Building Inspections - AHJ and 3rd Party
Objective
List typical progress inspections required by AHJ or other authority to ensure project meets code standards as well as maintains scheduled progress.
Background
A missed or failed inspection by the AHJ can lead to lost time and additional costs to the project. A missed inspection can lead to removal and replacement of work already in place for inspection at a later date. Failed inspections lead to lost time and can put doubt in an inspector’s mind of the ability of the superintendent, Koester and subcontractors to perform the work correctly. Understanding the importance of being ready for inspections cannot be overstated.
Things to Consider
You must have an understanding of the inspection protocols in the location you are working. Cities and other municipalities can have single or multiple inspectors for different scopes. Often there are state inspectors for specific items such as elevators or if the municipality relies on the state or third party for it’s inspections. Knowing who to call for what inspection is one of the first tasks to complete when mobilizing to site. Also consider the inspection timeframe. Often smaller cities rely on third parties for inspections and those third parties may only be in your area on specific days of the week. Local inspections often require a 24-48 notice for inspections. Do not assume you will be able to call for an inspection in the afternoon for inspection the next morning.
It is also imperative that inspections are documented. All inspections need to be documented in Procore in the Daily Log as well as per the AHJ. Often cards are given or plans are signed for progress inspections. You need to understand this process.
Prerequisites
3 Week Lookahead Schedules
Procore- Daily Logs
Koester Expectations: Daily Log
Steps
1. Schedule a meeting with the local building inspector when mobilizing on site to go over expectations for inspections. Understand who to call for what as well as the inspection protocol and timing required. Understand winter conditions inspections protocols if they will affect your project. Verify any other requirements.
2. Create a list of all inspections required by the local AHJ. It is a good idea to add these to the overall project schedule as a reminder.
3. Typical inspections are as follows. Verify that no other inspections will be required in step one.
a. Site
i. Drive approaches to ROW areas- typically inspected by engineering department prior to pour.
ii. City and ROW sidewalks- typically inspected by engineering department prior to pour.
iii. Engineered retaining walls- typically inspected during backfill operations. Verify any retaining wall inspection requirements. May require third party inspections.
iv. Signage. Verify requirements.
b. Site Utilities- Inspections prior to backfill.
i. Sanitary sewer taps. May require third party inspections.
ii. Water taps. May require third party inspections.
iii. Any public or right of way work. May require third party inspections.
c. Footings- any footing should be inspected including stoops or other smaller items.
i. Third party inspections have passed for soil bearing and rebar.
ii. Trenches should be clear of crumbs and debris.
iii. Rebar is tied to spec and clearances are correct.
iv. Formed footings should be properly braced and ties in place.
v. Footing insulation is in place.
vi. Note winter conditions requirements for concrete. Often concrete cannot be poured based on current or FORECAST temperatures. Verify with AHJ.
d. Plumbing/electrical under slab piping- Prior to backfill. Confirm water or air testing. Water testing may require a hydrant meter or other water source. Consider cold weather conditions.
e. S.O.G.- vapor barrier and reinforcement in place.
f. Wood Framing- Likely done in multiple trips for multistory structures.
i. Hold down hardware in place. All nail holes for clips and hangers should be used.
ii. Corner and structural stud packs are per structural drawings.
iii. Shear walls are nailed per schedule. Verify spacing.
iv. Verify correct header sizing.
v. Truss bracing and tie downs are installed per truss shops. Have truss shops in hand for inspection.
vi. All backing and blocking is in place at the correct locations. Consider ADA, fire and shear wall blocking.
g. Structural steel- Typically also requires 3rd party special inspections.
i. Special inspections complete.
ii. Verify weld sizing and placement.
iii. Bolts tightened to spec.
iv. Base plate grouting complete.
v. Loose bracing/gussets installed.
h. Structural metal studs
i. Loose bracing installed.
ii. All screws installed.
iii. Verify proper gauge.
iv. All backing and blocking is in place at the correct locations.
i. Plumbing rough in
i. Verify water or air testing requirements. Source water as needed. Pre-test.
ii. Stud guards in place.
iii. Required hangers and brackets are in place.
iv. Firestopping in place. Have copies of UL listings for review. Note that boxes in rated walls are required to be rated or be protected by putty pads.
j. Mechanical rough in- Verify if duct testing is required prior to cover up.
i. Fire dampers/seals in place. Have UL listing paperwork for review.
ii. Ducts are sealed as required.
iii. Duct insulation is in place.
iv. Verify access panel locations will line up with parts being covered later.
v. Firestopping in place. Have copies of UL listings for review.
k. Electrical rough in- Verify energy requirements prior to cover up. Rough in boxes may need sealed prior.
i. Stud guards in place.
ii. Any ground bonding in place. Verify connection and wire gauge. Some AHJ require access panel at ground bonding.
iii. No open holes in panels. All knockouts must be filled.
iv. Verify all romex or MC cable has proper clips/stud anchors.
v. Firestopping in place. Have copies of UL listings for review. Note that boxes in rated walls are required to be rated or be protected by putty pads. Generally boxes in rated demising walls cannot share the same stud cavity.
l. Pre-Rock- drywall or hat channel inspections prior to drywall.
i. Assemblies utilizing hat channel as part of the rated assembly must be inspected prior to drywall placement.
1. Verify spacing.
2. Verify overlap.
3. Verify spacing to corners meet maximum distance.
ii. Drywall installed prior to installation of showers or other items requiring installation prior to drywall should be inspected. All joints and screws must be fire taped.
m. Insulation- Verify 3rd party or IFA (tax credit) requirements.
i. Spray foamed areas at rim joists.
ii. Insulation at pre-rock areas.
iii. Verify other insulation inspection requirements.
n. Above grid- Prior to placing field tiles in ACT ceilings.
i. All electrical boxes have cover plates.
ii. All rated ceiling or wall systems have been fire taped.
iii. Any required rating labeling is complete.
iv. All grilles and registers are installed.
v. All ductwork and insulation is complete.
vi. Verify loose wiring such as fire alarm or cat 5/6 is plenum rated as required.
o. Final Inspections-see Certificate of Occupancy- Final Inspections Checklist
See Also
Certificate of Occupancy- Final Inspections Checklist
Third Party and Special Inspections
IFA and Tax Credit Inspections