CEPSCI: The Value of Third-Party Inspectors

I started doing CEPSCI inspections in 2016, I really thought my role was simply to make sure sites were compliant and help my clients avoid violations. Today though, I realize there’s a bigger role. Weekly inspections can actually make a construction site more productive, save time, and prevent costly rework.

One thing is for certain, general contractors and superintendents juggle countless tasks every day. They manage subcontractors, coordinate deliveries and troubleshoot equipment in order to keep the project on schedule. They're busy all day, every day on the job site. Erosion and sediment issue quickly fade into the familiar backdrop of the site and small issues go unnoticed. Weekly, third-party CEPSCI inspections become a key ingredient to success.

Superintendents may initially see me as an annoyance. One actually made me aware that he did not need me “looking over my shoulder.” However, a few weeks later a municipality regulator pointed out a concern about potential offsite sediment impact. Because I had documented the site BMPs, the superintendent could immediately show photos and reports, resolving the issue quickly and avoiding delays. By consistently documenting what is done correctly in addition to the problems, this superintendent came to rely on my role.

On another project, a heavy rain event filled dug-out footers with water. The out of state superintendent was at a loss trying to quickly find a pump locally. When I came on site he was franticly calling rental companies, all of which were 30 minutes away, a full hour off site not being productive. However, my shop was less than five minutes away. I told him to follow me to the shop, he was able to borrow a pump immediately and keep work moving, saving hours of downtime. That’s the power of a relationship with a third-party local.

It’s important to see that CEPSCI inspectionors aren’t there to create extra work. Instead, they’re a team member, giving the GC confidence that the work is properly documented, issues are quickly addressed, and progress isn’t derailed by avoidable problems. GCs have gone from skeptics to asking for my insight on site planning, stormwater management, and even subcontractor coordination because they see me as a trusted resource.

In the end, third-party inspectors are more than compliance, they’re a productivity tool. They allow superintendents to focus on managing subcontractors and schedules. And by catching small problems early, they prevent minor issues from becoming costly delays or rework.

The value a third-party inspector brings to GCs helps keep them ahead of problems, keep projects on schedule, and maintain peace of mind throughout construction.