Foundation Inspection Checklist
For: Foundation inspectors, structural engineers, GCs
Foundations have the longest path from "fixable" to "you tear out the house." This checklist covers the items inspectors verify at footing, stem wall, and slab pour stages. Photograph everything before it gets covered — your future self will need the documentation.
References: ACI 332 · IRC R401-R408 · ICC-ES evaluation reports for product-specific items
Want to do this on your phone — offline, with photos per item, exported as a PDF in 90 seconds?
Use OnsiteAudit — runs offline, captures photo evidence per item, exports a sharable PDF.
Excavation & Sub-grade
Footing excavation reaches undisturbed native soil or compacted fill
Soil bearing matches geotech report (≥1500 psf typical residential)
Bottom of footing below frost depth per local code
Drainage fabric / capillary break in place if specified
Reinforcing
Rebar size + spacing match drawings (typ. #4 or #5 at 12-16 in OC)
Cover ≥3 in for cast-against-earth, ≥1.5 in for formed surfaces
ACI 318 §20.6
Lap splices ≥40× bar diameter (verify on site)
Hooks at corners and intersections present + properly bent
Wire ties at all intersections, no missing ties at perimeter
Chairs/dobies maintain cover (no rebar resting on dirt)
Embeds & Anchors
Anchor bolts — diameter, length, projection, spacing match drawings
IRC R403.1.6
Anchor bolts within 12 in of plate ends + 6 ft OC max
Hold-down anchors at shear walls oriented + embedded correctly
Plumbing sleeves and conduit penetrations at correct location/size
Vapor Barrier & Drainage (Slab Pours)
Vapor barrier (10-mil min) continuous, taped at seams
IRC R506.2.3
Capillary break (clean gravel) min 4 in below slab
Perimeter drain installed below footing top, sloped to daylight/sump
Pre-Pour Sign-Off
Inspector pre-pour approval (photo + name + time)
Slump test cones + cylinder molds on-site
Weather conditions documented at start of pour
Run this on your phone
Run this checklist on every site, capture defect photos inline, generate a sharable report at the truck. All offline.