Who is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of special inspection reports?

The special inspector is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of special inspection reports because their primary role is to ensure that the construction work meets the specified codes, standards, and project requirements. The special inspector, who is typically an individual with specialized training and qualifications, is tasked with observing and verifying that the construction processes comply with these standards.

Their reports are critical documents that provide evidence of compliance and serve as a record of the inspection activities performed. Since the special inspector directly conducts the inspections, they have firsthand knowledge and expertise regarding the work being done. Therefore, they bear the fundamental responsibility for accurately documenting their observations, findings, and any deviations from the specified requirements in their reports.

Other parties involved, such as the construction manager, the responsible design professional (RDP), or the building owner, may have various degrees of responsibility throughout the construction process, but it is the special inspector who holds the primary accountability for the integrity of the inspection and reporting process.