An AHJ-Ready Checklist to Pass the First Time
An AHJ-Ready Checklist to Pass the First Time
Short version: Projects in Miami move faster when you pass inspection on the first attempt. That means coordinating trades early, installing firestopping and dampers to spec, keeping thermal/acoustic insulation continuous, and delivering a clean photo package the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can trust.
Why first-time pass matters
Why first-time pass matters
Avoid rework and second inspections that burn schedule and budget.
Protect tenant opening dates and GC milestones.
Build a track record with the AHJ for smoother close-outs.
Do a pre-walk (align the team)
Do a pre-walk (align the team)
Bring GC, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and your insulation/firestopping contractor. Walk the rated walls/floors and mechanical rooms, list penetrations and joints, and agree on tested systems (e.g., UL designs) before anyone seals a hole.
Your first-time-pass checklist
INNOVATIONS IN BUILDING MATERIALS
1) Penetrations & joints — Firestopping
Identify each rated barrier and penetration by substrate (gypsum/masonry/slab) and by material/diameter.
Select the tested system that actually matches those conditions.
Install as drawn: mineral wool packing, intumescent collars/wraps, and sealant thickness per spec.
Don’t forget head-of-wall joints; maintain continuous, neat seals.
Label each condition and take before/after photos.
2) Ducts & fire/smoke dampers
Keep access clear (don’t bury the damper).
Maintain the rated barrier continuity around duct openings.
Verify damper orientation, anchorage, and functional test.
Insulate ducts where specified and close any gaps at transitions.
3) Thermal & acoustic continuity
Perimeter walls and partitions insulated full height (no gaps at plenum).
Mechanical rooms/plenums insulated per drawings; avoid thermal bridges.
Acoustic partitions (meeting rooms/IT) receive the specified density and fit.
4) Documentation package
A digital folder with tested system sheets, location plan, and labeled photos (packing, sealant/device, finished view).
Record field changes (e.g., a trade swapped pipe size) and update photos.
Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)
“Red caulk everywhere” with no matching system → Map each penetration to the correct tested design.
Missing mineral wool or wrong bead thickness → Re-pack and tool clean beads.
Collars on the wrong side or too few anchors → Reinstall per diagram.
Head-of-wall skipped → Seal continuously, check movement allowances.
No labels/photos → Add durable labels and a simple photo log per area.
Add Your Heading Text Here
Work that looks clean and matches the tested design.
Labels they can read and cross-check.
A concise photo/report pack available on a tablet or print.
Someone who can answer: Which system is this? Why this sealant? Where’s the collar?
Need a pre-walk and an AHJ-ready package? We handle systems selection, labels, and photo documentation.
Call: (786) 521-8265 · Request a quote: Contact
