Self-inspection (egenkontroll) is the contractor's documentation that the work has been done correctly — in line with the technical regulations, professional standards and the manufacturer's requirements. It isn't optional, and it isn't the same thing as an internal HSE checklist. If you understand the difference and document it properly, you stand much stronger at inspection, warranty claims and independent control.

In short

  • Self-inspection documents that the completed work complies with TEK17 and current standards.
  • TEK17 §2-4 requires that the execution be documented in writing, including self-inspection with checklists and protocols.
  • For those with responsibility rights (responsible contractor), self-inspection is part of the system requirement in the Planning and Building Act and SAK10.
  • Self-inspection and an HSE checklist are two different documents with different purposes.

What is self-inspection?

Self-inspection is a systematic review confirming that the work has been carried out in accordance with the technical regulations (TEK17), standards (the NS series) and the manufacturer's installation instructions. It's carried out by the contractor themselves — it isn't an external check, but a self-documenting system.

In the planning and building sector, "self-inspection" (egenkontroll) and "KS" (quality assurance, kvalitetssikring) are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same principle: whoever carries out the work systematically confirms that it has been done correctly.

It's a precondition for responsibility rights. If you hold responsibility rights (responsible contractor, responsible designer), a documented system for self-inspection is one of the requirements for keeping those rights (the Norwegian Building Authority (DiBK), 2025).

How is it linked to TEK17?

TEK17 (the Building Technical Regulations) chapter 2 sets requirements for documentation in every phase of a building project:

  • §2-2: Documentation that functional requirements are met (the design phase)
  • §2-3: Documentation that performance requirements are met (production basis)
  • §2-4: Documentation of the execution — this is where self-inspection primarily belongs

§2-4 states that documentation of the execution must show that the work is in line with the design and the technical requirements. Checklists and protocols are explicitly named as valid forms of documentation (DiBK, 2025).

In concrete terms: an electrical installer fitting a fuse box must document that the installation meets the requirements of the Regulations on electrical low-voltage installations (FEL) — through a declaration of conformity and a self-inspection. For plumbing and HVAC: the equivalent, via NS standards and manufacturer documentation.

What's the difference between self-inspection and independent control?

Self-inspection: Carried out by the contractor themselves, documenting that their own work is correct. Mandatory for contractors with responsibility rights.

Independent control: Carried out by a third party (a controlling firm), verifying that the design and execution meet the requirements. It's mandatory for certain measure classes — for example wet rooms, load-bearing structures and fire safety above a certain level of complexity.

The two are complementary: the self-inspection is what the contractor delivers; the independent control verifies that the self-inspection has been carried out and is correct.

What should a self-inspection contain?

For contractors in construction and installation, a self-inspection should contain at least:

  • Project reference. Which building, which floor/room, which job.
  • What was checked. Specific requirement points against TEK17, FEL, an NS standard or the manufacturer's requirements.
  • Result per point. Met / not met / not applicable.
  • Any deviations and measures. What was found and what was done.
  • Photos. Documentation photos of key points (concealed pipework, pressure test, earthing point).
  • Date and signature. Who checked, and when.

The structure varies between trades — a plumbing self-inspection looks different from an electrical installer's protocol — but the principles are the same.

Self-inspection and central approval

For businesses with central approval (sentral godkjenning), a documented KS system is an ongoing requirement. The Norwegian Building Authority (DiBK) can withdraw or suspend central approval if an inspection shows that self-inspection hasn't been carried out or documented in line with the conditions of the approval.

That means missing self-inspection isn't only a problem on the specific project — it's a risk to the whole company's approval status.

Digital self-inspection vs. paper

Most trades allow digital documentation of self-inspection, provided that:

  1. The document is traceable (who, what, when)
  2. It can be presented and exported at inspection
  3. It's stored in a secure and accessible way

Paper is legal, but it means the document can be lost. Digital self-inspection from a phone — tied to the project in the system with a timestamp and a photo — is easier to present and more durable over time.

For more on building digital checklists, see Digital checklists on the construction site. For scanning existing paper forms, see Scan a paper form to a digital form with AI.

In Field Ops, self-inspection forms can be tied directly to the work order — a completed checklist is part of the documentation handed over to the client and can be presented at inspection. Start for free.

Frequently asked questions

Is self-inspection the same as internal control (HSE)?

No. Internal control is the systematic HSE work under the Internal Control Regulations — risk assessments, deviation routines, HSE goals. Self-inspection in the TEK17 context is technical documentation that the completed work meets the building regulations. Both matter, but they're separate requirements with separate documents.

Do we need self-inspection for every job?

For projects that require a building application and responsibility rights: yes. For simple service jobs without responsibility rights, it's professional best practice but not always an explicit legal requirement. For electrical installations, FEL applies regardless of whether the job is subject to a building application.

Who owns the self-inspection once the job is finished?

The self-inspection is part of the project documentation. A copy must be handed over to the client. The contractor keeps their own copy as documentation of their work and for handling any warranty claims.

Summary

Self-inspection is the contractor's documentation that the work complies with TEK17, professional standards and manufacturer requirements. It's an explicit requirement in TEK17 §2-4, a condition for responsibility rights and central approval, and the strongest protection in a warranty claim. It should contain a project reference, requirement points with results, photos, date and signature. Digital self-inspection from a phone is legal, traceable and easier to present than paper.

Sources