Testing & Special Inspections: Who Orders What (and When) — Soils, Steel, Firestopping

Nothing derails a schedule like missing a test or special inspection. The building code expects a documented plan, the AHJ expects signed reports, and subs expect someone else to call the lab. This guide clarifies who orders what, who pays, and when to schedule the big-ticket items: soils/earthwork, structural steel, and firestopping, with a broader matrix you can apply to concrete, anchors, masonry, and spray fireproofing.

Quick primer: what “special inspections” really are

• IBC Chapter 17 requires the Owner to employ an independent Special Inspection Agency (SIA), unless the contract assigns this to the GC. The Design Professional of Record (DOR/EOR) writes a Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) listing what’s required.

• The GC schedules tests/inspections, the SIA performs and reports, the EOR reviews/signs, and the AHJ reviews at milestones and for Certificate of Occupancy (CO).

Action on Day 1: Make the SSI part of the submittal register and create a Testing & SI Plan with responsibilities and hold points.

Roles at a glance (who does what?)

Role	Orders/Schedules	Performs	Reviews/Signs	Pays
Owner (or CM)	Selects SIA unless contract shifts	—	Receives reports	Owner by default*
GC	Calls in testing, sequences, preps work	—	Tracks & files	GC if contract assigns
Subcontractor	Notifies readiness; preps samples/mockups	—	—	Included in trade cost
Special Inspection Agency (Lab)	—	Field & lab tests, reports	—	Invoices owner/GC per contract
EOR/Architect	—	—	Signs reports; resolves nonconformance	—

*Check your contract. Public work often places costs on the Owner; some private projects assign to GC as an allowance.

When to schedule (macro timeline)

1. Precon: Confirm SSI, lab selection, and reporting chain. Add SI line items to the look‑ahead.

2. Mobilization: Hold earthwork kickoff with lab present; verify compaction test frequency.

3. Structure phase: Steel/welding/bolting inspection windows locked to delivery/erection sequence.

4. Enclosure/MEP rough‑in: Firestopping pre‑installation meeting; first‐article mockups and inspection frequency.

5. Closeout: Collect signed final letters (SIA + EOR) for CO.

Scope 1 — Soils & Earthwork

Typical inspections & tests

• Subgrade proof‑roll & bearing confirmation

• Fill placement & compaction density tests (per lift)

• Footing excavations bearing capacity observation

• Backfill at foundations/utility trenches; moisture conditioning verification

Who orders & when

• GC schedules with SIA before first earthwork day.

• Density tests called per lift (coordinate with production to avoid rework).

• Proof‑roll scheduled after rough grade, before stone/ABC.

Hold points

• No concrete until footing bearing is signed off.

• No slab base until density meets spec across test grid.

Common pitfalls (and cures)

• Missed lift tests → leave test window per lift and stagger crews.

• Wet soils → pre‑plan lime/cement treatment or drying days in schedule.

Scope 2 — Structural Steel (Fabrication & Erection)

Typical inspections & tests

• Mill certs review; WPS/PQR and welder qualifications

• Shop welding (if required by SSI) and field welding visual/NDT (MT/UT as specified)

• High‑strength bolting: pre‑installation meetings, pretension verification (turn‑of‑nut/TCJ), slip‑critical surfaces

• Fabrication shop certification (AISC) if required; coating thickness checks when specified

Who orders & when

• GC coordinates with fabricator to notify SIA before shop start if shop inspection is required.

• Field bolting/welding inspections scheduled by sequence of erection—build into the 3‑week look‑ahead.

Hold points

• No final bolt tensioning until faying surface condition is verified (for slip‑critical).

• No cover/encasement until weld NDT results accepted.

Common pitfalls (and cures)

• Late NDT → tie test windows to erection plan by bay/sequence.

• Missing certs → include a Steel Submittal Packet: mill certs, WPS/PQR, welder IDs, bolt lot numbers.

Scope 3 — Firestopping (Penetrations & Joints)

Typical inspections & tests

• System verification: each penetration/joint has a listed system (UL/Intertek) matching substrate, annulus, and rating.

• First‑article mockups per system; periodic inspections thereafter.

• Adhesion/compatibility checks where required.

Who orders & when

• GC schedules pre‑install meeting with SIA, firestop sub, and MEP trades before rough‑in penetrations begin.

• Inspections occur during installation; don’t leave it until above‑ceiling sign‑off.

Hold points

• No ceiling close until firestopping verified.

• No shaft enclosure sign‑off until joint & penetration systems are documented.

Common pitfalls (and cures)

• “Orphan” penetrations after ceiling grid: require tagging system (labels + photo) per penetration.

• Wrong system (e.g., CPVC vs. metal): maintain a system matrix by trade with approved alternates.

• Unsealed annulus: enforce mockup and train trades on backing materials and sealant depth.

Add these to your plan too (quick hits)

• Concrete: mix design approvals; rebar placement inspection; cylinders, air, slump; PT stressing records.

• Post‑installed anchors: adhesive type, substrate limits, installation torque/pull tests.

• Masonry: f’m testing, prisms, grout placement, reinforcement inspection.

• Spray‑Applied Fire‑Resistive Materials (SFRM): substrate prep, thickness/adhesion/density.

Pre‑install meeting agendas (copy/paste)

Earthwork: soils report review, test frequency grid, wet‑weather plan, proof‑roll criteria, documentation flow.Steel: erection sequence, bolting method, NDT scope, access (lifts/scaffolds), coatings touch‑ups, report timing.Firestopping: system matrix, tag/label protocol, photo documentation, above‑ceiling inspection timing, conflict resolution path.

Reporting & closeout

• Daily/weekly reports from SIA → GC logs → EOR review.

• Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs) tracked with corrective action and re‑inspection date.

• Final SIA letter + EOR letter of compliance submitted to AHJ before CO.

One‑page Testing & SI Matrix (template)

Item	Trigger	Who Schedules	Who Pays	Hold Point
Subgrade proof‑roll	Rough grade ready	GC	Owner/GC per contract	Before base rock
Footing bearing	Excavation open	GC	Owner/GC	Before rebar/placement
Slab base density	Base pre‑pour	GC	Owner/GC	Before pour
Field welding NDT	Weld sequence	GC	Owner/GC	Before concealment
Bolting verification	Bolting start	GC	Owner/GC	Before final torque
Firestopping first‑article	First penetration per system	GC	Owner/GC	Before ceiling close

Ask your EOR for the SSI in editable format and populate this matrix on day one.

How Novus keeps schedules safe

• We publish a Testing & SI Plan in week 1 with responsibilities, hold points, and contact info.

• We lock inspections into the 3‑week look‑ahead, not “on call.”

• We run first‑article mockups (firestop, anchors, SFRM) and tag results with photos for the closeout binder.