There are two basic methods of securing a certificate for a project or construction. One is for construction not yet started or currently in progress, and the other is for a project or construction which has been completed. Without a doubt the first method is the easier and more certain than the second.
Method One
In the first method your engineer files a form with TDI called a WPI-1. This form is simply a way to inform the TDI that the work is going to me done. TDI does not respond or act on the WPI-1 it simply goes into a file and is available online if necessary. Most cities require a WPI-1 for any project that requires a permit. You can submit a WPI-1 for something as simple as replacing a window to something as complex as building a luxury home. It is a simple and fast process; your engineer fills out the form and it is immediately accessible for downloading.
This WPI-1 stays in the TDI system until the filing engineer follows up with a second form called the WPI-2. This is the form filed by the engineer indicating that all the work to be done is complete and in compliance with the building code as modified by TDI. The TDI reviews the form and if they feel all is in order then they will issue the final form the WPI-8. This is the “Certificate” that is so often referred to and which TWIA will want to see. As soon as the WPI-8 is issued it is available for reference on the TDI website and accessible to your insurance company.
Method Two
In this case all construction has been completed but for some reason no certificate was issued. Most often because the contractor did not contract with an engineer to do the work. In this case the engineer must do more work because they have not watched the project through the building stage. If the engineer can verify and prove to TDI that the work was done properly and meets code requirements they will file a form WPI-2E along with a supporting report to TDI. This process may include deconstruction of the project to some extent to verify construction was completed properly. If TDI feels that the construction is properly documented and does meet code requirements they will issue a WPI-8E which has the same value as the WPI-8 and is accepted by TWIA as proof that the construction is insurable. Because of the difficulty in establishing after the fact that the work was done properly this method of certification is riskier and more prone to failure.