Who hires the special inspector for a project?

The special inspector is typically hired by the Registered Design Professional in Responsible Charge, who acts as the owner's agent. This arrangement ensures that the inspector is engaged by someone who has a comprehensive understanding of the project requirements, design intent, and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.

This role allows the design professional to maintain oversight of the construction process and ensure that the work meets the specifications set forth in the design documents. The special inspector provides an additional layer of scrutiny and quality assurance, which is essential for projects that involve complex or critical systems that require adherence to strict safety and performance standards.

In contrast to other potential hiring authorities, such as a contractor or city building department, this practice allows for an independent assessment of the construction work, thereby safeguarding the interests of both the owner and the overall integrity of the project. The project manager may have significant oversight and coordination responsibilities, but the responsibility for hiring the special inspector ultimately aligns with the design professional's obligation to uphold design integrity and construction quality.