During an inspection, which document is crucial for the inspector to review?

During an inspection, reviewing design specifications and plans is crucial because these documents provide the detailed criteria and standards upon which the project was based. They outline the intended design and functionality of the components being inspected, enabling the inspector to assess if the work is done according to the approved designs and codes. This review helps ensure compliance with building regulations and safety standards.

Design specifications and plans offer valuable insights into how each part of the project is supposed to function and how it fits within the overall design. They serve as a benchmark against which the actual work can be compared, identifying deviations or potential issues that may compromise the integrity or safety of the installation.

While previous inspection reports can offer helpful historical context, and code books define the legal standards to which the work must adhere, the specific design documents uniquely position the inspector to understand what aspects of the work need careful evaluation during that particular inspection. Homeowner's manuals, while useful for understanding system operations post-installation, do not provide the critical design documents necessary for an effective inspection.