Special Inspection in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County
What is Special Inspection?
Special inspection is the process of verifying that critical construction work complies with approved plans, building codes, and project specifications. It helps ensure safety, quality, and code compliance throughout construction. Special inspections are often required by building departments to verify that critical structural elements are installed correctly and meet code requirements.
Advantage Special Inspection (ASI) is an independent special inspection agency that drives your projects forward by providing timely and reliable special inspection and material testing services.
We provide special inspection services for all LA County categories, Structural Steel and Welding, Reinforced Concrete, Structural Masonry, Prestressed Concrete, Fireproofing, Shear wall, and Diaphragm Nailing.
Proudly serving the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County with professional special inspection services.
LA County Registered Special Inspector
George Alonzo is listed on the Los Angeles County Public Works Special Inspector Roster under three registrations:
Reinforced Concrete (C) - SPI-002609-2022
Structural Masonry (M) - SPI-002610-2022
Welding and High-Strength Bolting (W) - SPI-000210-2023
In the construction industry since 1999. Special inspection since 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for hiring and paying for the special inspector?
Under CBC Section 1704.2.1, the project owner or their authorized agent, typically the architect or engineer of record, is responsible for retaining the special inspector, not the contractor. In practice, contractors often coordinate the scheduling, but the contractual and financial responsibility falls on the owner or their representative.
How do I schedule an inspection, and do I need to pay upfront?
Scheduling is easy: just call, text, or email us. No credit card is necessary to schedule; we bill you once our work is done. We’re available 7 days a week, including holidays, and accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards.
Are you licensed, certified, and insured?
Yes. Advantage Special Inspection is ICC-certified and registered for LA County and surrounding areas, and we carry both general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
What is special inspection, and why do I need one?
Special inspection is an independent, code-mandated quality assurance process required under California Building Code Chapter 17 for critical structural work, including reinforced concrete, structural steel and welding, masonry, epoxy anchors, and shear walls. A certified special inspector verifies that the work matches your approved plans and Statement of Special Inspections. Without a completed special inspection record, your building department will not sign off on final inspection.
What types of special inspections does Advantage Special Inspection provide?
We provide special inspection services for all LA County categories, including Structural Steel and Welding, Reinforced Concrete, Structural Masonry, Prestressed Concrete, Fireproofing, and Shear Wall and Diaphragm Nailing.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County, including Alhambra, Arcadia, Altadena, Pasadena, Glendale, San Gabriel, San Marino, and Monterey Park.
Jurisdictions Where ASI Is Registered or Licensed
George Alonzo is registered as a special inspector, or ASI holds a current business license, in the following jurisdictions:
Los Angeles County
City of Whittier
City of Simi Valley
City of Baldwin Park
City of La Puente
City of Ontario
City of Santa Monica
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of El Monte
ASI inspectors work on jobsites across Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties.
Epoxy and wedge anchors: under Los Angeles County Building Code Manual BCM 1704 A1, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete and structural masonry special inspectors are permitted to inspect approved epoxy and other adhesive anchor connections. ASI performs epoxy and wedge anchor inspection under the Reinforced Concrete and Structural Masonry registrations listed above.
ASI assigns qualified special inspectors based on the inspection discipline, the certifications or jurisdiction approvals required, the project location and availability. For categories outside the registrations listed above, the assigned inspector holds the approvals required for that scope.