Inspection process
Mock-up
A mock-up is a full-size sample of a repeating assembly (an exterior wall section, a masonry panel, a bathroom, a window and flashing detail) built and approved before the crew runs it across the whole project. Once accepted, it stops being a sample and becomes the standard: the finished work has to match it. It settles arguments about "acceptable" before they can happen at scale.
Run it with the Photo Gate
Masonry inspection checklist
12 items · 25 photos required
Why it matters
A specification describes intent; a mock-up shows the actual result: the mortar color, the reveal, the flashing lap, the finish. Approving one gives the crew a physical target and gives QC something concrete to inspect against, instead of relitigating workmanship on every unit.
How it shows up on site
The mock-up is built early, walked by the architect and owner, marked up, corrected, and then formally accepted. Sometimes it stays standing on site as the reference for the duration; the initial phase inspection of the real feature is measured against it.
Guides that use it
- How to inspect a flooring installationInspect a flooring install from the substrate up: moisture and flatness, prep, layout, adhesion and finish, with the readings and photos each stage needs.
- How to inspect painting and coatingsInspect painting and coatings from prep to final coat: substrate readiness, product and system, film build and coverage, and finish, with proof at each stage.
- How to inspect tile workInspect tile work from substrate and waterproofing up through layout, setting bed, grout and finish, catching the failures that hide before the tile goes on.
- How to inspect masonryInspect masonry as it rises (units, mortar, reinforcement, grout, and flashing), because a bearing wall or veneer is covered course by course.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put mock-up to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- 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.
- Initial phase inspectionThe second phase of control: inspecting the first representative portion of a feature to set the workmanship standard for the rest.
- Definable feature of workA discrete, separately inspectable task or segment of work with its own start, finish, and acceptance criteria within the QC plan.
- Benchmark sampleAn approved sample of finished work kept as the reference the rest of the production is judged against for appearance and workmanship.
- WorkmanshipThe care and skill visible in how work is installed: the standard of finish a spec expects even where no number is called out.
- Sample submittalA physical sample of a proposed material, finish or color submitted for the design team to approve before the real material is ordered.
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.
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