To whom should the special inspector first report non-conforming items?

The special inspector should first report non-conforming items to the contractor. This is appropriate because the contractor is typically responsible for the work on the site and has the authority to address issues directly. The contractor can take immediate action to correct non-conformities, which is essential for maintaining compliance with the project specifications and ensuring that the construction proceeds correctly.

Reporting directly to the contractor facilitates timely communication and resolution of issues. The contractor can then coordinate with the project team, which may include the engineer of record or the building official, if necessary. This hierarchy of communication is often established to streamline processes on the job site, allowing for quick fixes and minimizing project delays.

Other parties involved, such as the building official, engineer of record, or owner, are important in their own right, but the contractually obligated relationship between the contractor and the special inspector makes the contractor the first point of contact for reporting non-conformities.