously recruit and train staff, placing them at various locations for project assignments. SJH has successfully placed staff with varying levels of experience across several government agencies.

Our team is committed to maximizing the value of our client’s investments in their facilities through value engineering and life cycle cost analyses. Cost management is integral to our approach, and each effort is tailored to the specific project requirements. This may range from a careful cost comparison of various components and systems to a series of discussions undertaken at different design stages. We provide subject matter experts (SMEs) specializing in disciplines such as civil, structural, geotechnical, constructability review, and utilities.

The project team evaluates alternatives in terms of performance, quality, and cost impact, subsequently recommending the best designs, materials, or systems to our clients. Our success in value engineering is rooted in researching and developing new products, coupled with hands-on experience in designing complex projects. Additionally, we analyze cost tradeoffs for equipment and demonstrate the relationship between initial acquisition costs and life cycle operating costs, helping clients make more informed decisions.