Inspection process
Field observation report
A field observation report is the written account an architect, engineer, or QC professional produces after visiting the site. It records what they saw on that date (work in progress, conditions, deviations from the drawings, and items that need attention) along with photos and any directions given. It documents observation, not a formal inspection signoff, which keeps the professional's liability honest: they observed, they did not guarantee.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Site inspection checklist
12 items · 18 photos required
Why it matters
These reports build the paper trail of who saw what, when. A concern raised in a field observation report (a deviation, a coordination clash, a condition that won't meet the spec) is a dated, attributable warning that a problem was visible, which changes every conversation that follows if it isn't addressed.
What proves it
A useful report ties each observation to a location and a photo, states plainly whether it's an issue or just a note, and lists action items with owners. In RTI the observations and their photos attach to the affected feature, so a report's open items surface on the work they concern rather than getting lost in a stack of PDFs.
Checklists that put field observation report to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Daily construction reportThe dated record of what happened on site each day: crews present, work done, weather, deliveries, inspections and issues.
- Engineer of record (EOR)The licensed engineer who stamps a design discipline and stays responsible for its intent through construction.
- NonconformanceInstalled work that does not meet the drawings, spec or accepted submittal, formally identified so it gets dispositioned, not ignored.
- Request for information (RFI)A formal written question from the contractor to the design team when the drawings or specs are unclear, conflicting or incomplete.
- Surveillance inspectionAn unannounced or periodic check of work while it is being performed, verifying the crew is following the approved process, not just the result.
- Source inspectionInspection of material or equipment at the fabricator's or supplier's shop before it ships, rather than waiting for it to arrive on site.
Knowing the term is step one. Proving it is the job.
RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.
30-day trial · No card required