QII Inspection Process: What to Expect From Start to Finish

For builders who are new to Quality Insulation Installation (QII) or who want a clearer picture of what the process involves, understanding the inspection from start to finish removes uncertainty and helps teams prepare effectively. The QII process is straightforward when you know what to expect at each stage. This guide walks through the entire QII inspection process — from initial scheduling through final certification — so builders and their teams can approach it with confidence.

Phase 1: Pre-Inspection Planning

The QII process begins well before the HERS Rater arrives on site. Effective pre-inspection planning sets the stage for a successful outcome and starts during the design and permitting phase of the project.

Energy model coordination. The energy consultant prepares the CF-1R compliance documents, which specify the insulation types, R-values, and installation methods for each assembly in the building envelope. These documents serve as the blueprint for both the insulation contractor and the HERS Rater. Before insulation begins, confirm that the CF-1R is current, matches the approved plans, and that the insulation contractor has a copy.

Scheduling the inspection. Contact your HERS Rater early to discuss the project timeline and schedule the QII rough-in inspection. The inspection must occur after insulation is installed but before drywall begins. Because this window is typically narrow — sometimes just a day or two — advance scheduling is essential. Provide your rater with estimated insulation completion dates and keep them updated as the schedule evolves. Most experienced HERS rating companies can accommodate reasonable schedule changes with adequate notice.

Insulation contractor briefing. Before the insulation crew starts work, review QII expectations with the contractor. Key points to communicate include: every cavity must be completely filled, insulation must contact the air barrier on all sides, batts must be cut to fit without gaps or compression, and penetrations must have insulation carefully fitted around them. Contractors who understand these expectations before they start work produce significantly better results than those who learn about them after a failed inspection.

Phase 2: The Rough-In Inspection

The rough-in inspection is the primary QII inspection and the most critical phase of the process. This is when the HERS Rater examines the insulation installation while all framing cavities are still accessible — before drywall covers everything up.

What the rater inspects. The HERS Rater systematically examines every insulated cavity in the building envelope. This includes exterior walls, ceilings below unconditioned attics, floors over unconditioned spaces (garages, crawl spaces), kneewalls, rim joists, and any other assembly that separates conditioned space from unconditioned space. For each cavity, the rater evaluates:

• Is the cavity completely filled with insulation?
• Does the insulation type and R-value match the CF-1R?
• Is the insulation in full contact with the air barrier on all sides?
• Are there any gaps, voids, or compressions?
• Is insulation properly fitted around penetrations (pipes, wires, electrical boxes)?
• Are there any areas where insulation is missing entirely?

How long it takes. The duration of a rough-in inspection depends on the size and complexity of the home. A typical single-family home of 2,000 to 3,000 square feet takes approximately one to two hours to inspect thoroughly. Larger homes, multi-story designs, or homes with complex roof lines and multiple insulation types may take longer. The rater needs unobstructed access to all insulated areas, so ensure that the site is clean and that ladders, scaffolding, or other access equipment is available if needed.

Documentation. During the inspection, the HERS Rater documents their findings with photographs and written notes. If the insulation passes, the rater records the successful inspection in the HERS registry system and provides the builder with a passing report. If deficiencies are found, the rater produces a detailed correction report that identifies each problem, its location in the home, and what needs to be fixed.

Phase 3: Corrections (If Needed)

Not every home passes QII on the first attempt, and that is okay — the correction process is designed to be efficient and straightforward.

Reviewing the correction report. The HERS Rater’s correction report is your roadmap for fixes. Each deficiency is documented with its location (identified by room, wall orientation, or cavity number), a description of the problem, and typically a photograph showing the issue. Share this report with your insulation contractor immediately so corrections can begin without delay.

Making corrections. Most QII corrections are simple and can be completed in a few hours. Common corrections include filling gaps or voids in cavities, replacing compressed batts with properly sized ones, adding insulation behind tubs or above headers where it was missed, and refitting insulation around penetrations. The insulation contractor should address every item on the correction report before requesting a re-inspection.

Requesting a re-inspection. Once all corrections are complete, notify your HERS Rater that the home is ready for a re-inspection. Many raters can return within a day or two, especially if you have a good working relationship and have communicated the schedule needs in advance. The re-inspection focuses on the previously identified deficiencies to confirm they have been corrected, though the rater will also verify that no new issues have appeared.

Phase 4: The Final Inspection

The QII final inspection occurs later in the construction process, typically after drywall is installed and the home is nearing completion. This inspection verifies that the insulation was not disturbed or damaged during subsequent construction activities.

What the rater checks. At the final inspection, the HERS Rater examines all accessible insulated areas to confirm that insulation remains properly installed. In the attic, the rater verifies that insulation depth is maintained, that no areas were disturbed by HVAC installation or other trades, and that insulation extends to the proper depth over the exterior wall top plates. If the home has a crawl space, the rater checks that floor insulation is still in contact with the subfloor and properly supported.

The rater also checks for any new penetrations or modifications that may have been made since the rough-in inspection. If HVAC ducts were installed in the attic after insulation, the rater verifies that insulation was not displaced by the ductwork. If recessed lights or exhaust fans were installed in insulated ceilings, the rater confirms that insulation is properly fitted around these fixtures.

Completion of documentation. Once the final inspection passes, the HERS Rater completes the QII certification documentation in the HERS registry. This certification becomes part of the home’s permanent energy compliance record and is included in the CF-2R verification reports submitted to the building department for final occupancy approval.

Phase 5: Integration With Other HERS Verifications

QII is one of several HERS verifications required for Title 24 compliance on most new California homes. Other common verifications include duct leakage testing, refrigerant charge verification, fan efficacy testing, and HVAC airflow verification. Many builders coordinate all of these verifications with the same HERS rating company to streamline scheduling and reduce costs.

The QII rough-in inspection is typically the first HERS verification to occur during construction, since it must happen before drywall. The remaining verifications occur at various stages, with most happening after the home is substantially complete. Working with a single HERS rating company for all verifications simplifies communication, reduces scheduling conflicts, and ensures consistent documentation.

Tips for a Smooth QII Process

Based on thousands of QII inspections, here are the practices that consistently produce the smoothest experiences and highest first-time pass rates:

1. Schedule early and communicate often. Give your HERS Rater as much advance notice as possible and keep them updated on schedule changes.
2. Brief your insulation contractor. Make sure the crew knows this home will be QII inspected and what the standards are.
3. Walk the house before calling for inspection. A ten-minute walk-through by the superintendent can catch obvious deficiencies before the rater arrives.
4. Ensure access to all areas. Attic hatches, crawl space entries, and all rooms should be accessible.
5. Have the CF-1R on site. The rater will reference these documents during the inspection.
6. Address corrections immediately. The faster corrections are made, the sooner the re-inspection can happen and drywall can proceed.

Poppy Energy’s QII Process

At Poppy Energy, we have refined the QII inspection process to be as efficient and builder-friendly as possible. From initial scheduling through final certification, our team communicates clearly, responds quickly, and works collaboratively with builders and insulation contractors to achieve successful outcomes. We provide same-day inspection reports, flexible scheduling, and detailed guidance for any corrections needed.

Contact Poppy Energy today to schedule your next QII inspection and experience a process that works with your construction timeline, not against it.