Which inspection is typically required before backfilling around a building foundation?
Correct Answer
B) Footing and foundation inspection
The footing and foundation inspection must be completed and approved before backfilling can occur, as the foundation work will be concealed and inaccessible after backfilling.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The footing and foundation inspection is required before backfilling because once soil is placed around the foundation, the structural elements become concealed and inaccessible for inspection. This inspection verifies that the foundation walls, footings, reinforcement, and waterproofing are properly installed according to approved plans and building codes. The inspector must approve this work while it's still visible and accessible, as any defects discovered later would require expensive excavation to correct.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Final inspection
Final inspection occurs at the very end of construction when the entire project is complete, which is long after backfilling has occurred. This inspection cannot prevent problems with concealed foundation work.
Option C: Framing inspection
Framing inspection occurs much later in the construction sequence, after the foundation is backfilled and the wooden or steel frame structure is erected. This inspection focuses on structural framing members, not foundation work.
Option D: Plumbing rough-in inspection
Plumbing rough-in inspection occurs after framing when plumbing lines are installed but before walls are closed up. This happens well after foundation backfilling and does not address foundation structural integrity.
Memory Technique
Think 'Before you BACK-fill, check the FOUNDATION' - the foundation inspection must happen before backfilling conceals the work forever.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 1, Section 110 - Inspections, or the inspection schedule section of your contractor reference manual
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Previous Question
You are building a mixed-use development with residential units above retail space. The local zoning ordinance requires a conditional use permit for this type of development. When should this permit be obtained?
Next Question
In a CPM schedule with 150 activities, the critical path contains 22 activities with a total duration of 240 days. If one critical path activity is reduced from 8 days to 5 days through acceleration, what is the new project duration?