FAQ.02

Question:

 How does the presence of a municipal building inspector or other inspectors for authorities having jurisdiction affect a member doing general review?

Short Answer:

The only time the presence of municipal or other inspectors on a job site should have an impact on what a member does is when an inspector flags something as non-compliant. When that happens, the member should take action to understand what the inspector has observed, what their understanding of the relevant code or referenced standard portions is, and to have the non-compliance rectified or to discuss the situation with the inspector.

Expanded Answer:

The presence of others on site is irrelevant to the requirement for members to perform general review according to the professional standards of the OAA. While it may be reassuring to know that others have signed off on a project, members are to exercise their professional skill and judgement in conducting the general review and evaluating the state of the construction.

• The acceptance of any aspect of the project or the issuance of occupancy or other permits by an inspector, while necessary, does not relieve a member of any contractual or professional responsibility, or duty of care to the client or to the public.
• Most inspectors for municipal building or fire departments are not licensed professionals, and even if those attending your project are, the scope of and purpose of their work are different from those of a member doing general review. What may be acceptable to an inspector may not be in full compliance with the requirements of the contract documents.
• Inspectors reviewing multiple projects will not be as familiar with the project nor on site as often as you are, and may not know which aspects are critical to life safety or code compliance.

Members are required to exercise their professional judgement and to maintain professional standards regardless of the presence of others on the job site.