What does a Clerk of Works do? Duties, reports and when to call one in

A Clerk of Works is an independent inspector who checks that construction work is built to the drawings, specification and agreed standards. Traditionally employed by the client or architect, a Clerk of Works is the “eyes on site” for the people paying for the building.

Clerk of Works duties

• Inspect workmanship and materials against drawings, specification and manufacturer’s instructions
• Check work at hold points before it is covered up: foundations, DPCs, cavity trays, insulation, fire stopping, roof build-ups
• Record what was inspected, where and when, with photos
• Raise observations and defects, and check they are put right
• Report progress and quality to the client, contract administrator or architect
• Keep records that can be relied on later, for warranties, disputes or handover

A Clerk of Works does not manage the contractor or instruct changes. They inspect, record and report. Instructions come through the contract administrator.

What goes into a Clerk of Works report?

A good report is short, factual and backed by evidence:

• Project details, visit date and what triggered the visit
• A list of items inspected, each checked against a drawing or spec clause, with a result
• Observations and defects with references, actions and due dates
• Photos tied to each finding
• Site conditions: weather, labour, any health and safety concerns
• The next hold points to inspect

You can see the format in our sample Clerk of Works inspection report.

Do you need a full-time Clerk of Works?

On large public projects, a resident Clerk of Works may be on site every day. On most private and commercial projects that isn’t necessary. The work that matters gets covered up at predictable moments, so a call-out model works well:

• The contractor gives notice when work reaches a hold point
• The Clerk of Works attends, inspects and records
• A report follows each visit, or monthly

You pay for inspections, not for waiting time, and there’s no holiday or sickness cover to arrange.

Clerk of Works vs building control vs QA manager

• Building control checks compliance with the Building Regulations on behalf of the regulator. It doesn’t check the client’s specification or quality.
• A QA manager usually works for the contractor and runs their quality system.
• A Clerk of Works works for the client and independently checks the work they’re paying for.

On higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act, independent inspection records are also useful evidence for the golden thread.

When to call in a Clerk of Works

• Extensions, loft conversions and new homes where the client wants independent assurance
• Developments where funders or warranty providers need inspection records
• Packages with lots of safety-critical, quickly hidden work, such as fire stopping, cladding and roofing
• Projects where reports must support payment applications

Need QA evidence you can rely on? Construction QA sets up your records, inspects at hold points anywhere in the UK and reports monthly or on request. See sample reports or book a visit.