Inspection process
Initial phase inspection
The initial phase inspection happens when the crew has completed the first portion of a definable feature of work. QC checks that first run against the acceptance criteria in detail: layout, workmanship, tolerances, the things that will repeat across the whole feature. It is the second of the three phases of control, and it sets the benchmark: this is what "good" looks like for the rest of the work.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Construction quality control plan
12 items · 15 photos required
Why it matters
Correcting the first ten feet of a run is a conversation; correcting the whole feature after it's built out is a change order. The initial phase locks in the standard and the methods before the crew multiplies a mistake down the line.
How it shows up on site
QC walks the first completed section with the foreman, measures it against the criteria set in the prep phase, and agrees on the acceptable result. From there the follow-up phase keeps the rest of the work honest against that benchmark.
Guides that use it
- How to run a three-phase inspectionRun the preparatory, initial, and follow-up phases of quality control on a definable feature of work so defects surface before they multiply.
- How to run a first-article inspection and mock-upInspect the first fabricated item or build the first full-scale assembly in full so the approved sample becomes the standard the whole run is judged against.
- How to run an initial phase inspectionInspect the first completed portion of a definable feature in detail so the crew and QC agree on what good looks like before the rest of the work is built.
- How to run a follow-up phase inspectionRun the recurring checks that confirm a feature stays true to the benchmark set in the initial phase, catching drift before it becomes feature-wide rework.
Checklists that put initial phase inspection to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Definable feature of workA discrete, separately inspectable task or segment of work with its own start, finish, and acceptance criteria within the QC plan.
- Preparatory phase inspectionThe first of the three phases of control: a before-work review of submittals, materials, and criteria for a definable feature of work.
- Follow-up phase inspectionThe third phase of control: recurring checks while a feature is built out, confirming it stays true to the standard set at the initial phase.
- Mock-upA full-scale sample of an assembly, built and approved before production, that becomes the workmanship standard the real work is judged against.
- First article inspectionA full inspection of the first produced or installed item against every requirement before the rest of the run is allowed to proceed.
- Benchmark sampleAn approved sample of finished work kept as the reference the rest of the production is judged against for appearance and workmanship.
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