Wall blocking is structural support material installed within the wall cavity between studs. Its purpose is to provide a solid attachment point for heavy items, such as artwork, cabinetry, or grab bars. The on-site review must occur after the blocking has been installed but before the gypsum board is attached to the framing. This timing is critical because it is the only point at which the location and installation of the blocking can be visually verified against the construction documents. Once the gypsum board is installed, the blocking is concealed, and any errors would require costly and time-consuming demolition to correct.

A. when the artwork arrives on site: This is too late. The walls are already finished, and if blocking is missing or misplaced, it would require destructive work to fix.

C. during a preconstruction meeting: This is too early. A preconstruction meeting is for planning and coordination before work begins; the blocking has not been physically installed yet.

D. before electrical systems are installed: This timing is not the critical dependency. The essential milestone for review is before the blocking is concealed by the final wall finish.

1. Piotrowski

C. M. (2017). Professional Practice for Interior Designers (6th ed.). Wiley. In Chapter 20

"Contract Administration: Construction

" the text discusses the interior designer's role in site observation to determine if work conforms to the contract documents. It emphasizes the importance of timely reviews before work is covered up

stating

"The designer should also check the location of blocking... before the wall is closed up" (p. 519).

2. Mehta

M.

Scarborough

W.

& Armpriest

D. (2018). Building Construction: Principles

Materials

and Systems (3rd ed.). Pearson. Chapter 11

"Wood Light-Frame Construction

" details the sequence of construction for wall assemblies. The installation of gypsum board (drywall) is shown to occur after the completion of framing

in-wall rough-ins

and the installation of any required blocking

thereby establishing the correct sequence for inspection (Section 11.8

"Wall Sheathing and Interior Finishes").

3. American Institute of Architects (AIA). (2017). AIA Document A201–2017

General Conditions of the Contract for Construction. Section 12.1.2 discusses "Uncovering of Work

" which stipulates that if work is covered contrary to the Architect's (or designer's) request

it must be uncovered for observation at the Contractor's expense

highlighting the importance of observation before concealment.