1. Pre-Inspection Preparation

• Site Plans and Documentation
  • Verify the availability of approved site plans.
  • Check the soil investigation report.
  • Ensure that planning permissions and approvals for building regulations are in place.

2. Soil Assessment

• Load-Bearing Capacity
  • Check if the soil can bear the weight of the building.
• Soil Preparation
  • Verify that the soil has been properly compacted and prepared for the foundation.

3. Site Conditions

• Site Access
  • Confirm clear and safe access to the site.
  • Ensure safety measures are in place for personnel.
• Ground Conditions
  • Check for any water accumulation.
  • Inspect for vegetation or organic material removal.
• Site Clearance
  • Verify removal of topsoil and other unsuitable materials.
• Contamination
  • Confirm that the site is free from contamination.

4. Tree Roots and Vegetation

• Proximity of Trees
  • Look for nearby trees or tree roots that could impact the foundation.
  • Consider their proximity and potential effects on the stability of the building.

5. Foundation Design

• Design Compliance
  • Ensure the foundation design matches approved plans.
  • Check if the design considers soil type and load-bearing capacity.
• Materials
  • Verify that materials comply with BS standards (British Standards).
  • Confirm the quality and suitability of concrete and steel reinforcements.

6. Excavation

• Dimensions
  • Measure the depth and width of excavation against design specifications.
• Stability
  • Check for signs of ground movement or collapse.
  • Ensure side walls are properly supported.
• Base Preparation
  • Inspect the cleanliness of the base, free from loose soil or water.

7. Foundation Construction

• Formwork
  • Verify formwork dimensions and strength.
  • Check alignment and support.
• Reinforcement
  • Inspect the size, type, and placement of reinforcement bars.
  • Ensure proper spacing, cover, and tying of rebar.
  • Check for compliance with design drawings.
• Concrete Mix
  • Confirm concrete mix design and strength.
  • Ensure batching is done correctly.
• Pouring and Compaction
  • Check for proper pouring techniques to avoid segregation.
  • Verify adequate compaction and vibration to prevent air pockets.
• Curing
  • Ensure proper curing methods are employed (covering, watering).

8. Special Foundations

• Pile Foundations
  • Inspect pile type, length, and installation method.
  • Verify pile integrity and load testing results.
• Raft Foundations
  • Check for uniform thickness and reinforcement.
  • Inspect waterproofing measures.

9. Drainage and Waterproofing

• Foundation Drainage
  • Verify the installation of foundation drainage systems.
  • Check for proper slope and drainage outlets.
• Damp Proof Course (DPC)
  • Ensure DPC is installed correctly above ground level.
  • Check the continuity and overlaps of DPC material.

10. Solid Floors

• Quality and Installation
  • Check the quality and installation of solid floors.

11. Inspection of Adjacent Structures

• Proximity
  • Assess the impact of construction on adjacent buildings.
  • Verify measures taken to protect adjacent structures.

12. Backfilling

• Material
  • Check the quality and type of backfill material.
• Compaction
  • Verify proper compaction of backfill in layers.

13. Record Keeping

• Inspection Records
  • Maintain detailed records of each inspection stage.
  • Ensure documentation is signed and dated by the inspector.

14. Post-Construction Inspection

• Settlement
  • Monitor for any signs of foundation settlement or movement.
• Structural Integrity
  • Conduct a final check on the structural integrity of the foundation.

15. Compliance and Certification

• Regulation Compliance
  • Ensure all work complies with Building Regulations Part A (Structure).
• Certification
  • Obtain necessary completion certificates and approvals from relevant authorities.

Additional Considerations

• Health and Safety
  • Ensure adherence to Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments.

This comprehensive checklist serves as a practical guide for inspecting foundations in line with UK building regulations. Always refer to the Approved Documents provided by the UK government for detailed guidance on meeting building regulations and consider seeking professional assistance for compliance with specific project requirements.