Checking levels and plumb — practical guidance and quality checks
Measurements are made with a proven tool, at established points and compared with the requirements of the project or contract. Base your control on agreed standard, measurement and documentation, not just visual impression.
In brief
Measurements are made with a proven tool, at agreed points, and compared to the requirements of the project or contract.
Base control on an agreed standard, measurements and documentation, not solely on impression visual.
What is controlled
The "Inspection of levels and verticals" process is used to compare the performance with the established scope and detect defects, deficiencies and risks before closing the stage.
When to check
The "Inspection of levels and verticals" should be performed before covering the work, assembling subsequent elements, making the final payment or starting use.
Defects visible only after covering should be checked during acceptance. interstage.
Documents and conditions of receipt
Before you start, prepare: a contract, a blueprint or established standard, product manuals, a checkpoint list, good lighting and measurement tools.
Control Tools
Typical materials and supplies: form or report, fault markers, photo documentation, manuals and data sheets.
Typical tools and equipment: spirit level or laser, staff, tape measure, flashlight or side light, camera, function tester specific to installation.
How to check
- Establish acceptance criteria based on the contract, design, instructions and agreed standard.
- Provide conditions for defects to be seen without artificial exaggeration or concealment.
- Inspect the surface visually, then perform measurements and functional tests.
- Record any discrepancies with the location, photo, meaning and expected method of repair.
- Make a decision on acceptance, conditional acceptance or refusal for a specific scope.
Conditions for reliable reception
Carry out the "Inspection of levels and verticals" inspection in conditions similar to those of normal use and with lighting that allows you to assess the effect without artificially hiding or exaggerating defects.
Record the measurements along with the place, tool and conditions control.
Acceptance Criteria
Perform the inspection in conditions appropriate for subsequent use and before covering the work with another layer.
- the tool is inspected
- the result is the length of the section and the location
- measurements were repeated from another setting
- the inspection refers to the agreed standard, and not solely for subjective impression
Limits of self-control
Do not perform installation tests using methods that may cause shock, flooding or damage to devices. Entrust specialist measurements to people with appropriate equipment and qualifications.
Common reception errors
- only the result without information on how it was measured
- measurement on a dirty or protruding edge
- confusing the vertical of the element with the plane of the entire wall
- collection in a hurry, without documents, lighting and tools measuring
Difficulty, time and risk of errors
Partial, Conditional and Final Acceptance
The acceptance may be partial, inter-branch, final or conditional. The more elements that are covered later, the more important it is to receive them before covering them.
What to do with the check result
After receipt, sign the report or list of defects, set the deadlines and rules for re-inspection. Do not delete photo documentation until all corrections are completed.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Level and Vertical Control” involve?
Measurements are made with a proven tool, at established points and compared with the requirements of the project or contract. Base your inspection on agreed standard, measurement and documentation, not solely on visual impression.
What do you need to prepare before the "Checking levels and verticals" stage?
Before you start, prepare: a contract, a design or agreed standard, product manuals, a checkpoint list, good lighting and measurement tools.
How can you verify that “Level and Vertical Control” has been done properly?
Apply in conditions suitable for subsequent use and before covering the work with another layer. • the tool is inspected • the result is length and location • measurements are repeated from a different setting • the inspection relates to an agreed standard and not merely a subjective impression
When do you need a specialist for "Level and Vertical Control"?
A specialist is needed when measuring installations, tightness, structure, humidity requiring interpretation and wherever an incorrect reception may hide a technical defect.