A New Benchmark for Caribbean Luxury Hospitality
As part of its ongoing commitment to world-class hospitality, Sandals Resorts International recently unveiled the new Balmoral building at its Royal Caribbean resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The building features 36 beachfront suites that reflect Sandals’ forward-thinking vision for next-level guest experiences, with ocean views, luxury finishes, and an unmistakable connection to the surrounding Caribbean landscape.
Ensuring Structural Integrity with Independent Assessment
To make sure every part of the new Balmoral building lived up to its high standards, Sandals brought in Building Mavens – a South Florida engineering firm – as an independent expert to carry out a limited Property Condition Assessment (PCA). The aim of this commercial building inspection was to confirm that key exterior elements were fully aligned with the resort’s high safety and performance standards, especially given the coastal environment.
Engineering Review Aligned to Global Standards
On May 6, 2025, a licensed Building Mavens structural engineer visited the site to provide forensic engineering services and review the glazing systems installed in the new suites. The inspection looked closely at how the doors were anchored, their wind load resistance, and whether they met local safety and code requirements. The work was guided by ASTM E2018 standards, along with the 2023 Jamaica Building Code and ASCE 7-16 wind load criteria.
With a clearly defined, standards-based approach, Building Mavens conducted a targeted site inspection and documentation review, providing Sandals with the technical insights needed to ensure the project met safety, performance, and long-term durability goals.
This collaboration highlights how trusted third-party expertise in commercial property assessment can support luxury hospitality brands in delivering beautiful environments built to endure.
Schedule Your Assessment
Choosing Building Mavens for your Property Turnover Inspection or Property Condition Assessment means partnering with a South Florida team that values safety, integrity, and client satisfaction above all. We are passionate about helping our clients navigate the technical and regulatory complexities of building ownership transitions. Whether you are a developer preparing for turnover, a condo association or HOA seeking an independent assessment to hold a developer accountable, or an investor evaluating a property’s condition, we are here to bring clarity and transparency every step of the way and saving you money.
Ready to get started? Don’t wait until small issues become big problems. Proactively managing the turnover process and understanding your building’s condition can save you from costly surprises down the road. Contact Building Mavens today to schedule a consultation or to book your Property Turnover/Condition Assessment. Our experts will discuss your specific needs, provide a transparent quote, and arrange a convenient time for the inspection. We’ll also answer any questions you have about the process, licensing, or what to expect. Let us put our experience to work for you, ensuring a seamless transition and a strong foundation for your property’s future.
FAQs: Property Turnovers & Condition Assessments
Developer Turnover is the transfer of control of residential associations from developers to homeowners. In Florida, this process is regulated for Condominiums by statute 718.301 – transfer of association control; claims of defect by association. The statute requires developers to turn over control of the board of directors to homeowners when a certain threshold of units within a condominium has been sold to non-developer homeowners. Moreover, developers are required to provide associations with specific documents and reports, including an engineering report. The engineering report is a critical document that identifies and attests to the required maintenance, useful life, and replacement costs of specific applicable common elements, based on an inspection by a Florida Registered Architect or Florida licensed Professional Engineer.
Unlike the Developer Turnover Report required by Florida Statute 718, the condominium owner’s Association (COA) may choose to perform their own evaluation of the property and produce a report identifying alleged construction defects for a claim pursuant to Florida Statute 558 (Chapter 558 Construction Defects). Like the Turnover Inspection Report, the report must be prepared by a Florida Registered Architect or Florida licensed Professional Engineer. Unlike the Turnover Inspection Report, the Property Turnover Report identifies the location of the alleged defects, explains the issue and potential impact, and provides a recommendation for either further investigation or repair.
A property turnover assessment evaluates a building’s condition before it changes ownership or management, identifying needed repairs or maintenance. This ensures the new owner or manager is fully informed about the property’s state and any issues or repairs required, potentially avoiding disputes and ensuring the property’s value is accurately represented.
A typical condition assessment involves a detailed inspection of the building’s structure, systems (like HVAC, fire, electrical, and plumbing), and exterior elements to document current conditions and recommend maintenance or repairs.
We provide a detailed report with findings that identify and attest to the required maintenance, useful life, and replacement costs of the applicable Condominium common elements. This includes photographs, descriptions of conditions, and recommendations for repairs or improvements.
We recommend conducting regular assessments every 3-5 years to ensure ongoing maintenance needs are identified and addressed, protecting the property’s value and safety. This is especially crucial before a turnover or major financial decision regarding the property.
Yes, by identifying maintenance needs early, you can avoid more costly repairs later and extend the lifespan of building components.
Use the assessment report to prioritize and plan maintenance or renovation projects, ensuring you address the most critical needs first to maintain building safety and value.
The time required varies based on the property’s size and complexity, but assessments typically take several days to a few weeks to complete.
A property turnover and condition assessment should be conducted by a licensed professional or firm with a strong background in building inspections and engineering assessments. This ensures they have the requisite expertise and experience tailored to your property type, such as commercial buildings or condominiums. Ideal candidates will hold relevant licenses for conducting building inspections in Florida, including from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, and possess certifications from recognized industry organizations. This expertise should be complemented by extensive experience, particularly with properties in the local region, understanding of structural engineering, building systems, and safety standards, which are essential for a comprehensive evaluation.
The assessor’s professionalism and reliability are marked by his or her ability to provide detailed, understandable reports that include findings, photographs, and actionable recommendations, alongside a willingness to discuss these outcomes. The assessor’s utilization of the latest technologies, such as infrared thermography and drone inspections, indicates a commitment to thorough and efficient assessments. References and positive reviews from past clients with similar properties can also offer insights into the firm’s thoroughness and professionalism, helping you make an informed choice for your property turnover and condition assessment needs.
Moreover, ensuring that these professionals carry appropriate liability and professional indemnity insurance is key to protecting your interests.
Contact us through our website or call directly. We’ll discuss your needs and arrange a convenient time for the assessment.
About the Author
Scott Harvey-Lewis is the owner and President of Building Mavens, a leading Milestone Inspections and Engineering Consulting firm right here in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. With over 18 years of experience as a forensic engineer, Scott brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings. He holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is also a Licensed Professional Engineer in Florida and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Scott’s background is extensive, covering both public and private projects. He’s highly skilled in structural engineering design, construction oversight, and forensic analysis. This includes investigating structural failures, construction defects, and code compliance – all critical to maintaining safety and adhering to building codes. Beyond his investigative work, Scott is also an accomplished design engineer, contributing to various architectural elements from building envelope systems to designs for a wide range of structures. From the initial concept to the final inspection, Scott is dedicated to providing innovative and compliant engineering solutions.
You can contact me directly for more information: info@buildingmavens.com
