Foundation inspection occurs BEFORE concrete placement. Inspector verifies: footing dimensions match structural plan, rebar size/spacing/cover per ACI 318 and structural drawings, anchor bolt locations/projections, form alignment and bracing, soil conditions at bearing elevation (notify geotech if different), dewatering (no standing water in excavation), reinforcement chairs/supports, dowels for future walls, keyway or waterstop at cold joints. Common failures: insufficient rebar cover (3in minimum earth-contact), missing anchor bolts, wrong rebar size, footing below grade but not to frost depth, standing water in forms, unstable soil at base. This is a HOLD POINT — no concrete pour until inspector passes.