The Distinction Between Special Inspections and Site Observations

By Perry A. Tabor, P.E

Although the common industry term "special inspection" is sometimes interchanged with "periodic site observation," the distinction between a special inspection (which is required for most construction projects) and other types of site inspections or observations is important to describe.

SPECIAL INSPECTIONS

A special inspection is the monitoring of the materials and workmanship that are critical to the integrity of the building structure to assure that the approved plans and specifications are being followed in the actual construction, and that relevant codes and referenced standards are being observed. The special inspection process is in addition to the regular "inspections/observations" that may be conducted by the city building inspector, site engineer and architect as part of the periodic structural observations. The special inspector shall furnish continuous inspections at all times or as the construction requires their presence.

International Building Code (IBC), Section 1704.1 states: Where application is made for construction as described in this section, the owner or the registered design professional in responsible charge acting as the owner's agent, shall employ one or more special inspectors to provide inspections during construction on the types of work listed under section 1704. NOTE: Some seismic design categories and wind exposure categories may additionally require the special inspector to prepare a quality assurance plan. See sections 1705 and 1706 for requirements.

The building official must approve every special inspector. All inspectors are required to provide proof that they meet the minimum qualifications.

The IBC Chapter 17 can be broken down primarily into two parts: the building permit requirement and the report requirement.

Building Permit Requirement

- The permit applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections prepared by the registered design professional in responsible charge as a condition for permit issuance. This statement shall include a complete list of materials and work requiring special inspections by this section and the inspections to be performed.

Report Requirement

- Special inspectors must keep records of inspections and furnish inspection reports to the registered design professional in responsible charge. The reports must indicate that the work inspected was done in conformance with the approved construction documents. Discrepancies must be brought to the attention of the contractor and non-corrected discrepancies must be brought to the attention of the registered design professional in responsible charge. A final report of inspections documenting required special inspections and correction of any discrepancies noted must be submitted to the registered design professional in responsible charge at the completion of the project. The design professional shall forward a copy of the final report to the building official for their records.

The registered design professional in responsible charge can be either the architect or the structural engineer. Since the structural engineer is typically a consultant to the architect, the architect should decide who will take what responsibility and specifically state so in any contract with the consultant. The contract between the owner and the architect should also state whether the owner or the architect is hiring the special inspectors. The owner ultimately is the one who is responsible for the cost of special inspections, but normally the contractor is responsible for the cost of any re-inspections or retesting. This should be stated clearly in the specifications.

The architect or engineer of record should outline in their project documents which minimum special inspections are required as well as ensure that their relevant section of the Certificate of Substantial Completion form has been revised to reflect these required inspections. The architect or engineer of record, as well as the contractor, special inspector and owner will also be required to sign the Special Inspection Acknowledgement form provided by the Governing Agency Building Department.

The architect or engineer of record is reminded that this form is a legal document, that changes to the wording of this certification is not usually permitted and the assurances are professional certifications of fact that should not be taken lightly.

September 2007 Builder Architect Edition Issue

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