Local Law 152 is still a relatively new rule impacting buildings in NYC that use gas power and many property owners are still trying to determine how to budget for inspections. With only the first group having so far been required to complete their inspection, there are questions about the costs of the mandated inspection and what property owners can expect to pay during the year in which their Local Law 152 inspection is due.
Although every inspection cost will vary depending on the specifics of your property, these are some of the costs you should be aware of and consider budgeting for.
What to Expect for Your Local Law 152 Costs
An LL 152 inspection requires a licensed master plumber to inspect your gas piping system starting at the meter and, if applicable, stopping at tenant spaces. Exposed gas lines must be tested for leaks and signs of physical damage.
The initial cost of the inspection is largely dependent on the size of your property with costs often starting around $800, although they can go as high as $10,000 for larger properties with a more complex gas piping system layout.
But if damage is found during the inspection, you are also liable for the cost of repairs and these can vary more widely. Ideally an inspection will expose no damages and you will not face any additional costs.
However, if there are concerns with your gas piping system these factors can influence the cost of staying compliant with Local Law 152:
- Location of Damage – If accessing damage requires excavation or getting behind drywall, it can add $1,000 or more to the cost of repair to address the damage and then repair drywall or surfaces.
- Involved Appliances – Appliances that are using natural gas and are part of the damage may result in increased costs to repair or replace them.
- Repair or Replacement – Addressing issues in an existing gas pipe system or appliance with repair is often more affordable than replacing pipes and appliances.
- Extent of Damage – More advanced damage and damage over a wider area will almost always cost more to repair.
Because damage can range widely, repair costs for Local Law 152 often vary. Costs after an inspection to bring everything up to code may range from a few $100 to more than $10,000.
These costs can seem extreme, but completing your inspection and repairs on schedule and in accordance with regulations can help you avoid larger penalties, which are often far greater than the cost of the inspection. At Empire Plumbing, we prioritize affordable inspection services and provide upfront pricing on both inspections and repairs to help you comply with this new law while also staying under budget. Get a cost estimate for the price of a LL 152 inspection at your property today.