BPI QCI key terms

The documented list of measures, locations, and quantities a contractor agrees to perform on a project. Inspectors compare what was installed against this written description to confirm completeness and detect substitutions.

The inspection activity of confirming that installed work matches the approved scope in type, quantity, location, and quality. It relies on drawings, specifications, and change orders rather than verbal agreements.

The complete set of drawings, specifications, schedules, and general conditions that legally define a project. Inspectors use them as the primary reference for judging whether work complies.

Written technical requirements describing materials, methods, and quality standards for a project. Specifications supplement drawings and often govern installation details that drawings do not show.

A written modification to the original contract that adds, removes, or alters work. Inspectors must verify that field conditions reflect approved change orders and not unapproved deviations.

Records updated to show actual installed conditions, including field changes and deviations from design. These documents support verification, future maintenance, and program file review.

A recognized published requirement or manufacturer instruction governing how a product must be installed. Inspectors cite the applicable standard when judging workmanship and material compliance.

The written directions supplied with a product describing required installation, clearances, and commissioning steps. Deviating from them can void warranties and is a common inspection finding.

The quality of execution visible in the finished installation, such as alignment, sealing, fastening, and cleanliness. Poor workmanship can cause performance failures even when correct materials are used.

A condition where installed work fails to meet the approved scope, specification, or accepted practice. Deficiencies are documented, communicated to the responsible party, and tracked through correction.

A written record of incomplete or deficient items identified near project completion. Each item is assigned to a responsible party and closed out after re-inspection confirms correction.

A follow-up visit to confirm that previously identified deficiencies were corrected. Re-inspections close the loop on findings and provide evidence for program file completion.

The specific step taken to fix a documented deficiency and prevent recurrence. Inspectors verify that the action addresses the root cause, not just the visible symptom.

A systematic on-site review of installed work against approved plans, specifications, and program rules. It produces objective evidence that measures were installed correctly and safely.

The program-level processes that ensure inspections are consistent, trained, and defensible. It includes procedures, calibration, sampling rules, and review of inspector performance.

A written document describing how a contractor or program will inspect, test, and document work. It defines responsibilities, sampling frequency, acceptance criteria, and reporting paths.

A structured form listing items to observe at each site visit so nothing is missed. Completed checklists become part of the inspection record and support consistent decisions.

Selecting a subset of installed units for inspection when full coverage is impractical. Sampling must follow a defined, unbiased method so results reliably represent the whole population.

Choosing inspection units so every unit has an equal chance of selection. It avoids bias from inspectors picking convenient or visibly obvious units.

The measurable thresholds that determine whether inspected work passes or fails. Clear criteria reduce subjective judgment and make inspection decisions consistent across inspectors.

The formal written record of an inspection, including date, scope, observations, findings, and photos. It is the primary evidence that program requirements were met.

All records generated and retained during a project, such as reports, checklists, photos, and test results. Complete documentation supports verification, audit, and dispute resolution.

Images captured to show conditions, measurements, and installed equipment. Photos should include context, scale, and identifiers so reviewers can interpret them without being on site.

The policy defining how long project records must be kept and in what format. Retention rules protect the program during audits, warranty claims, and later verification.

The rules set by the sponsoring program that govern eligibility, installation, inspection, and reporting. Inspectors must apply them exactly because they determine whether work receives approval or payment.

The study of how heat, air, and moisture move through building assemblies and affect performance, durability, and comfort. Inspectors use these principles to judge whether details will actually work.

The continuous layer of insulation and air control that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space. Breaks or gaps in this boundary cause energy loss and condensation risk.

A path of high-conductivity material that bypasses insulation and increases heat flow through an assembly. Common examples include framing, fasteners, and uninsulated structural connections.

A continuous system that resists uncontrolled air movement through the building envelope. Leaks in it drive energy loss, moisture transport, and comfort complaints.

Unintended airflow through gaps, cracks, and penetrations in the envelope. It is measured in tests and inspected by tracing continuity of sealing at joints and transitions.

A diagnostic test using a calibrated fan to pressurize a building and measure envelope air leakage. Results are compared to program thresholds to verify air sealing performance.

Instrumented measurements such as pressure, airflow, and combustion analysis used to evaluate building performance. Tests must follow recognized procedures and calibrated equipment for valid results.

A procedure that pressurizes the duct system to measure air loss through joints and seams. Excessive leakage wastes energy and can draw contaminants into the distribution system.

The documented adjustment of an instrument against a known reference to confirm accuracy. Uncalibrated tools can invalidate test results and undermine the inspection record.

Material installed to slow heat flow through building assemblies. Its effectiveness depends on correct thickness, coverage, and contact with the surface it protects.

Design and installation practices that control water and vapor movement to prevent damage. It includes drainage planes, flashing, and vapor control layers working together.

Checks for carbon monoxide, spillage, and proper venting on fuel-burning appliances. Unsafe conditions must be documented and reported immediately to protect occupants.