Inspection Procedures
Document Type: Procedure
Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 2026
Distribute To: Superintendents, QC Managers, Project Managers
Purpose
Establish procedures for conducting inspections at critical phases of construction to verify quality, compliance with specifications, and readiness for subsequent work.
Inspection Philosophy
"Inspect before covering, not after the call-back."
Principles:
- Inspect at each critical phase
- Document every inspection
- Correct issues before proceeding
- Never cover defective work
- Involve responsible parties
Types of Inspections
| Type | Who Conducts | When |
|---|---|---|
| QC Inspection | Contractor QC | Before cover-up |
| Official Inspection | Building Inspector | Per permit |
| Third-Party Testing | Testing Agency | Per spec |
| Owner/Architect | Design Team | Progress and final |
| Specialty | Competent Person | Per OSHA/code |
Inspection Timing Matrix
| Work Phase | Inspection Required | Triggered By |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | Competent person | Before entry |
| Foundations | Pre-pour, forms, rebar | Before pour |
| Structural | Connections, welds | Before cover |
| MEP Rough | Before close-up | Before drywall |
| Insulation | Before cover | Before drywall |
| Waterproofing | Before cover | Before backfill |
| Finishes | Quality check | Before punch |
Pre-Pour Inspection (Concrete)
When Required:
- Before any concrete placement
- Foundations, slabs, walls, elevated decks
Inspection Checklist:
Forms:
- Correct alignment and dimensions
- Properly braced and supported
- Clean (no debris)
- Release agent applied
- Snap ties/form ties secure
- Chamfer strips (if required)
Reinforcement:
- Correct bar sizes per drawings
- Correct spacing
- Adequate cover (chairs, spacers)
- Lap splices correct length
- Tied securely
- Dowels for future work
Embedded Items:
- Anchor bolts in place
- Sleeves installed
- Conduit roughed in
- Plumbing roughed in
- Embeds for steel
Ready for Pour:
- Forms wet down (if required)
- Mix design approved
- Pump/conveyance ready
- Weather acceptable
- Cure materials on-site
Pre-Close Inspection (MEP Rough-In)
When Required:
- Before closing walls (drywall, paneling)
- Before closing ceilings (drop ceiling)
Inspection Checklist:
Mechanical:
- Ductwork installed per plan
- Proper support/hangers
- Seams sealed
- Dampers accessible
- Clearances maintained
- Insulation (if at this stage)
Electrical:
- Boxes at correct height
- Proper wire size
- Supports adequate
- Code clearances maintained
- Grounding verified
- Low voltage roughed
Plumbing:
- Piping per plan
- Proper slope (drains)
- Test caps in place
- Supports adequate
- Fire stopping materials ready
Fire Protection:
- Heads at correct locations
- Proper coverage
- Supports adequate
- Escutcheons ready
General:
- Blocking installed
- Penetrations located correctly
- Fire stopping noted
- Coordination complete
Structural Steel Inspection
When Required:
- Connection inspections
- Weld inspections
- Before enclosure
Inspection Checklist:
Bolted Connections:
- Correct bolt size and grade
- Correct number of bolts
- Washer placement correct
- Proper torque verified
- All holes filled
Welded Connections:
- Welder certification verified
- WPS followed
- Visual inspection complete
- NDT complete (if required)
- Weld size per drawings
General:
- Member sizes correct
- Orientation correct
- Elevations correct
- Plumb and level
- Touch-up paint applied
Waterproofing/Roofing Inspection
When Required:
- Before covering/backfill
- At each layer (multi-ply systems)
Inspection Checklist:
Surface Preparation:
- Substrate clean and dry
- Primer applied (if required)
- Defects repaired
- Moisture testing (if required)
Membrane Application:
- Correct material per spec
- Proper laps and seams
- Adhesion verified
- Penetrations sealed
- Transitions detailed
Flashings:
- Terminations sealed
- Corners detailed
- Penetration flashings
- Counter-flashing (if required)
Protection:
- Protection board (below grade)
- Drainage (if required)
- Ready for backfill/cover
Final/Punch Inspection
When Required:
- Before substantial completion
- Before owner walk
Inspection Checklist:
Overall:
- All work complete
- Clean and debris-free
- Temporary items removed
- Finishes acceptable
Systems:
- All systems operational
- Testing complete
- Controls functional
- Balancing complete
Documentation:
- Inspections passed
- Test reports complete
- Certifications obtained
- As-builts updated
Inspection Documentation
Inspection Report Format:
================================================================
INSPECTION REPORT
================================================================
PROJECT: _________________________ DATE: _______________
INSPECTION TYPE: _________________________________________
LOCATION: ________________________________________________
INSPECTED BY: ____________________________________________
================================================================
ITEMS INSPECTED:
| Item | Spec Ref | Pass | Fail | NA | Comments |
|------|----------|------|------|----|-----------
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
================================================================
DEFICIENCIES NOTED:
1. ______________________________________________________
Location: ____________________________________________
Action Required: _____________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
Location: ____________________________________________
Action Required: _____________________________________
================================================================
RESULT:
☐ Approved - Ready to proceed
☐ Approved with conditions (see deficiencies)
☐ Not approved - Correct and reinspect
================================================================
Inspector Signature: _____________________ Date: ________
Acknowledged By: _________________________ Date: ________
================================================================
Third-Party Testing Coordination
Common Tests:
| Test | When | Who Schedules |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete testing | Each pour | Contractor |
| Steel inspection | Per plan | Contractor |
| Soils compaction | Before paving | Contractor |
| HVAC balancing | After install | Mechanical sub |
| Electrical testing | After install | Electrical sub |
| Roof/wall testing | After install | Contractor |
Scheduling:
- 48-hour notice minimum
- Confirm availability
- Coordinate with work schedule
- Have area accessible
Failed Tests:
- Stop work in affected area
- Investigate root cause
- Implement correction
- Retest
- Document everything
Building Department Inspections
Common Required Inspections:
| Inspection | When to Call |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Forms and rebar ready |
| Underground | Before backfill |
| Rough frame | Before cover |
| Rough MEP | Before cover |
| Insulation | Before cover |
| Drywall | Before tape/finish |
| Final | Before occupancy |
Best Practices:
- Schedule 24-48 hours ahead
- Have permits posted
- Have plans on site
- Be present for inspection
- Address corrections immediately
- Get inspection card signed
Related Documents
- QC Plan Template
- Pre-Pour Checklist
- Pre-Close Checklist
- Inspection Request Form
- Deficiency Log
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