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Topic 2. Inspection Stages
July 14, 2003
Introduction
This topic contains information about
displaying legal notices
the stages of inspection
what inspectors look for during the inspection
re-inspections
special inspections, and
missed inspections.
Equal Employment Opportunity Poster Requirement
At the initial inspection, inspectors will note any failure of the builder to prominently display VA Poster 26-83-1, Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law, as a noncompliance item on the inspection report. Each contractor and subcontractor must display the poster in conspicuous places at job sites covered by VA value notices for proposed construction.
In all areas with significant concentrations of Spanish-speaking people, VA Poster 26-83-1(S) printed in Spanish, must be displayed next to the poster in English.
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When noncompliance with the poster requirement is found, the VA office of jurisdiction will immediately inform the builder that no further inspections will be made until the poster is displayed.
Obtaining Equal Employment Opportunity Posters
VA supplies the poster to the builder with the VA value notice, if issued by the VA. Although one poster may be used to cover a group of properties being constructed simultaneously by a builder, VA will furnish additional posters needed for adequate coverage.
Posters are available from the VA Forms and Publications Depot.
First Inspection Stage Alternatives
VA will notify builders, lenders, and inspectors which of the following first stage inspection alternatives are to be used in specific areas:
Excavation complete and ready for footings and foundations usually applies in localities where it is advisable to have the bearing soil examined before construction proceeds, or
Foundation walls complete and ready for backfill usually applies where soil conditions are generally uniform and free of faults likely to cause foundation problems.
Completion of Excavation Alternative
For the completion of excavation alternative, VA inspects
display of VA Poster 26-83-1, Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law
the nature of the bearing soil
form work for footings or the condition and quality of the footing trench if forms are not required, and
compliance with construction exhibits and VA Minimum Property Requirements regarding
- the location of the structures on the plot, and
- depth of excavation and its relation to street and proposed finish grades and to grades of adjoining improved properties.
Completion of Foundation Alternative
For the completion of foundation alternative, all of the above items will be observed and reported. In addition, VA will inspect
the size, location, and condition of all footings, foundation walls, piers, and other supporting members, and
the quality of materials and workmanship of masonry, damp proofing, and foundation drainage.
Second Inspection Stage
During the second inspection stage VA inspects
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all construction below the superstructure not installed or which was installed but not inspected or reported upon at the first inspection stage, including footings, foundations, piers, columns, waterproofing and drainage provisions
construction of the superstructure, including quality of materials and workmanship, details of construction, and the suitability of arrangement of all items for subsequent installation of equipment and of interior and exterior finishing materials
plan of the dwelling, including the arrangement of partitions and the sizes and placement of all openings
roughing-in of mechanical work, including plumbing, heating, and electric installations with respect to
- providing for the correct installation of fixtures, equipment, and accessories
- avoiding impairment of the strength of structural members, and
- proper operation of the completed systems.
Note: No second stage inspection of the dwelling is required for modular construction since the unit is fabricated in a factory and must be inspected to state standards.
Third Inspection Stage
During the third inspection stage VA inspects for acceptable completion of all specified onsite and offsite improvements.
The table below lists the exterior and interior items to be inspected and reported upon during the third inspection stage.
Exterior Inspection:
compaction of fill material
finish grading
drainage
utility connections
walks
drives
accessory buildings
retaining walls
planting
safety provisions at
- terraces
- porches
- areaways
Interior Inspection:
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design
materials, equipment, and details of their installation
interior surfaces and their finish treatment
protection against the elements and penetration of moisture
masonry pointing
caulking at openings
paint coverage
flashing
design of dwelling structure
materials and details of their installation and finish
cabinets and millwork
details and operation of systems, equipment, and fixtures related to
- plumbing
- heating
- ventilating
- electric
offsite improvements including
- utilities
- storm sewer system
- drainage channels
- grading
- curbs
- gutters
- paving
- pavement edging
- subgrade, and
- base and wearing surface and erosion control
quality and operation of hardware
quality of
- tilework
- glass
- linoleum
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- venting of attics and underfloor spaces
Individual Water Supply and Sewage Disposal System
Individual Water Supply and Sewage Disposal System
The inspector will include with the inspection report evidence obtained from the builder that installation in satisfactory to the health authority having jurisdiction.
Final Inspection
Generally, this coincides with the third inspection stage and requires the Compliance Inspection Report, VA Form 26-1839 to
include two photographs (preferably taken from the diagonally opposite front and rear corners) to record the appearance of the dwelling and indicate the grading and drainage of the site
describe the condition, suitability, and readiness for use of all equipment, fixtures and observable construction of the property
report shortcomings such as scratches in painted surfaces, poorly fitted doors, stuck windows, cracks in walls, irrespective of any arrangements made on the site for corrections, and
confirm that any instance of inferior workmanship, defective materials or equipment, or faulty installation or application of materials or equipment and/or deviation from approved plans and specifications is reported on VA Form 26-1839, and
if the property is a unit on a master appraisal either
- clearly identify any optional variation or item of equipment included in the construction, or
- state that none is included.
Special Inspections
VA may also require special inspections by the VA-assigned fee inspector at any stage of construction to help monitor cases involving
unusual site features
construction methods, or
builders with frequent construction complaints.
For cases involving major alteration or repair work, the stages at which special inspections are to be made will be determined according to the nature of the proposed work.
Re-inspection
A re-inspection is required
whenever a first- or second-stage, or special inspection shows noncompliance and the work involved will be concealed before the next regular inspection, or
as a result of noncompliance or incomplete work reported at the third-stage inspection, unless the VA field station waives the re-inspection because
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- the incomplete work is of a minor nature, and
- the lender is willing to certify that it has been satisfactorily completed.
Missed Inspections
Occasionally a required inspection may be missed through oversight by the builder or other party responsible for requesting them. To waive a missed inspection, the VA field office must be provided with
a written request signed by the lender and the veteran
evidence that the local building authority inspected the construction at the stage(s) not inspected by VA, and
Note: In areas without local inspections at prescribed construction stages, the VA inspector must provide a statement regarding his/her experience with the quality of the builder’s workmanship and the builder’s conformity with both constructions exhibits submitted to VA and VA minimum property requirements.
evidence of HUD’s consent to the waiver, if the case is HUD related.