From Concept to Compliance. From Innovation to Market Approval.
Bringing a new building product to market requires more than great design—it demands engineering validation, regulatory alignment, and third-party acceptance. The IBIS Group experts can help manufacturers, developers, and design professionals navigate complex building code requirements and certification pathways to achieve market-ready, code-compliant products.
We provide end-to-end technical consulting for product development, performance validation, and code acceptance through organizations such as ICC-ES, IAPMO, and accredited testing and certification bodies.
What We Do
Engineering That Accelerates Approval and Reduces Risk
The IBIS Group can serve as your technical partner throughout the entire product lifecycle—from early design through formal code evaluation—ensuring your product meets performance, safety, and regulatory requirements before it reaches the market.
Below are some standards for your consideration to consider including but not limited to:
Services We Provide
Product Design & Engineering Support
- Concept feasibility and performance benchmarking
- Structural and safety engineering analysis
- Design optimization for code compliance
- Load, durability, and serviceability evaluations
- Risk and failure mode analysis
The documentation includes a custom Quality Manual, applicable Standard Operating Procedures, as well as supporting logs, forms, lists, databases, and applicable references. In addition, added value is provided depending on your process by providing valuable resources striving towards continuous improvement.
The IBIS Group implementation includes one-on-one review of the QMS to ensure a successful implementation to the specific quality process, providing insights for each aspect of the QMS, and identifying areas of continuous improvement.
We guide clients through the technical and documentation process for:
- ICC-ES Evaluation Reports (ESR)
- ICC-ES Engineering Equivalence Reports (EER)
- IAPMO / IAPMO R&T Listings
- Third-party product listings and approvals
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) acceptance packages
Testing & Validation Coordination
- Test plan development and protocol alignment
- Laboratory coordination with ISO 17025 accredited facilities
- Performance and compliance testing oversight
- Reference recognized and valid international test standards (ASTM, CSA, ISO, ANSI)
- Technical peer review of test reports and results
Technical Documentation & Submittals
- Product technical data sheets
- Installation and compliance manuals
- Engineering calculation packages
- Evaluation and certification submissions
- Technical responses to reviewer comments
WHO WE SERVE
- Building product manufacturers
- Startups and product innovators
- Architects and design professionals
- Modular and prefab system developers
- Construction technology companies
- Distributors and specifiers
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE US
Engineering Expertise Meets Regulatory Insight
✔ Licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.)
✔ Deep knowledge of ICC, IAPMO, ASTM, UL, and NFPA standards
✔ Experience with ESR and product listing processes
✔ Strong relationships with accredited testing labs
✔ Clear, efficient documentation and reviewer communication
✔ Faster approvals and reduced market entry risk
Our Process
01.
Product & Market Review
We evaluate your product concept, intended use, and target markets to define regulatory and performance requirements.
02.
Code Pathway Strategy
We determine whether prescriptive compliance, performance-based design, or alternative methods are most effective.
03.
Engineering & Testing
We develop calculations, test plans, and validation strategies to demonstrate compliance.
04.
Certification & Submittal Support
We prepare and manage technical packages submitted to ICC-ES, IAPMO, or other certification bodies.
05.
Approval & Market Support
We assist with AHJ acceptance, specifier outreach, and ongoing compliance updates.
Manufacturer FAQ
Building Product Code Compliance & Certification Supporta
What certification or approval does my product need?
The required approval depends on your product’s intended use, performance claims, and target markets. We evaluate whether your product should pursue:
- ICC-ES Evaluation Report (ESR) and Engineering Equivalence (EER)
- IAPMO / IAPMO R&T Product Listing
- Third-party product certification
- Alternative Materials and Methods (AMM) approval through local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
We help determine the fastest and most defensible compliance pathway.
What is the difference between ICC-ES and IAPMO certification?
ICC-ES issues Evaluation Reports (ESRs) that demonstrate compliance with the IBC/IRC and are widely accepted by building officials.
IAPMO provides product listings and certifications, often focused on plumbing, mechanical, and building product performance standards.
We help identify which program best aligns with your product type and market strategy.
What is the difference between ICC-ES and IAPMO certification?
ICC-ES issues Evaluation Reports (ESRs) that demonstrate compliance with the IBC/IRC and are widely accepted by building officials.
IAPMO provides product listings and certifications, often focused on plumbing, mechanical, and building product performance standards.
We help identify which program best aligns with your product type and market strategy.
How long does the certification process take?
Timelines vary based on product complexity, testing requirements, and reviewer feedback. Typical ranges:
- Code pathway and test planning: 2–4 weeks
- Testing and documentation: 1–3 months
- Certification review: 2–4 months
We streamline documentation and reviewer communication to reduce delays and revisions.
Do I need to test my product before applying for certification?
Yes. Most certification programs require performance testing aligned with ASTM, ANSI, UL, or other recognized standards. We develop:
- Test plans and protocols
- Laboratory coordination with ISO 17025 accredited labs
- Technical review of test results to ensure they meet certification requirements
Can you help if my product doesn’t fit prescriptive code language?
Absolutely. We specialize in Alternative Materials and Methods (AMM) pathways and performance-based compliance strategies when products are innovative or non-traditional.
Can you help if my product doesn’t fit prescriptive code language?
Absolutely. We specialize in Alternative Materials and Methods (AMM) pathways and performance-based compliance strategies when products are innovative or non-traditional.
Will your firm prepare and submit documentation to ICC-ES or IAPMO?
Yes. We manage the engineering and technical components of the submission process, including:
- Engineering calculations and compliance reports
- Test data packages
- Technical data sheets and installation manuals
- Responses to reviewer comments and requests for clarification
Do you work directly with certification reviewers?
Yes. We serve as your technical liaison, helping clarify engineering issues, respond to review comments, and ensure your product is evaluated against the correct standards and code provisions.
What information do you need to get started?
We typically request:
- Product drawings and specifications
- Intended use and performance claims
- Target markets and jurisdictions
- Prior test reports (if available)
- Installation instructions and product literature
Can you help with AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) acceptance?
Yes. We prepare AHJ submittal packages and support building officials by providing:
- Code compliance summaries
- Engineering justifications
- Certification documentation
- Technical responses to local reviewer questions
Do you support international manufacturers entering the U.S. market?
Yes. We assist international clients with U.S. code alignment, testing coordination, and certification strategies to meet IBC, IRC, and local jurisdiction requirements.
What types of products do you support?
We work with a wide range of products, including:
- Structural and modular building systems
- Pedestrian safety and access products
- Flooring, railing, and barrier systems
- Cladding and exterior envelope components
- Temporary and event structure products
How are your fees structured?
We offer transparent hourly and project-based pricing with defined scopes of work. Certification and testing fees charged by third parties are billed separately.
Will your services help reduce time-to-market?
Yes. By identifying correct code pathways, testing requirements, and documentation standards early, we help reduce redesign, retesting, and reviewer back-and-forth—often saving months in the approval process.