When a GES inspector shows up on your project, they’re not there to catch the things going wrong. They’re a part of the team and share the same goal as you: finishing the project safely and in line with the approved construction documents.
That being said, a good teammate advocates for the job being completed honestly, even when it’s a little uncomfortable. It takes courage to say an uncomfortable truth with respect and without hesitation. So, let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood parts of our work: the Non-Compliance Report, or NCR.
An NCR documents inspection or testing results that do not meet the approved construction plans, code requirement, or specifications. It’s an honest record that something observed in the field needs to be addressed because it didn’t match what was approved. GES inspectors are required to issue NCRs based on the approved plans, regardless of whether they personally agree with a particular requirement. The plans are the standard, and our job as a 3rd party inspection and testing agency is to observe and report against that standard, even when our client is the contractor or a public agency who may push back. We don’t shy away from that responsibility, and we don’t take it lightly either.
One important thing to note: we don’t have stop work authority. We can’t slam the brakes on a job site, but we can say, “If you want to proceed, you’re doing so at your own risk until this is resolved.” The team’s goal is always to get it cleared and keep things moving safely.
When an NCR lands in your inbox, a lot has already happened behind the scenes. Before anything is written, GES inspectors call the Project Manager (PM) first. The PM then typically reaches out to the client before anything is formally documented. There are also occasions when the PM comes back with different instructions, like the flagged work has been cancelled or is still in progress. In the field, our inspectors communicate directly with site supervisors, flag potential issues early, and stay current on any plan revisions.
We’re committed to helping our clients and contractors clear the NCRs written. When we issue one, we let the contractor and client know what needs to be done to resolve it, and there are typically a few options available. Our team is happy to walk through those with you. We lead with respect for the work, for the people doing it, and for the project as a whole.
At GES, we’re here to help the project move forward the right way, because a project done safely and correctly is a project everyone can be proud of. Think of GES inspectors as an extra set of eyes working for your project’s success. We do what we were hired to do, what our clients expect of us, and what the approved construction documents require with honesty, humility, respect, and a genuine commitment to safety above all else.