Guides

How to inspect it, step by step

Field guides written the way the work actually goes: what to look at, in what order, and what gets missed. Each one links to the checklists and standards that put it to work. 74 guides and counting.

Browse the checklist library Inspection glossary

74 of 74 guides

Getting startedHow to run a construction inspectionRun a construction inspection end to end: know what you're inspecting against, walk the work in order, document what you see, and disposition every finding.

Getting startedHow to set up a QA/QC program on a projectStand up a QA/QC program from scratch: separate quality assurance from quality control, write the QC plan, break the job into features, and assign who inspects what.

Getting startedHow to write an inspection checklist that holds upWrite an inspection checklist crews actually use: tie every item to a real acceptance criterion, make each line a clear pass or fail, and build the photo proof into it.

Getting startedHow to document inspections with photosMake inspection photos that actually prove something: shoot the concealed condition before cover, tag location and date, and tie each shot to the checklist item it backs.

Getting startedHow to choose construction inspection softwareEvaluate construction inspection software on what actually matters in the field: offline capture, photo proof tied to items, real reporting, and adoption by the crew.

Getting startedHow to prepare for a building department inspectionPass a building department inspection the first time: know what the AHJ inspects at each stage, self-inspect against it first, and have access and paperwork ready.

Getting startedHow to roll out inspections to your field crewGet a field crew to actually run inspections: start with one scope, make the tool dead simple, show the win early, and hold the standard until it's habit.

Getting startedHow to inspect work a subcontractor turns overInspect a subcontractor's completed work before you accept it: verify it against the contract scope and specs, document defects, and make acceptance conditional on the fix.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect a roofWalk a roof the way it goes together — deck, dry-in, flashing, penetrations, edge metal — and catch the leaks at the details before they're covered.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect framingCheck framing before it's covered — members, connections, blocking, and openings against the drawings — so nothing gets buried behind sheathing or drywall.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect a concrete pourRun the pre-pour inspection, watch the pour, and check the finish — formwork, rebar, embeds, mix, and curing — because concrete only gets inspected once.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect masonryInspect masonry as it rises — units, mortar, reinforcement, grout, and flashing — because a bearing wall or veneer is covered course by course.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect structural steelInspect steel erection in order — anchor bolts, plumb and level, bolted and welded connections — against the erection drawings and the inspection plan.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect the building envelopeInspect the envelope as a system — air barrier, water-resistive barrier, flashing, transitions, and sealants — with the continuity and mock-up that make it perform.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect windows and glazingInspect windows and glazing from rough opening to seal — pan flashing, anchoring, integration with the WRB, and glazing — where water and air most often get in.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect foundationsInspect foundations from bearing to backfill — soil, formwork, reinforcement, waterproofing, and anchor bolts — with the pre-pour hold point that governs it.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect sitework and earthworkInspect sitework and earthwork in sequence — erosion control, excavation, subgrade, fill and compaction, utilities, and grading — before each layer is buried.

Trade walkthroughsHow to inspect insulation before coverInspect insulation and its air and vapor barriers before drywall covers them — coverage, fit, continuity, and the gaps that become thermal and moisture problems.

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How to inspect it, step by step

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