Comprehensive post-installation inspection checklist covering visual, functional, and compliance verification.
This guide answers: What Should a Final Door Assembly Inspection Cover?
Final Inspection Purpose and Scope
A final inspection is the last quality gate before a commercial door assembly is accepted. It covers visual condition, functional performance, dimensional compliance, fire rating verification, and ADA compliance. Every deficiency found during final inspection costs less to correct than a deficiency found after occupancy.
This checklist is organized by inspection category. Complete every item and document the results. Any failed item must be corrected and re-inspected before acceptance.
Visual Inspection
The visual inspection verifies that all components are installed correctly, finish is acceptable, and no damage occurred during installation.
- Door finish: no scratches, dents, or paint defects visible from 3 feet under normal lighting
- Frame finish: no scratches, dents, or weld marks visible from 3 feet under normal lighting
- Hardware finish: all hardware matches the specified finish (brushed, polished, painted)
- Labels: all fire rating labels present, legible, and not painted over (for fire-rated assemblies)
- Hardware alignment: all hardware is level, plumb, and centered in its prep
- Perimeter seal: sealant is continuous with no gaps, voids, or runs
- Glass: no chips, cracks, scratches, or seal failures (for glazed openings)
- Signage: all required signage installed in correct locations
Functional Testing
Functional testing verifies that every operating component works correctly under normal use conditions.
- Open/close test: door opens and closes smoothly without binding, rubbing, or sticking at any point
- Latching test: door latches positively every time it closes — pull on the closed door to verify
- Lock function test: key locks and unlocks from both sides (or as designed by function)
- Closer operation: door closes at a controlled speed and latches without slamming
- Panic hardware test (if equipped): push bar activates across full width, latch retracts, door opens freely
- Coordinator test (for pairs): inactive leaf closes first, active leaf closes second and latches
- Hold-open device test (if equipped): door stays open when activated, releases when fire alarm sounds
- Auto-operator test (if equipped): door opens on signal, holds open, closes, and latches
Clearance Measurements
Clearance measurements verify that the door is correctly sized and positioned within the frame. Out-of-specification clearances cause operational problems and fire rating issues.
- Hinge side clearance: 1/16 to 1/8 inch (fire-rated: maximum 1/8 inch per NFPA 80)
- Lock side clearance: 1/16 to 1/8 inch (fire-rated: maximum 1/8 inch per NFPA 80)
- Head clearance: 1/16 to 1/8 inch (fire-rated: maximum 1/8 inch per NFPA 80)
- Bottom clearance: maximum 3/4 inch for standard doors, 3/8 inch for smoke-rated assemblies
- Measure clearances at three points on each edge
- Verify the door is centered in the frame (even clearance on both sides)
Fire Rating Verification
For fire-rated assemblies, the final inspection must verify compliance with NFPA 80. Fire-rated assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings.
- All components (door, frame, hardware, glazing) carry matching fire rating labels
- No unauthorized field modifications have been made to any component
- Self-closing function verified: door closes and latches from 90 degrees and from 30 degrees
- Positive latching verified: door cannot be pulled open without activating hardware
- All clearances meet NFPA 80 maximums
- Gasketing and seals are intact and in continuous contact
- Documentation is complete: component list, label photos, clearance measurements, test results
ADA Compliance Verification
For doors on accessible routes, the final inspection must verify ADA compliance.
- Clear opening width: minimum 32 inches at 90 degrees open
- Operating force: maximum 5 lbf for interior hinged doors (fire doors exempt)
- Closer sweep time: minimum 5 seconds from 90 degrees to 12 degrees from latch
- Threshold height: maximum 1/2 inch with beveled edge
- Hardware: lever handles or other ADA-compliant operating hardware
- Maneuvering clearances: verified on both sides of the door per approach direction
Documentation Collection
The final inspection should include collection of all documentation for the project closeout package.
- Warranty cards for all hardware components
- Maintenance instructions for closer, lockset, and any electronic components
- Fire label documentation and photographs
- Inspection certificates from the installer
- Keying records and key inventory
- As-built drawings showing final hardware locations and configurations
CDF Documentation Support
CDF provides assembly documentation and warranty information for all configured door assemblies. Each ProBuilder order includes a specification sheet listing every component, its fire listing (if applicable), and maintenance requirements. This documentation supports the final inspection process and becomes part of the project closeout package.
A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies
Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Configure Your Door Assembly
CDF provides comprehensive assembly documentation with every ProBuilder order. Configure your door assembly at cdfdistributors.com to receive specification sheets, warranty information, and component documentation for your project closeout package.
For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should perform the final door assembly inspection?
The final inspection should be performed by the general contractor's quality team or a qualified door hardware consultant. For fire-rated assemblies, NFPA 80 requires that inspections be performed by individuals with knowledge of the operating components of the door assembly being inspected.
What if a fire label is damaged during installation?
If a fire label is damaged or removed during installation, the component must be relabeled by a qualified field inspection service (such as Intertek or UL) or replaced. Do not install fire-rated components with missing or illegible labels.
How do I document the final inspection?
Create an inspection report for each opening that includes: opening number and location, all component information, clearance measurements, functional test results (pass/fail), fire label photographs, and the inspector's signature and date. Retain this documentation for the building owner.
What is the most commonly failed item in a door assembly inspection?
Closer adjustment is the most commonly failed item. Doors that do not latch consistently, slam closed, or close too slowly all indicate closer adjustment issues. Test the closer by closing the door 10 consecutive times — it must latch every time without slamming.
Can a door assembly pass inspection with cosmetic damage?
Minor cosmetic damage (small scratches not visible at 3 feet, slight color variation) is typically acceptable. Dents, significant scratches, rust, or finish failure that affects corrosion protection should be repaired or the component replaced. The project specification may have specific finish acceptance criteria.
About CDF Distributors
CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.
