QA/QC Checklists: Generate Trade-Specific Inspections in Minutes

The inspector is coming Tuesday. Do you have a checklist, or are you walking the job hoping you don't miss anything?

Quality control shouldn't depend on memory. It should depend on a checklist built from the actual project requirements.

Here's how to generate trade-specific QA/QC checklists in minutes.

Why Generic Checklists Fail

Most companies use one of two approaches:

The generic checklist: Same form for every project. Doesn't match the actual specifications. Misses project-specific requirements.

The memory method: Walk the job with experienced eyes. Works until it doesn't. Can't be delegated.

Both approaches have the same problem: they're not connected to the actual contract documents.

What a Good QA/QC Checklist Contains

Source-Based Items

Every checklist item should trace back to a source:

• Specification requirement
• Drawing detail
• Code reference
• Manufacturer instruction

If you can't cite why you're checking something, why are you checking it?

Project-Specific Requirements

Generic "check for level" becomes:

• Level within 1/8" per 10' (per spec)
• Verify slope direction per drawing
• Confirm drain locations match layout

Specific items get specific results.

Verification Methods

Each item should specify how to verify:

• Visual inspection
• Measurement with tool
• Witness test
• Documentation review

Clear methods mean consistent results.

Building Checklists from Specifications

Step 1: Identify Applicable Sections

For each trade/system, identify relevant spec sections:

Ductwork Installation:

• 23 31 13 - Metal Ducts
• 23 07 13 - Duct Insulation
• 23 05 29 - Hangers and Supports
• 23 33 00 - Duct Accessories

Hydronic Piping:

• 23 21 13 - Hydronic Piping
• 23 07 19 - Piping Insulation
• 23 05 29 - Hangers and Supports
• 23 21 23 - Hydronic Pumps

Step 2: Extract Execution Requirements

Go to Part 3 of each section and extract:

• Installation requirements
• Tolerances
• Testing requirements
• Documentation requirements

Step 3: Extract Quality Requirements

Look for:

• "Quality assurance" in Part 1
• "Examination" at start of Part 3
• "Field quality control" in Part 3
• Referenced standards (SMACNA, etc.)

Step 4: Compile and Organize

Organize items by:

• Installation phase
• Location/area
• Priority (critical vs. standard)

Using AI to Generate Checklists

Speed up the process with AI extraction:

Generate a QA/QC checklist for HVAC ductwork installation based on these specifications:

[Paste relevant spec sections]

Include:
1. Pre-installation verification items
2. Installation inspection points
3. Testing requirements
4. Documentation requirements

For each item, cite the specification reference.
Format as a checklist I can print and use in the field.

Sample AI-Generated Checklist

DUCTWORK INSTALLATION QA/QC CHECKLIST

Pre-Installation:

• Shop drawings approved (23 31 13, 1.5.A)
• Duct material matches spec - galvanized steel per ASTM A653 (23 31 13, 2.1.A)
• Gauges match schedule (23 31 13, 2.1.D)
• Sealant/gaskets on site (23 31 13, 2.2)

Fabrication Verification:

• Rectangular joints per SMACNA Class A (23 31 13, 2.3.A)
• Round duct spiral seams continuous (23 31 13, 2.3.B)
• Fittings match SMACNA standards (23 31 13, 2.4)

Installation:

• Hangers per spec spacing: [X ft max] (23 05 29, 3.2.A)
• Hanger type matches spec (23 05 29, 2.1)
• Duct sealed per pressure class (23 31 13, 3.2.C)
• Access doors provided per schedule (23 33 00, 3.2)
• Fire dampers installed per drawing (23 33 46, 3.2)

Testing:

• Duct leakage test completed (23 31 13, 3.4.A)
• Test documentation submitted (23 31 13, 3.4.B)
• Leakage within [X] CFM per 100 SF (23 31 13, 3.4.C)

Trade-Specific Checklist Templates

Electrical Panel Installation

Pre-Installation:

• Panel submittal approved
• Location verified per drawing
• Wall/structure ready for mounting
• Clearances verified: [X" front], [X" sides]

Installation:

• Panel level within tolerance
• Properly secured to structure
• Grounding connected per spec
• Neutral-ground bond verified
• Knockouts not left open

Terminations:

• Wire sizing matches schedule
• Torque specifications met
• Labeling complete per code
• Directory installed and accurate

Testing:

• Megger test completed
• Ground fault circuits tested
• Arc fault circuits tested
• Documentation complete

Plumbing Rough-In

Pre-Installation:

• Drawing routing verified
• Penetration locations marked
• Sleeve sizes confirmed
• Fixture rough-in dimensions confirmed

Piping:

• Pipe material per spec
• Fittings per spec (no prohibited types)
• Slope verified: [X" per foot] drain
• Hangers per spec spacing
• Firestopping at penetrations

Testing:

• Pressure test setup ready
• Test pressure: [X PSI] for [X hours]
• Inspection scheduled
• Test documentation prepared

VAV Box Installation

Pre-Installation:

• Unit matches schedule
• Capacity verified
• Controller matches spec
• Access location confirmed

Mounting:

• Level and secure
• Clearance for access
• Duct connections proper
• Insulation continuous

Connections:

• Hot water piping connected (if applicable)
• Electrical power connected
• Controls wired per diagram
• Damper operation verified

Startup:

• Actuator calibrated
• Airflow measured
• Controls commissioned
• Documentation complete

Phased Checklists

Organize checklists by project phase:

Phase 1: Rough-In

• Routing and locations
• Hangers and supports
• Sleeves and penetrations
• Before cover-up items

Phase 2: Equipment Setting

• Equipment placement
• Connections
• Leveling and anchoring
• Access verification

Phase 3: Trim and Finish

• Fixtures and devices
• Labeling
• Final connections
• Appearance

Phase 4: Testing and Commissioning

• System tests
• Documentation
• Witness inspections
• Deficiency correction

Making Checklists Actually Work

Keep It Visible

Checklists in the office don't help the field. Make them:

• Printed and on clipboards
• Mobile-accessible
• Posted at work areas

Daily Use, Not Weekly

Checklists work when used daily:

• Pre-work check
• During work verification
• End-of-day confirmation

Waiting until inspection time defeats the purpose.

Document Results

Every checklist should capture:

• Date completed
• Who verified
• Pass/fail status
• Notes on deficiencies

This creates the quality record you need.

Address Failures Immediately

When items fail:

1. Note the deficiency
2. Assign correction
3. Re-inspect after correction
4. Document resolution

Punch list items should come from checklists, not surprises.

The Weekly QC Review

Build QA/QC into your weekly rhythm:

Monday: Review week's planned work, prepare relevant checklists

Daily: Use checklists during installation

Friday: Review completed checklists, note patterns, prepare for next week

Pattern Recognition

Track failures over time:

• What items fail repeatedly?
• Which crews have issues?
• What specs cause confusion?

Patterns indicate training needs or process problems.

AI-Generated vs. Template Checklists

When to Generate Fresh

• New project with unique specs
• Unfamiliar equipment
• Complex systems
• High-stakes inspections

When to Use Templates

• Standard installations
• Repeat project types
• Common equipment
• Routine inspections

The Hybrid Approach

Start with a template, then:

1. Run AI extraction on project specs
2. Compare to template
3. Add project-specific items
4. Remove non-applicable items
5. Update spec references

Best of both worlds: proven structure plus project specificity.

What's Next

QA/QC checklists catch issues during installation. The next step is building punch list workflows—so the issues you do find get tracked and resolved systematically.

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TL;DR

• Generic checklists miss project-specific requirements—build from actual specs
• Use AI to extract requirements from specification sections in minutes
• Organize by phase: rough-in, equipment, trim, commissioning
• Use checklists daily, not just before inspections
• Track failure patterns to identify training needs and process improvements