Find an Inspector

To create and submit a project, and find an Inspector for Special Inspections, follow the steps below.

• Register on Accela Marketplace
• Log In To Accela Marketplace

Finding an Inspector includes 3 steps:

1. Search by Permit Number
2. Inspection Types
3. Additional Information

Each step is dependent on the preceding one, meaning that the next step will only become accessible if you complete the previous step:

• provided all the required data, and
• saved all the subsections of the preceding step.

Follow the specific order of steps above and the form guides you through the process.

1. Select the 'Find an Inspector' button.

2. Click on 'Search by Permit Number' in the 'Special Inspections' section.

• Conduct a permit-based search. Enter your permit number or numbers divided by commas. All permits must be under the same address.
• Special inspection agencies must be contacted when the application screening is successful and plan review starts.

Note: DCRA will review the Special Inspection pre-construction documents after structural drawings are approved.

You will be navigated to the Project page. Follow the steps to provide information for the required fields.

3. Enter the permit number or comma separated permit numbers for which you would like to find a special inspection agency.

4. Click on 'Continue.'

On this page, you find the address of the property and the customer's name displayed, with a list of open permits for this address below.

1. Accept the Project Terms by checking the checkbox.

Make sure you select Project Terms. Without selecting it, you will not be able to proceed.

2. Check the permit number(s).

3. Click on the 'Add details' button.

On this page, enter additional details and adjust the displayed options to specify inspection types.

1. Project Name: Provide a descriptive name for the project you will use in your communication.

2. When: Add the time when you need the inspection(s). Set your preferred time period when you need the inspections. Click on the date from and date to bars and set the first and last days of your preferred time period in the pop-up window.

3. Project Documents: Share links to documents that may be necessary for the agency. For each document, add a name and paste the URL where it can be found. After adding a document, click 'Add another document' to include more.

• Required:

  • Latest construction drawings, which must include the structural drawings.

• Optional:

  • Specs
  • Schedule of Special Inspections
  • Geotech Report
  • Project Schedule

By selecting 'Add another document', you can continue to add new documents as needed for the special inspection.

4. Project Details: Describe any details that might be useful for the agency. The following information can help:
   • New Construction or Renovation
   • Building Use
   • High or Low Rise
   • Foundation Type

5. Select Payment Method: Choose a default payment method for automatic charges on this project. Select from existing stored credit cards or bank accounts, or add new ones.

• Select the tab you wish to use: Credit card or ACH.
• Credit Card: Manage or add a new credit/debit card.
• ACH: Select a bank account or connect a new one.

6. Contact Person: Add contact details of the person the agency can reach out to for project questions. This is important for agencies, as it ensures that inspectors know whom to contact when they arrive on-site to conduct inspections. It should include the following information:
   • Name
   • Email Address
   • Phone Number (format: +1 XXX-XXX-XXXX)

7. Click on 'Review Project Details.'

You will be directed to the 'Project Review' page, where you can confirm the details you have provided. Review and verify each section of the project information. If any details are incorrect, you can edit them by navigating to the related sections.

• Edit Selected Permits: Navigate back to Step 1 to modify the permits selected.
• Edit Project Timeline: Navigate back to Step 3 to adjust the selected time.
• Edit Contact Person: Navigate back to Step 3 to update contact person information.
• Edit Project Documents: Navigate back to Step 3 to update project documents.
• Edit Project Details: Navigate back to Step 3 to revise project description.

Editing any section will redirect you to the corresponding page to make the necessary changes.

If all project details are correct, click on the 'Find an Inspector' button at the bottom of the page.

You will be directed to the 'Find an Inspection Agency' page. Below the project details, you will find a list of third-party agencies that are qualified to provide the inspection services you specified.

1. Select an Agency by typing the Agency's name in the bar on the left or sort the agencies by clicking on the drop-down menu.

Click on the agency's name to view their profile, which includes details such as services, address, website, availability, about us, pricing policy, project terms, and other specialties.

2. For further inquiries, click on the message icon on the agency's profile.

You will be navigated to the Messaging menu, where you can chat with the chosen Agency. Return to the Messaging menu to check any replies from or to send messages to the Agency.

3. Find a 'Proposal' button on each agency card which shows the service available. Proposal based inspections are more suitable for long term projects and constructions of a bigger scale. Send multiple requests at a time to selected agencies based on their profile and accept the one that is the best for you.

4. Click on the 'Proposal' button, then select 'Confirm' in the pop-up window to proceed.

5. Your request has been sent to the third-party agency. After sending your requests, you can track the agencies you've contacted under the 'Pending' section on the My Projects page. Agencies associated with special inspection projects are marked with a star icon.