Simply stated, the purpose of inspection is to ensure that the materials and workmanship provided by the contractor comply with the relevant codes, ordinances, plans and specifications. Note that we say materials and workmanship. The best designs and materials are of no value without good workmanship. The complexity of construction today, the emphasis on speed of construction, and the increasing interest in quality control and quality assurance underscore the importance of impartial inspection of the highest degree of competence. One thing should be made clear: the inspector does not supervise the contractor’s operations. Keeping this in mind, we can say that, in general, properly applied inspection should aid in ensuring that: the requirements of the contract documents will be carried out, extra work will be minimized, the use of unacceptable substitutes will be avoided, making errors that might result in unnecessary maintenance cost will be avoided, and materials and workmanship that are guaranteed will be evaluated at the time of installation.