TOPIC: Phase inspection- foundation

Website landed me a phase inspection contract. This will be the first one i've done and a bit nervous even though I have 15 yrs in concrete construction. Is there any prefered method of reporting, checklist vs a detailed report. Any advice other than backing out will be appreciated.

I hope you won't consider me a dunce for asking what a phase inspection is, so here goes; what is a phase inspection?

It's the inspection of the foundation, pre-drywall, and so forth during the construction process.

I perform a Pre-drywall and final.  Don't really see a point in performing multiple smaller inspections of single systems.

I use my standard inspection format for the predrywall.  State SOP requires I document materials so I state DWV is PVC and Supply is PEX.  If there are any defects, I report as would any inspection.  I include disclaimers that the utilities were not completely installed and were not operated.  Same is true of HVAC. 

Basically looking for structural defects, areas where the utilities hacked the structure, utilities without protective plates, and occasionally suggest to the buyer that if they want an extra outlet or light fixture, now is the time.  Usually the builder hangs insulation within several days of the predrywall inspection.  Last Pre-drywall inspection they started hanging insulation during the inspection.  Glad I arrived a little early on that inspection.

The inspection of the foundation is a requirement in Tx, usually the builder hires the inspector . The report we have to use for home inspections doesn't have all the info needed for the foundation or any of the other phases. So I'm trying to decide on either a checklist or a more detailed way of reporting. Also looking for what should be in the contract. The client waited till the last minute to hire an inspector and I am caught unprepared. Will be meeting with builders rep this morning to look over plans.

First, I'm glad to hear that your website go you an inspection

You could use one of the other HIP templates that has a separate foundation section and uncheck all the pages except that. If you need to include another section or two that's fine. Set the report under Report Settings->Options to only print items of the report that you've commented on.