It is said that there are two versions of the building code in every locale: 1) the local building code, and 2) the building inspector’s interpretation of the local building code. Depending on what the project entails and the rules in your city and town, a building inspector has the right and responsibility to review the construction work at specified stages.

 

In many places, separate permits are required for building, mechanical (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), electrical, gas and plumbing work. Conditions on the site must be such that inspectors can easily see the assemblies and components that need to be approved at each stage, which means that they can’t be covered up by wall, ceiling and floor finishes prior to approval. All work pertinent to an inspection phase must be completed. Work cannot proceed beyond that stage until approval is granted.

 

If inspectors don’t like what they see, they can order the work to be rebuilt correctly. If they can’t see what they’d like to see, they can order the visual obstructions to be demolished. Since inspection approvals are integral with the project schedule, they must be scheduled in advance so that an inspector can visit the site at the right time. Inspectors are not usually willing to wait more than a few minutes to get started after getting to the site.

 

Because of their nature or because of local practices, not all remodeling projects will require all of the inspections that follow. Some require more. But before construction starts, it’s a good idea to learn which inspections will be required and plug each of them into the project timeline. Certain inspections can be grouped for convenience.

 

Footing Inspection

A footing inspection is made after the basement or footing trenches have been excavated and concrete forms have been put in place but before concrete has been poured. Reinforcing steel must be in place where required. If the approved design calls for slab-on-grade construction, this inspection includes the foundation inspection.

 

Foundation Inspection

Block or concrete walls must usually be completed up to the finish grade, forms should be stripped away from the work, and veneers should be in place. Bonding or other lateral supports for intersecting foundation walls must be complete and visible. Footings should be clean and visible and the foundation trench should be ready for backfilling. Piers must be complete to the finish-grade level. The inspector will probably also check that erosion-control measures are in place.

Basement walls will also be inspected for damp-proofing coatings or membranes. Foundation drains, gravel and filter cloth must be in place before backfilling.

 

If the plan calls for water supply, waste, drainage or heating pipes to be installed beneath the basement floor, the basement floor slab may not be poured until the rough plumbing is in place and has passed inspection. Likewise, a new sewer connection running from the basement to the street must be in place with the trench left open so that it can be inspected.

 

First-floor structural framing must be inspected, and this can usually be done at the same time as the foundation inspection. All load-bearing walls and columns supporting the first-floor structure must be complete, and all girders, beams and joists must be installed. Subflooring should not be fastened in place before the first-floor structure is approved.

 

Framing and Roof Inspection

Most inspection protocols require framing to be inspected after structural members for the walls, floors and roof have been permanently fastened in place and exterior sheathing has been applied. In many locales, roofing material also needs to be in place to the point at which the structure can be considered to be “weather protected.” But insulation, interior wallboard or paneling should not be installed prior to the framing inspection. Approval depends on compliance with the local standards for the size and spacing of structural members, their load-bearing capacities, bracing and fire-stopping, and the type and spacing of critical fasteners—so all must be readily visible to inspectors.

 

Rough Plumbing, Electrical and HVAC Inspections

All water-supply, drain and plumbing vent pipes that will run through walls, floors and ceilings must be in place and inspected for approval prior to their being covered up by finish materials. Gas piping cannot be concealed before it is tested under pressure and approved by an inspector.

 

Electrical cable must be installed and secured to approved junction boxes before walls and ceilings are finished and inspection approval is granted. At this stage inspectors check for the correct type and size of cable based on the circuit loads shown in the plans, for safe grounding provisions and for secure fastening at boxes and splices. Some jurisdictions are strict about meeting specified heights from the floor for switches and receptacles.

 

All heating equipment, piping and ductwork related to heating and air conditioning must be in place and must be readily visible for the rough mechanicals inspection. Rough plumbing, electrical and HVAC inspections can usually be scheduled for the same day just prior to installation of insulation and wallboard. Inspectors will check not only for the correct sizing and fastening of pipes, cables and ducts but also that structural members have not been weakened by drilling where pipes and cables pass through.

 

If a fireplace or wood stove is part of the project, the unit and its chimney or vent should be in place and inspected prior to concealment by wall finishes. Some locales require inspection of batt and roll insulation that is placed in stud and joist cavities before it is covered by wallboard.

 

Final Inspections

Finished plumbing and electrical work must be inspected after fixtures and appliances are connected. In some locales, all work shown in the plans must be completed to obtain a certificate of occupancy.