Inspection process
Re-inspection
Also called: reinspection, re-inspect
A re-inspection is an inspection run a second time because the first one failed. When an inspector — the AHJ, a special inspector, or QC — rejects work, the trade corrects it and calls the same inspection back to verify the fix against the same criteria. It is a full re-run of the affected scope, not a casual glance, and it often carries a re-inspection fee from the jurisdiction.
How it shows up on site
A failed inspection comes with a correction notice listing what didn't pass. The trade works those items, the super confirms they're genuinely ready, and only then is the re-inspection requested — calling it back before the work is done just buys a second failure.
The AHJ's re-inspection is judged against the same installation codes as the first: NEC for electrical, the plumbing code for piping, the mechanical code for duct.
Common mistakes
Requesting a re-inspection to test whether the correction was enough, rather than because you've confirmed it was, wastes the trip and stacks up fees. Fixing only the items literally listed while leaving the same defect elsewhere on the job is the other reliable way to fail twice.
Standards it's verified against
Checklists that put re-inspection to work
Free, field-ready checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.
Related terms
- Back-checkThe return visit that confirms a punch or deficiency item was actually corrected before it is closed off the list.
- Corrective actionThe step taken to fix a nonconformance and stop it happening again — both the repair and the change that prevents a repeat.
- NonconformanceInstalled work that does not meet the drawings, spec or accepted submittal — formally identified so it gets dispositioned, not ignored.
- Building inspectorThe code official who inspects work against the adopted building code and approves each phase before it can continue.
- Hold pointA stop in the inspection and test plan where work cannot continue until a required party inspects and signs off the release.
- Witness pointA step where a party is invited to observe the work, but the crew may proceed if that party doesn't attend within the agreed notice.
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.