Roles & authorities
Inspector of record (IOR)
Also called: IOR, project inspector
On some project types and in some jurisdictions, the code or the owner requires a dedicated inspector assigned to the job to continuously observe the work as it's built — commonly called the inspector of record or project inspector. They watch that construction follows the approved documents, keep records of the work, and report to the building official and the architect or engineer. Whether an IOR is required, and exactly what authority they carry, is set by the adopted code and the jurisdiction — it is not a role on every job.
Why it matters
An IOR is present far more than a building inspector who visits for scheduled inspections, so they catch conditions in real time — as work is built, not at a checkpoint after. On projects where the role is required, work generally can't proceed without the IOR observing the parts they're assigned to.
The IOR reports to the building official and the design professionals rather than the contractor, which keeps their observation independent of the party doing the work.
Common mistakes
Treating the IOR's presence as a substitute for the contractor's own quality control, or assuming their role exists on a job where the code doesn't require it. Confirm from the approved documents and the AHJ whether the project carries an inspector of record and what scope they're assigned before relying on it.
Checklists that put inspector of record (ior) to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Special inspectorA qualified inspector who verifies specific high-risk work — welds, bolting, concrete, anchors — beyond the routine building inspection.
- Building inspectorThe code official who inspects work against the adopted building code and approves each phase before it can continue.
- Threshold inspectorA qualified inspector assigned to continuously inspect structural work on larger or higher-risk buildings where a jurisdiction requires it.
- Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)The office or official empowered to enforce a code and approve materials, methods and completed work on a given project.
- Engineer of record (EOR)The licensed engineer who stamps a design discipline and stays responsible for its intent through construction.
- Third-party inspectionInspection performed by an independent agency retained for the project rather than by the installer or the building department.
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.