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During the course of construction on some projects, it may be necessary to identify mandatory inspections, that is, a point in the construction process where an inspection or a test must be completed before construction proceeds. These usually relate to the need to test completed work that is to be concealed by later construction or confirm the quality of work before it is covered up.
Where a test or formal approval is required it is advisable to specify a hold point Usually defined as an opportunity to witness an activity or item for which the contractor is required to give notice. The contractor must not proceed further without the approval of the architect. View full glossary , that is a point beyond which construction must not proceed until a satisfactory test has been completed, or a statutory inspection has been undertaken or written approval has been given. A hold point may also be used for work that must be inspected and approved by a specialist consultant, ie reinforcing to footings or slabs. Generally, where a hold point is specified, written approval to proceed with construction is required.
Where the inspection relates to the need to confirm the quality of the work before it is covered up, a witness point Usually defined as an opportunity to witness an activity or item for which the contractor is required to give notice but which involves no obligation of the architect to witness (ie after the period for notice, the contractor may proceed with the activity or item). View full glossary should be specified. The contractor is required to notify the architect that the works are ready for inspection and generally the 'witness point' has a time limit within which the architect must complete the inspection or the contractor may proceed with construction. A witness point may be used, for example, to confirm that insulation has been installed as specified before wall linings are installed or that the substrata have been properly prepared before tiling commences.
Where hold points or witness points are specified in the contract documents the contractor is responsible for allowing for the inspections or tests within the construction program to ensure that the works are not unduly delayed while the inspections are undertaken or tests are completed.
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