What does this operable partitions rough-in checklist cover?

14 items across 4 sections, covering drawings before hanging, structural support, track, coordination. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.

Who should run this inspection?

The partition installer's field lead with the GC's superintendent, coordinating with the framer and electrician before the ceiling contractor closes in.

When in the schedule should this walk happen?

After the overhead track support is framed and the track is hung, and before the ceiling closes. Once the grid and tile are in, nothing above the track can be reached or corrected.

Why do these items ask for a photo?

9 of the 14 items call for photo evidence, 12 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.

What most often fails an operable partitions rough-in inspection?

Track hung off the ceiling grid or a joist that was never sized for the loaded panel weight, so it sags the first time the wall is stacked. Track set level but not straight, so panels bind and drag along part of the run. Ceiling closed before the pocket framing and the panel-storage clearance are confirmed, trapping panels that no longer clear the opening.

Can I use this checklist in RTI?

Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Free checklist

Operable partitions

Operable partitions rough-in inspection checklist

Operable partitions rough-in is the last time the work is fully visible. Once the cover inspection passes and the walls, ceilings and slabs close, every defect left behind becomes a demolition bill. This checklist walks the rough-in in the order the work goes in, with the photo each item needs before it gets buried. Work is commonly verified against manufacturer's published instructions. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

Start free with this checklist Download as PDF

The checklist

Every item, and the photo evidence it needs

The photo count on each row is what RTI would require before the item can be submitted. Work the list here and watch the gate hold, or load it into RTI and let it enforce the real thing.

Drawings before hanging

Approved shop drawings on site for this partition
Manufacturer's approved shop drawings on hand, showing the same model, panel count, stack location and track layout being installed in this room.
No photo
Header deflection limit read from the structural drawings
Deflection limit for the track support noted from the structural drawings and compared with the value the partition manufacturer requires, any mismatch raised with the GC.
No photo

Structural support

Independent overhead support framed and attached to structure
Support steel or framing carried up to the building structure, not hung from the ceiling grid, connections made per the shop drawings.
Support capacity verified against the loaded panel weight
Framing and attachments matched to the panel weight and hanger spacing on the manufacturer's support drawings, no field-substituted anchors.
Support steel member sizes match the structural drawings
Beam or channel sizes, spacing and bearing points above the track read against the structural drawings, not taken from the partition shop drawing alone.
Support connections finished with no temporary clamps left
Every hanger rod, clip angle and bolted or welded connection complete per the structural details, no C-clamps, tack-only welds or missing nuts left above the ceiling.

Track

Track level and straight along the full run
Track checked level end to end and straight along its length, splices aligned, switches and intersections smooth where fitted.
Track hangers match the shop drawings and are locked
Hanger type and spacing as the approved shop drawings show, rods threaded full depth into the track fittings and locked with jam nuts.
Track braced against sway per the shop drawings
Lateral bracing at the spacing shown, braces tied back to structure, and the track does not shift when pushed sideways at mid-run.
Track height set to the finished floor dimension
Underside of track measured from the finished floor line at both ends and mid-run, matching the shop drawings so the panels and bottom seals fit once flooring is down.

Coordination

Power and pocket coordinated before close-in
Power for any powered operation roughed in at the track, storage pocket framing and clearance confirmed, all verified before the ceiling closes.
No photo
Slab along the panel path checked flat before flooring
Slab under the track line checked with a straightedge or laser before flooring, high and low spots reported to the GC so the bottom seals can reach the floor.
No photo
Above-track sound barrier closed off before the ceiling
Sound barrier from the track trim up to the structure continuous along the run per the acoustic detail, sealed at pipes and ducts, photographed before the ceiling hides it.
Ceiling devices kept off the track and stack line
Reflected ceiling plan checked: sprinkler heads, lights, diffusers and detectors laid out clear of the track and the stack path so panels and ceiling trim don't clash.
No photo

What usually sends this back

The failures are almost always the evidence, not the work

Track hung off the ceiling grid or a joist that was never sized for the loaded panel weight, so it sags the first time the wall is stacked.
Track set level but not straight, so panels bind and drag along part of the run.
Ceiling closed before the pocket framing and the panel-storage clearance are confirmed, trapping panels that no longer clear the opening.

Common questions

6 answers

What does this operable partitions rough-in checklist cover?: 14 items across 4 sections, covering drawings before hanging, structural support, track, coordination. Each item spells out what the person walking the job is actually looking for, not just a box to tick.
Who should run this inspection?: The partition installer's field lead with the GC's superintendent, coordinating with the framer and electrician before the ceiling contractor closes in.
When in the schedule should this walk happen?: After the overhead track support is framed and the track is hung, and before the ceiling closes. Once the grid and tile are in, nothing above the track can be reached or corrected.
Why do these items ask for a photo?: 9 of the 14 items call for photo evidence, 12 photos in all. A checklist answer without the photo is a claim; the photo is what makes the record worth something in a dispute and lets a reviewer approve work without re-walking the job.
What most often fails an operable partitions rough-in inspection?: Track hung off the ceiling grid or a joist that was never sized for the loaded panel weight, so it sags the first time the wall is stacked. Track set level but not straight, so panels bind and drag along part of the run. Ceiling closed before the pocket framing and the panel-storage clearance are confirmed, trapping panels that no longer clear the opening.
Can I use this checklist in RTI?: Yes. Start a free RTI workspace, build this list as a checklist, and the Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached. Approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Related checklists

Operable partitions FinalOperable partitions final inspection checklistFinished partition operates and stacks smoothly, top and bottom seals engage for the rated acoustic performance, and it closes tight at the jambs13 items11 photos Operable partitions PunchOperable partitions punch checklistCloseout walk for dragging panels, seal gaps and latch or closure adjustment9 items3 photos

Run it with the Photo Gate

A checklist nobody can submit half-finished

Load this list into RTI, stick a QR tag on the area it covers, and the submit button stays locked until every mandatory item is answered and the 12 required photos exist. Approved walks roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident record behind every line.