How often should special inspections be conducted during a project?

Special inspections are a critical component of quality assurance in construction projects, ensuring that work complies with approved design documents and applicable codes. Conducting these inspections at critical phases aligned with the construction schedule is essential because it allows for timely identification and rectification of any issues, thereby maintaining project integrity.

This approach ensures that key activities are evaluated as they occur, rather than waiting until the end of the project or only reacting to reported problems. Regular oversight at critical stages helps avoid costly rework and delays by catching potential discrepancies early. Also, aligning inspections with the construction schedule ensures that inspections are systematic and accountable, correlating directly to the construction progress.

The other methods of inspection mentioned, such as performing them only at the end, reacting to issues, or based solely on the inspector's preference, do not provide the proactive oversight necessary for building quality and safety into the project. These methods can lead to oversight and potentially severe issues that compromise the structural integrity and safety of the construction.