With the issuance of a building permit, the local permitting authority will schedule inspections -- random, scheduled, or both. Contractors know that they must have these inspections with the proper signatures and "tags" in order to complete the job and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy and ultimately the license for the grantee to operate.

Most architects have identified specific points in the construction schedule and contract that will require their inspection or the inspection of the project manager. One such point is an inspection of the footers before any concrete is poured. Other points of inspection include any work by the contractor or subcontractors that will be enclosed or covered before the next task, for example, rough-in plumbing and electrical, framing, flooring, roofing, and infrastructure (sewer, water, gas, etc.).

The final walk-through should divide the work into inspections for quality and completeness of inside and outside construction. Refer to the Final Inspection Tip Sheet. A punch list should be developed based on a final inspection. If the facility is acceptable to the grantee, the contractor will receive a Certificate of Completion from the architect, which stops the contract clock. Normally, the architect will issue the Certificate of Completion if the work is 90-95 percent complete.

Once the contractor has finished all work, including the punch list, the grantee will conduct another inspection expecting100 percent completion. At that point, the contractor should complete the contractor's "Release of Liens" and "Contractor's Interest" forms. The contractor also should provide all warranties with an explanation of the warranty period and names, address, and phone numbers of points of contacts.

Final Inspection Tip Sheet

Inside Inspection

• Inspect flooring first. All tiles should have straight lines. There should not be any cut tile in the middle of the floor.
• Check baseboards and trim for proper fit in corners and ensure there are no gaps between the floor and the trim.
• Check walls to insure paint is evenly applied without runs. Search for evidence of lightly covered painted areas and visible drywall seams or nail heads.
• Check ceiling grid for straight lines and uniform pattern. Insure all lights are working and ample light is present.
• Check all new classroom/room components, including sinks, windows, restroom fixtures, changing tables, and shelves.
• As you list each item on the punch list, label each room separately and record each finding according to that room.
• Repeat for all rooms, areas, and spaces.

Outside Inspection

• Inspect each component of outside work the same as inside work.
• Take plans and compare work with plans.
• Record each finding with elements on plans.
• Check specifications of installed components, especially when the architect is using manufacturers' drawings.