Can I get a windstorm certificate if my project was completed without prior inspections?

Usually, yes. The WPI-8E Certificate of Compliance exists exactly for this situation: a TDI-appointed engineer evaluates the completed structure through visual inspection, selective testing such as fastener pull tests, and engineering analysis, then files the WPI-8E with TDI when the work meets windstorm building standards. If deficiencies are found, the engineer provides a remediation plan, and the certificate is issued after corrections are verified.

What is the difference between WPI-8 and WPI-8E?

WPI-8 is for ongoing construction — the engineer inspects at required stages while the work is happening. WPI-8E is for completed construction — the engineer retrospectively evaluates the finished structure. WPI-8E typically costs more because testing and analysis are needed to reconstruct evidence of compliance, but it is the standard route when in-progress inspections were never performed.

How long does a WPI-8E take?

Standard service is about 14 days from deposit to TDI submission. Rush service compresses this to 5 days with next-day inspection available. If testing or a remediation plan is required, the timeline extends by the scope of that work — we tell you upfront what your specific evaluation will require.

WPI-8E Post-Construction Inspection in Texas | Certify Completed Work Fast

WPI-8E Post-Construction Inspection: Certifying Completed Work

Quick Answer

A WPI-8E inspection lets you certify finished Texas coastal work that never received in-progress WPI-8 inspections. A TDI-appointed engineer evaluates the completed structure — visual inspection, selective testing, and engineering analysis — and files the WPI-8E Certificate of Compliance with TDI when the work meets windstorm code standards.

Who needs a WPI-8E evaluation

The WPI-8E path exists for projects that are done — and were never certified while the work was happening. We handle WPI-8E evaluations for:

Homeowners whose roof or addition was completed months or years ago without an appointed engineer.
Property owners who bought a coastal home and later discovered there is no certificate on file.
Contractors whose projects missed required inspection stages and now need to make it right for the owner.
Structures that were built without permits entirely, where the owner needs engineering evidence of compliance for insurance.

What the WPI-8E evaluation involves

Because the engineer could not watch the work being built, the evaluation reconstructs the evidence after the fact. Depending on the project that typically means:

Document review — permits, plans, product data, and any prior inspection records for the structure.
Visual inspection of the completed work for code-required details: fastener patterns, underlayment, flashing, framing connections, opening protection.
Selective testing where visual access is limited — for example fastener pull tests to verify deck attachment on a finished roof.
Engineering analysis — when testing is not possible, a licensed PE can sometimes demonstrate compliance through calculations accepted by TDI.

What happens if the work does not pass

If the evaluation finds deficiencies, the engineer documents them and prepares a remediation plan — the specific corrections needed for the structure to qualify for the WPI-8E. In many cases the fixes are limited and inexpensive (adding fasteners, correcting flashing details). Once your contractor completes the remediation, we re-inspect and file the certificate. You are never left guessing: you get a clear list of exactly what must change and why.

Cost and turnaround for WPI-8E work

Because the evaluation is more involved than staged inspections, completed-construction projects carry a surcharge ($250 to $1,000 depending on project type) on top of the base certification price — for example, residential re-roofing starts at $500 plus the surcharge and per-square-foot component. Standard turnaround is about 14 days from deposit to TDI submission; rush service (5 days) is available when a closing or insurance deadline is pressing.