Roles & authorities
Inspector of record (IOR)
An inspector of record, or project inspector, is a dedicated inspector assigned to the job to continuously observe the work as it's built, required by the code or the owner on some project types and in some jurisdictions. 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.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Structural steel inspection checklist
12 items · 27 photos required
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.
- SuperintendentThe contractor's field leader who runs the site day to day: sequencing crews, scheduling inspections and holding the work to standard.
- Competent person (safety)A designated person capable of identifying hazards in the work and authorized to take prompt action to correct them.
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