Pre-Pour Inspection Checklist

Use this checklist before concrete is poured. It is written for owners and buyers who want a practical way to confirm that the visible work generally matches the agreed scope.

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Project information

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1. Layout and dimensions

• □ Slab shape matches the agreed plan
• □ Length appears correct
• □ Width appears correct
• □ Door openings are in the right locations
• □ Interior thickened areas or pads are present if promised
• □ Building lines / wall lines / frame lines make sense

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2. Thickness and footings

• □ Slab thickness has been confirmed with the contractor
• □ Perimeter footing width matches the agreed scope
• □ Perimeter footing depth matches the agreed scope
• □ Interior footings or thickened areas are present if required
• □ Any stepped or special areas have been explained

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3. Base and site condition

• □ Base looks prepared, not rushed
• □ No standing water
• □ No obvious pumping mud
• □ No major soft spots
• □ Filled areas or trenches appear addressed
• □ Site is generally ready for placement

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4. Reinforcement

• □ Reinforcement type matches the scope
• □ Reinforcement spacing generally matches the scope
• □ Reinforcement appears continuous where expected
• □ Reinforcement is supported or chaired as needed
• □ Footing reinforcement is present if specified
• □ Photos were taken before the pour

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5. Vapor barrier / vapor retarder

• □ Material is present where promised
• □ Coverage appears complete under the slab area
• □ Seams look intentional and consistent
• □ Obvious tears have been repaired
• □ Penetrations are addressed
• □ Photos were taken before the pour

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6. Plumbing, sleeves, anchors, and embeds

• □ Stub-outs are in the correct locations
• □ Drains are in the correct locations
• □ Sleeves are installed where needed
• □ Anchor bolts / embeds are accounted for if required
• □ Column or frame layout has been confirmed if applicable

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7. Finish, joints, and curing

• □ Finish type has been confirmed
• □ Joint method has been explained
• □ Joint layout has been discussed
• □ Curing approach has been discussed
• □ Post-pour access limits are understood

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8. Photos and records

• □ Overview photos were taken
• □ Close-up photos of reinforcement were taken
• □ Close-up photos of footing areas were taken
• □ Close-up photos of vapor barrier were taken
• □ Scope / quote / plan is saved
• □ Questions and answers were documented

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Final pre-pour question

Ask this before the pour starts:

Can we walk the slab together and confirm that what is visible matches the agreed scope before concrete is placed?

A good contractor should be able to do that.

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