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Beam and Block Verification Checklist

Essential Checklist+

Complete these critical checks before approving the work or proceeding to the next construction stage.

✓16 Inspection Points
✓5 Verification Categories
✓Site & Sub-Base Preparation+
  • Sub-base/void beneath the floor is at the correct level, compacted, and free of standing water before beam placement begins.
  • Supporting walls (or beams) at both bearing ends are built to the correct level and are structurally adequate to carry the floor load.
  • Ventilation openings/airbricks to the sub-floor void are positioned and sized per the local building regulation before the floor is closed in.
  • Beam spacing and depth were confirmed against the manufacturer's span table for the actual span and imposed load, not assumed from a generic default.
  • Any changes to span, load, or opening layout since the manufacturer's beam schedule was issued have been rechecked against an updated schedule.
✓Beam Placement & Bearing+
  • Each beam has the minimum bearing length specified by the manufacturer at both ends, fully and evenly supported — not resting on a partial or chipped edge.
  • Beams are placed the correct way up and in the correct orientation per the manufacturer's installation guide.
  • Beams are checked for visible cracking, spalling, or exposed pre-stressing strand before placement, and any damaged beam is rejected rather than installed.
✓Block Infill & Alignment+
  • Infill blocks are the correct size and type specified for the beam system being used, not a substituted generic block.
  • Blocks are fully seated on the beam edge rebate/flange with no unsupported overhang.
  • Blocks are not walked on or loaded with stacked material before the beam-and-block floor has developed enough composite strength, per the manufacturer's guidance.
✓DPM, Insulation & Services+
  • DPM is continuous across the full floor area, lapped at joints per the minimum overlap specified, and linked into the wall damp proof course at the perimeter.
  • Insulation thickness and specification match the local building regulation's required U-value for the floor.
  • Radon barrier or additional gas membrane, if required by local regulation for the site, is installed and sealed at all penetrations before the floor is closed in.
✓Final Checks Before Screed+
  • Full floor area is checked for level and any depressions or high points before screed or floor finish is applied.
  • Any beam or block found cracked, chipped, or damaged during installation has been reported and assessed before being covered.
Full QC Checklist+

Verify beam bearing, block infill, DPM, insulation, and final checks before screed.

✓29 Inspection Points
✓5 Verification Categories
✓Site & Sub-Base Preparation+
  • Sub-base/void beneath the floor is at the correct level, compacted, and free of standing water before beam placement begins.
  • Supporting walls (or beams) at both bearing ends are built to the correct level and are structurally adequate to carry the floor load.
  • Ventilation openings/airbricks to the sub-floor void are positioned and sized per the local building regulation before the floor is closed in.
  • Beam spacing and depth were confirmed against the manufacturer's span table for the actual span and imposed load, not assumed from a generic default.
  • Site access and lifting arrangements for beam delivery match the beam weight and length, avoiding beams being dragged or dropped during offloading.
  • Any changes to span, load, or opening layout since the manufacturer's beam schedule was issued have been rechecked against an updated schedule.
✓Beam Placement & Bearing+
  • Each beam has the minimum bearing length specified by the manufacturer at both ends, fully and evenly supported — not resting on a partial or chipped edge.
  • Beams are placed the correct way up and in the correct orientation per the manufacturer's installation guide.
  • Temporary propping (if required by the manufacturer for the given span before full composite action) is installed exactly as specified.
  • Beam spacing is consistent and matches the design spacing across the full width of the floor.
  • Beams are checked for visible cracking, spalling, or exposed pre-stressing strand before placement, and any damaged beam is rejected rather than installed.
  • Trimmer beams around stair openings or service penetrations are installed per the manufacturer's layout, with the opening correctly sized before infill blocks go in.
✓Block Infill & Alignment+
  • Infill blocks are the correct size and type specified for the beam system being used, not a substituted generic block.
  • Blocks are fully seated on the beam edge rebate/flange with no unsupported overhang.
  • Any cut blocks at the perimeter are cut cleanly and fully supported, not left with a gap.
  • Surface is checked for level and any high spots or gaps before the DPM and screed go down.
  • Blocks are not walked on or loaded with stacked material before the beam-and-block floor has developed enough composite strength, per the manufacturer's guidance.
  • Structural topping (if specified) has its reinforcing mesh placed at the correct level and lapped, not omitted or laid loose on top of the blocks.
✓DPM, Insulation & Services+
  • DPM is continuous across the full floor area, lapped at joints per the minimum overlap specified, and linked into the wall damp proof course at the perimeter.
  • Insulation thickness and specification match the local building regulation's required U-value for the floor.
  • Any services (pipework, ducting) routed through the sub-floor void are installed and pressure-tested before the floor is closed in where applicable.
  • Insulation boards are tightly butted with no gaps that would create a thermal bridge.
  • DPM is not punctured by service penetrations, block spacers, or foot traffic without being patched with a compatible repair tape before the floor is closed in.
  • Radon barrier or additional gas membrane, if required by local regulation for the site, is installed and sealed at all penetrations before the floor is closed in.
✓Final Checks Before Screed+
  • Full floor area is checked for level and any depressions or high points before screed or floor finish is applied.
  • Any beam or block found cracked, chipped, or damaged during installation has been reported and assessed before being covered.
  • Perimeter DPM upstand is protected from damage until the wall finish is complete.
  • Sub-floor void is inspected and free of construction debris before ventilation openings are permanently closed off from access.
  • Floor is photographed and recorded (beam layout, DPM, insulation) before screed covers it, for future reference and warranty purposes.
Inspection Notes+
Use the latest approved drawings, specifications, and site measurements.
Complete all critical checks before proceeding to the next work stage.
Record deviations and confirm rectification where required.

Related Calculators & Guides

Beam and Block CalculatorOpen the related calculator and verify the current project inputs.Beam and Block Flooring GuideReview span limits, bearing requirements, beam spacing, and insulation choices before approval.Damp Proof Membrane GuideCheck DPM placement, laps, sealing, and continuity before screed or floor finish work.Floor Screed GuideReview screed type, thickness, mix ratio, perimeter isolation, and cracking controls.

FAQ

Use it after collecting the project inputs and again before approving or closing the relevant work stage.
No. It supports verification but does not replace approved drawings, specifications, codes, manufacturer requirements, or professional inspection.