In my EAA chapter there are two tech reps that will come out to view you project at any time. If they sign a statement at various stages of completion, then you get a discount from the insurance company. The FAA does require a final inspection by them or by a designee. Most often the FAA doesnt know what to look for and most of us use a designee especially if he has done inspections on similar aircraft. When I was building my homebuilt I listened to every comment and criticism of every person who walked into the shop. Even got the Fex EX truck driver interested.! If your curious........ My aircraft weights 1140 pounds empty and has a 310 HP engine. Even at the high elevation here in Denver it goes up quickly.