Rhode Island General Laws Title 23. Health and Safety § 23-27.3-111.2. Inspection

(a) The building official shall make all required inspections as specified in the provisions of this code and the building official shall conduct the inspections from time to time during and upon completion of the work for which the building official has issued a permit;  and the building official shall maintain a record of all the examinations and inspections and of all violations of this code.  In conjunction with specific construction projects, the building official may designate specific inspection points in the course of construction which require the contractor or builder to give the building official twenty-four (24) hours notice prior to the time when the inspections are required to be performed.  The building official shall make the inspection within forty-eight (48) hours after the notification;  weekend days and holidays are not included in the forty-eight (48) hours.

(b) If the building official fails to perform an inspection within the time frame set forth in this section, the contractor or builder may hire a qualified third-party inspector or the state inspector.  The building official shall accept reports of such inspections.  For the purposes of this section, a qualified third-party inspector shall mean an individual certified in accordance with the provisions of § 23-27.3-107.6 or any professional authorized by the provisions of § 23-27.3-108.1.4.  In order to hire a qualified third-party inspector or the state inspector, the contractor or builder shall notify the building official via email of the intent to hire a qualified third-party inspector or the state inspector to perform the inspection at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the hire.  If the state inspector performs the inspection, the salary and operating expenses for services provided shall be reimbursed to the state by the city or town receiving the services and shall be deposited as general revenues.