Construction Inspection Manual
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Introduction | Table of Contents | Back Cover

Forward

 The goal of the Construction Inspection Manual is to assist the construction industry in improving the inspection procedures on all types of construction work and to achieve a consensus among owners, architects, engineers, contractors and construction inspectors as to the best methods and practices.

Because good plans and specifications are the cornerstone of good construction, this manual also provides valuable guidelines for improvement of the design and specification processes.

The need for consistent field inspection becomes imperative with the welter of overlapping codes, specification standards, and individual interpretations among architects, engineers and agencies, and finally with the ever-more demanding designs and the requirements for precise execution of the work.

It is hoped that this manual will encourage an on-going effort to which all segments of the industry can contribute their expertise to accomplish a more uniform application of inspection methods and thus benefit all parties.

-Blair Tulloch
 

Introduction

 The purpose of this manual is to supply useful information about construction inspection.

Owners, architects, engineers, contractors and others in the construction industry have discussed the need for a construction inspection manual for years. The original intent of the early editions was to discuss, on a general basis, the duties, qualifications, and abilities of the construction inspector, and the working relationships among the parties during construction.

The Founding Committee, delegated as representatives by the various organizations directly involved in construction, collected data concerning inspection from as many sources as possible. The data was then reviewed, edited, and the most pertinent material was incorporated into a first draft. The draft was distributed to approximately one hundred other individuals or organizations for review and comment before publication.

With the complexity of the topic, it is understandable that some material, information, organizations, or other data may have been overlooked or not included. This omission was not intentional in any respect.

The Coordinating Committee recognizes that the manual may not be comprehensive enough for all types of projects. It was originally written to apply to both public and private "building" construction projects of average complexity, where a full-time construction inspector is engaged. Construction inspection for smaller projects might be the responsibility of a part-time construction inspector or even members of the design team. For highly complex projects, the construction inspection may require a staff of inspectors, including specialized inspectors and assistants.

It did not seem feasible to attempt to discuss all arrangements and methods of construction and inspection within the limited scope of the manual. Traditional methods of construction and inspection can be impacted by many factors. The role of the developer, who can be a contractor, architect, or other party changes the concerns relating to construction inspection. New methods of construction management and design/build also impact the role of construction inspection. Laws governing certain types of public projects may include specific duties for the construction inspector.

With the Twenty-First Century approaching, the Coordinating Committee realized a need to make modifications to the Seventh Edition to reflect some major changes in the construction industry. Recognition of a need for involvement in construction inspection by more members of the construction team resulted in the addition of matrix tables which attempt to provide the Coordinating Committee's recommendation regarding the primary and secondary responsibilities for inspection. These recommendations should be considered a guide only, and intended for the average building construction project. The matrixes will hopefully help readers more easily find information which should be of interest to specific members of the construction team.

Further, it is hoped that as the Seventh and later editions are developed, recognition will be given to a broader understanding of the full extent of the construction process. More and more people are beginning to recognize that the construction process is not limited to just the design and build process. Construction actually begins with conception of a potential building, which includes design. It then includes construction, commissioning, maintenance, remodeling, alterations, potential changes in occupancy type, and only ends when the building is finally demolished. Construction inspection likewise, should be recognized as a part of the complete construction process, from conception through demolition.

Terminology used in the manual may differ in some instances from what some organizations may have established. The reader is referred to Appendix C, "Terms and Definitions."

The reader is cautioned that this publication is not intended as a guide book to legal relationships or as a compendium of forms, legal or otherwise. It is published solely as a working manual, prepared not by lawyers but by a collaborative effort of the construction industry to provide general information regarding construction inspection. Those using the manual should not rely on it to eliminate or solve legal problems. They should consult their legal counsel on all matters involving contractual or other legal relationships.

The masculine gender was utilized in the original 1973 edition of this manual. Where traces still escaped editing, please accept that the feminine gender is intended to be just as applicable in all cases, i.e., he/she, his/her, etc.

Part 1:
Recommended Duties and
Responsibilities

 Today, more than ever, construction requires a team effort. The ever-increasing escalation of costs, the need for faster scheduling, and changes occurring in the industry require full cooperation and understanding among the parties.

Successful production of the work under the traditional process requires the utmost order and efficiency to obtain the highest potential benefits. This goal can be reached only through the understanding that all parties have a mutual function and obligation to perform. Successful construction requires continuous checking, coordination, foresight, good judgment, and an overlapping of efforts by informed and qualified parties.

The following parts reflect the Editorial Committee's recommendations concerning the duties and responsibilities of the construction inspector, design professional (architect/engineer), contractor/subcontractor, owner, lawyer, manufacturer's representative, and special consultants.

Introduction | Table of Contents | Back Cover