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Foundation inspection checklist
A foundation and footing inspection for new construction, filled in on a phone at the trench before concrete goes in. It checks the set-out and the excavation, then each footing in turn: measured width and depth against the design, reinforcement, cover, formwork, ducts and membranes, with photos. The form flags a footing smaller than drawn and counts what needs fixing before the pour. Record the pour itself on the concrete pour checklist.
For site managers, builders, groundworkers and owner's representatives checking footings and foundation excavations before the building inspector and the concrete arrive.
One form for the US and the UK: pick the building control regime on page 1 and the form shows the US code and OSHA notes or the England building control and CDM notes.
- Set-out, bearing ground, water and excavation safety, each checked with a reason for anything not right
- Each footing or ground beam measured against its design size, flagged if smaller
- Reinforcement, cover spacers, starter bars, formwork, ducts and damp-proof or gas membranes
- A ready-to-pour check, actions with priorities and owners, and signatures
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What is checked in a foundation inspection?
A foundation inspection is useful when it ties each footing to the drawing it was checked against: the grid reference, the design and measured width and depth, the steel and cover, and a photo with a tape in shot. Findings with an owner and a date before the pour stop concrete going into a trench that is too narrow, dirty or on soft ground.
Last updated . Facts checked by the SiteSurvey team on 27 October 2026 against International Residential Code section R109, types of inspections (as reproduced by Winnebago County, Illinois, building department), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651, specific excavation requirements (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652, requirements for protective systems (eCFR), Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 22, excavations, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 24, reports of inspections, HSE, excavations and Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16, notices in relation to building work.
How to inspect foundations before the pour
Do it when the trenches are dug and any forms and steel are in, before the building inspector and the concrete are booked.
Set up the inspection
Enter the plot, the drawings and their revisions, and the building control regime. Mark the location with GPS and note the deepest excavation open today.
Check the excavation
Walk the trenches: set-out against the drawings, a clean and level bottom, the bearing ground, sides, edge protection, a safe way in and out, spoil kept back and water under control. Say what needs doing for anything not right, and photograph it.
Check each footing
Add a footing for each run, pad or ground beam. Enter the design width and depth from the drawing and the measured size; the form says if it is smaller. Check the steel, cover, starter bars, formwork, ducts and membranes, and photograph each with a tape in shot.
Decide if it is ready to pour
Record whether the engineer has seen any unexpected ground or change, and whether the concrete is ordered to the specified mix. Say what is holding the pour if it is not ready.
Actions and sign-off
List each action with a priority, an owner and a date. Choose the decision, book the re-inspection or the building inspector, and sign with the contractor.
What makes a foundation inspection useful
Each footing's design and measured size, with the size check
Plots 12 to 15, terrace of four. Rear wall of plot 15, grid D3 to D4: design 600 mm wide by 1000 mm deep, measured 560 mm by 1150 mm after the trench was taken down past a soft clay pocket, so the form reads smaller than design. Ground beam GB-2 had rubble inside the cage, photographed. Pour held until the engineer replies and GB-2 is cleaned.
Fictional example. Record the actual evidence and approved arrangements for your job.
A common recording mistake
Writing "footings OK" without sizes or photos, and pouring before an unexpected soft spot or a narrow trench has been seen by the engineer.
What happens next
Close the actions, re-inspect, then book the building inspector and the concrete. Record the pour itself on the concrete pour checklist.
Try the foundation inspection form live
Answer a few questions and watch it adapt. Your answers are not saved, and any photos you add are deleted within the hour.
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Want to see one filled in? See a completed foundation inspection report (PDF), made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit.
Every question in the foundation inspection template
A pre-pour foundation inspection: set-out, excavation safety and bearing ground, then each footing measured against its design with reinforcement, cover, formwork and penetrations checked and photographed, with US (IRC and OSHA) and UK (CDM and building control) notes, actions and sign-off. 5 sections and 84 questions. Follow-up questions and guidance appear only when an answer calls for them, so the person on site never sees the ones that do not apply.
Make it your own: every question is editable
This is a starting point, not a fixed form. Once it is in your SiteSurvey account you can reword any question, add or remove questions, sections and answer options, and add your own logo, so it fits the way your team works and the jobs you do.
Details you only enter once
Add this form to a project in SiteSurvey and it fills in what the project already knows, so nobody on site retypes it and every form on the job uses the same names. Anything filled in can still be changed.
- Project: the project name
- Site address: the site address, from the space or the project
- Client or owner: the project's customer
Inspection details
- ProjectShort answer
Filled in from the project in SiteSurvey.
Fills in from the project name - Site addressShort answerFills in from the site address, from the space or the project
- Client or ownerShort answerFills in from the project's customer
- Location (GPS)Short answer
- Plot, unit or buildingShort answer
- Inspection date*Date
- Inspected by*Short answer
- Inspecting asChoose one
- Site manager or superintendent
- Contractor quality check
- Clerk of works or owner's representative
- Engineer or architect
- Third-party inspector
- Other
- Contractor doing the workShort answer
- Building control regimeChoose one
Sets which notes you see. Local amendments and the building control body decide what is inspected and when.
- US: International Residential Code, as adopted locally
- US: other local code
- England: Building Regulations 2010
- Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Other country
- Permit or building control referenceShort answer
- Type of inspectionChoose one
- Before the building control inspection
- With the building control inspector
- Re-inspection after defects were fixed
- Quality audit
- Drawings and revisions inspected againstShort answer
For example S-101 rev C, A-201 rev B.
- Deepest excavation today (m)Number
- Weather on siteAnswer
- CheckThis is a site inspection record for foundations and footings. It is not building control approval, an engineer's sign-off or a test certificate. Sizes, spacings, fixings and test values come from the drawings, the specification and the code your building department enforces.
Set-out and excavation
- GuidanceUS (OSHA 29 CFR 1926). A competent person inspects excavations, the area around them and protective systems daily, before work starts and as needed through the shift, and after every rainstorm or other event that increases the hazard (1926.651(k)). Workers need protection from cave-in unless the excavation is in stable rock, or under 5 feet (1.52 m) deep and a competent person finds no sign of a potential cave-in (1926.652(a)). Trenches 4 feet (1.22 m) or deeper need a ladder, stairway, ramp or other safe exit within 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel (1926.651(c)(2)).Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- GuidanceUK (CDM 2015). Where an excavation has supports or battering, no work is done in it until a competent person has inspected it at the start of the shift, after anything likely to have affected its strength or stability, and after any material has fallen or been dislodged (regulation 22(4)). If the inspector is not satisfied, they must tell the person they inspected for before the end of the shift and write a report (regulation 24).Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Set-out checked against the drawingsChoose one
Grid lines, offsets and levels from the setting-out points.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Bottom of excavation clean, level and free of loose material, water and mudChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Bearing ground as expected, no soft spots, fill, roots or servicesChoose one
Anything unexpected goes to the engineer before concrete.
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Excavation sides stable, supported or batteredChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Edge protection and barriers in placeChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Safe way in and out of the excavationChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Spoil and materials kept back from the edgeChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Water controlled (pumping, drainage, no undermining)Choose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Excavation items needing actionWorked out by the form
- Not checkedWorked out by the form
- CheckThis excavation is 5 feet (1.52 m) or deeper: a protective system is needed unless it is entirely in stable rock.Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Photos of the excavation and its sidesPhotos
Footings, reinforcement and formwork
- GuidanceUS. Under the International Residential Code (section R109.1.1, as adopted locally), the foundation inspection is made after piers are set or trenches or basement areas are dug, forms are up and any required reinforcing steel is in place, before concrete is placed. It includes excavations for thickened slabs that carry bearing walls, partitions, structural supports or equipment.Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- GuidanceEngland. Building control can require you to tell them when set stages are reached and can set a period during which the work must not be covered up (Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16(3)). Check the stages in your notice before covering anything.Shown when “Building control regime” is “England: Building Regulations 2010”
- FootingsRepeat for each footing. Each one asks:
- Footing or grid reference*Short answer
For example strip footing grid A1 to A4, pad P3.
- TypeChoose one
- Strip or trench fill
- Pad
- Raft or thickened slab edge
- Pile cap or ground beam
- Pier
- Other
- Design width (mm)Number
- Measured width (mm)Number
Tape or laser. A measure from a photo is an estimate only.
- Design depth below ground (mm)Number
- Measured depth (mm)Number
- Size against designWorked out by the form
- f_smallWorked out by the form
- Reinforcement bar size, spacing and laps to the drawingsChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Cover spacers and chairs in place, bars supported and tiedChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Starter bars, dowels and anchor bolts set to position and levelChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Formwork true, braced and cleanChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Ducts, sleeves and drainage through the foundation in placeChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- Damp-proof membrane, radon or gas barrier laid where specifiedChoose one
- Acceptable
- Action needed
- Not checked
- Not applicable
- What needs doing, or why not checkedNotesShown only when the answers above make it relevant
- f_issuesWorked out by the form
- f_not_checkedWorked out by the form
- Photos of the excavation, reinforcement and tapePhotos
- Footing items needing actionWorked out by the form
- Footings smaller than designWorked out by the form
- Footing items not checkedWorked out by the form
- WarningA footing is smaller than the design. Do not pour until the engineer or designer has said what to do, in writing.Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
Ready to pour
- Engineer or designer has seen any unexpected ground or change?Yes or No
- Concrete ordered to the specified mix?Yes or No
- Specified mix or strengthShort answerShown when “Concrete ordered to the specified mix?” is Yes
- Ready for concrete?*Yes or No
- What is holding the pourNotesShown when “Ready for concrete?” is No
- GuidanceRecord the pour itself (loads, slump, cubes, curing) on the Concrete Pour Inspection form.
Result, actions and sign-off
- Items needing actionWorked out by the form
- ResultWorked out by the form
- WarningDo not cover up or move on to the next stage until the actions marked "Urgent" or "Before cover-up" are done and re-inspected.Shown only when the answers above make it relevant
- ActionsRepeat for each action. Each one asks:
- Action*Notes
- PriorityChoose one
- Urgent: stop work
- Before cover-up
- Before the next stage
- Before handover
- Who will do it*Short answer
- Due byDate
- Status*Choose one
- Open
- In progress
- Done, re-inspected
- Photo when donePhotosShown when “Status” is “Done, re-inspected”
- Actions still openWorked out by the form
- Decision*Choose one
- Ready to proceed
- Proceed once the listed actions are done
- Not ready: re-inspect
- Re-inspection dateDateShown when “Decision” is “Not ready: re-inspect”
- Building control or code inspection booked?Yes or No
- Date booked forDateShown when “Building control or code inspection booked?” is Yes
- Building control or code inspection result, if knownShort answer
- Summary for the clientNotes
- Inspector nameShort answer
- Inspector signature*Signature
- Contractor representativeShort answer
- Contractor signatureSignature
- CheckSigning records what was seen on the day. It does not certify compliance or replace the building control inspection.
See it filled in
A completed foundation inspection report, made by SiteSurvey from a fictional site visit: every answer, the photos, the guidance that applied and the sign-off, ready to send as a PDF.
Foundation inspection FAQs
When is the foundation inspection done?
Under the International Residential Code (section R109.1.1, as adopted locally), the foundation inspection is made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated, any required forms are up and any required reinforcing steel is in place, before concrete is placed. It includes excavations for thickened slabs that support bearing walls, partitions, structural supports or equipment. Your building department's edition and amendments decide the detail, so check them.
Is this for checking an existing house's foundation?
No. This form is for new construction, before the concrete is poured. Cracks, movement or settlement in an existing building need a structural engineer or a building surveyor; a building survey or a structural inspection is the right record for that.
Who has to inspect a foundation excavation, and how often?
In the US, OSHA requires a competent person to inspect excavations, the area around them and protective systems daily before work starts, as needed through the shift, and after every rainstorm or other event that increases the hazard (29 CFR 1926.651(k)). In Great Britain, where an excavation has supports or battering, a competent person must inspect it at the start of each shift, after anything that may have affected its strength or stability, and after any material falls or is dislodged (CDM 2015, regulation 22).
Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651, specific excavation requirements (eCFR) and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 22, excavations.
When does a trench need shoring or a trench box?
In the US, workers in an excavation must be protected from cave-in by a protective system unless it is entirely in stable rock, or less than 5 feet (1.52 m) deep with no sign of a potential cave-in found by a competent person (29 CFR 1926.652(a)). Trenches 4 feet (1.22 m) or deeper also need a ladder, stairway, ramp or other safe exit within 25 feet of lateral travel. In Great Britain, CDM 2015 requires all practicable steps, including supports or battering where necessary, to stop an excavation collapsing; HSE says to decide on the support before digging starts.
Sources: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.652, requirements for protective systems (eCFR), OSHA 29 CFR 1926.651, specific excavation requirements (eCFR), Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 22, excavations and HSE, excavations.
What if the inspection finds the excavation is not safe?
Stop work in it until it is made safe. In Great Britain, an inspector who is not satisfied must tell the person they inspected for before the end of the shift and write a report: where and when, what was found, what was done about it, what further action is needed, and their name and position (CDM 2015, regulation 24). The form's findings, actions and signature hold the same details.
Sources: Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, regulation 24, reports of inspections and HSE, excavations.
Can building control stop me covering up work in England?
Yes. After you give notice that work is starting, the building control body can require you to tell it when set stages are reached, and can set a period during which that work must not be covered up (Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16(3)). It may only name a stage it intends to inspect. Check the stages in the notice you were given before you cover anything, and keep the dated photos in the form as your record.
Source: Building Regulations 2010, regulation 16, notices in relation to building work.
Does this form replace the building inspector?
No. It is your own record of the foundations before the pour: what was checked, what was found, the photos and who fixed what. The building department or building control body still makes its own inspection and decides whether the work passes. Use the form before they come, so the visit is a formality, and record their result on the last page.
Related
Related templates
Templates that go with the foundation inspection form
A concrete pour record covering pre-pour evidence, reinforcement and formwork checks, delivery references, placement observations, curing and hold points.
An excavation inspection record with scope, shift or event trigger, ground and support observations, hazards, actions and competent inspector details.
A framing inspection before close-in: members, spacing, headers, load paths, connectors, bracing, notches, fire and draft stopping and moisture, area by area with photos, then openings, roof and weather protection, with actions and sign-off.
Site visit report: weather, labour, progress against programme, area by area record, tests, queries and instructions.
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