Special Inspection Coordination: Why It Matters for Project Success

Introduction

In large-scale construction projects, inspections are a vital checkpoint to ensure every structural element meets design intent, code requirements, and safety standards. While most developers are familiar with routine permit inspections or quality assurance checks, “Special Inspections” are a different category altogether.

Defined under Chapter 17 of the International Building Code (IBC), Special Inspections are independent verification activities that go beyond standard government inspections. They exist to confirm that critical structural systems – such as steel, concrete, masonry, soils, and seismic elements – are built in accordance with approved design documents.

These inspections require careful planning, documentation, and above all, coordination between the design team, contractors, inspectors, and building officials. Without a structured process, a project can face delays, rework, or even hold-ups in receiving its certificate of occupancy.

What Are Special Inspections?

Special Inspections are independent evaluations conducted during construction to verify that structural materials, systems, and methods align with the project’s approved design plans. They serve as a safeguard, ensuring that what is built on-site truly reflects the engineering intent behind the drawings.

The origin of Special Inspections traces back well into the 20th century, when several catastrophic structural failures prompted building officials and engineers to call for stricter oversight during construction.

For instance, in 1973, a partial collapse at the Skyline Plaza apartment tower in Virginia killed 14 workers and injured 34 others. In 1981, Kansas City’s Hyatt Regency Hotel suffered one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history when two suspended walkways gave way, killing more than 100 people.

Investigations that followed from the U.S. Congress pointed to a recurring issue – inadequate on-site inspection, insufficient review of design changes, and a lack of coordination between parties involved in the construction project.

The subcommittee then made two main recommendations.

First, professional codes and organizations had to ensure that sufficient rules were in place requiring the design professional of record (or a designated representative) to be actively involved in overseeing the construction of facilities.

Secondly, state and local code agencies should mandate that the designated representative be present on-site during key phases of the project.

Because the designated representative may not always be available, more detailed Special Inspector programs were developed and implemented regionally. When several regional codes were later consolidated into the International Building Code (IBC), Chapter 17 of the IBC shed more light on the broader scope of special inspection.

Scope of Special Inspections

Special inspections encompass a wide range of activities within the construction process. They may include monitoring the fabrication, installation, or placement of key structural components such as steel, concrete, and bolted connections. These inspections are carried out by qualified and registered special inspectors, typically under the supervision of a building official.

Common types of Special Inspections include:

• Soils and Foundations: Verifying bearing capacity, compaction, and classification of soils beneath the structure.
  
  
• Concrete Construction: Inspecting formwork, reinforcement, anchors, placement, and testing of samples for compressive strength.
  
  
• Steel Construction: Reviewing fabrication, welding, bolting, and structural connections.
  
  
• Masonry Construction: Checking mortar strength, grout placement, and reinforcement.
  
  
• Seismic and Wind Resistance: Ensuring lateral force-resisting systems meet design performance standards.

Key Roles and Responsibilities in a Special Inspection Program

1. Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge (RDPRC)

Special Inspections require the designation of a design professional in responsible charge for the project, which is an essential role in the special inspections process. The RDPRC will generally be the engineer (or engineers) who designed the structural components of the project. They will be involved in the process of identifying which inspections are required, addressing any deficiencies identified during the inspection process, and signing off on completion of the required inspections at the end of the project.

2. Building Code Official

Before a project begins, the local building code official sets the criteria for authorizing Special Inspection agencies and inspection personnel based on the type of inspection and establishes the related reporting processes and procedures. During the project, the building code official oversees the required inspection activities and ensures that all mandated Special Inspections are properly completed.

3. Special Inspectors

Special Inspectors must hold appropriate credentials and be approved by the local building official. They perform inspections and materials testing for their respective disciplines. To avoid conflicts of interest, they should be retained directly by the project owner or their coordinator – not by the contractor whose work they are inspecting.

4. Owner

The owner plays a central role in establishing the foundation of the Special Inspection program. They are responsible for retaining and funding a qualified Special Inspection agency to perform all mandated inspections.

This requirement ensures independence. The inspection agency must not be hired by the contractor to avoid any conflict of interest or undue influence on the inspection process. By directly engaging the inspection agency, the owner ensures that inspections remain unbiased, verifiable, and compliant with the project’s approved design documents and code requirements.

5. Contractor

The contractor is critical to the smooth execution of the inspection program. Before construction begins, they should review and make available the Statement and Schedule of Special Inspections at the job site. This document outlines what inspections will occur, who will perform them, and when they are required during construction.

Contractors are responsible for providing safe and timely access to work areas and relevant construction documents. Active cooperation from the contractor ensures inspections are completed efficiently and documented accurately, preventing costly delays or rework later in the project.

Why Coordination Matters

A well-executed Special Inspection program protects both the integrity of the structure and the project schedule. When coordination breaks down – for instance, if an inspection is missed or documentation is incomplete – developers may face costly rework or delays in obtaining occupancy approval.

By contrast, proactive coordination ensures inspections are planned, sequenced, and verified in real time. It also creates a clear audit trail that demonstrates compliance with IBC and local building codes, giving owners confidence in their project’s structural quality and safety.

Final Thoughts

Special Inspections play a vital role in ensuring that every structure is built safely, correctly, and in accordance with the approved design. By providing an additional layer of independent oversight, they help detect issues early, prevent costly rework, and uphold public safety standards.

Successful implementation depends on planning and coordination between the owner, design professionals, inspectors, and contractors. A well-managed Special Inspection program not only safeguards compliance but also keeps projects on schedule and ready for occupancy approval.

At Access NEP, we have supported developers nationwide by coordinating Special Inspection programs for industrial projects. Our multidisciplinary team – including licensed engineers, permitting experts, and former agency officials and construction inspectors – ensures that every inspection is documented, compliant, and tailored to local code requirements. With our experience in navigating state-specific processes and working closely with inspection service providers across the nation, we help clients achieve successful project closeouts and confidence in their final build.