When does the inspector visit?
When we should schedule a inspection?
1. Inspection of Footing and Form
How to Work on This Part:
Digging Footings: Ensure the footing trenches are dug to the correct depth (e.g., 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide as mentioned in your notes). The bottom of the footings should be level, and the walls of the trench should be smooth.
Setting Up Formwork: Use sturdy, straight wooden boards to create formwork around the perimeter of the footings. The formwork should be level, properly braced, and secure enough to hold the weight of the concrete.
Examples of Approval:
Approval: If the footings are dug to the correct depth and width, and the formwork is level and secure, the inspector will approve the work, allowing you to pour the concrete.
Examples of Rejection:
Rejection: The inspector may reject the work if the footings are not deep enough, the formwork is not level, or there are signs of shifting or instability in the formwork. This could result from using inadequate bracing or failing to compact the soil beneath the footings properly.
How to Schedule:
Scheduling: Once the footings are dug and the formwork is in place, contact the local building department to schedule the inspection. This should be done as soon as you are ready to proceed to avoid delays.
2. Plumbing, Gas Line, and Electrical Line Inspection
How to Work on This Part:
Laying Plumbing Lines: Install all plumbing lines according to the approved plans, ensuring proper slope and alignment. Use appropriate materials and fittings to prevent leaks.
Installing Gas Lines: Gas lines must be installed by a licensed professional. Ensure all joints are properly sealed, and the lines are tested for leaks before inspection.
Running Electrical Conduits: Lay out electrical conduits according to the plan, ensuring they are buried at the correct depth and properly protected from potential damage.
Examples of Approval:
Approval: If all systems are correctly installed, with no leaks in the gas lines, proper slope in plumbing lines, and correctly laid electrical conduits, the inspector will approve the work.
Examples of Rejection:
Rejection: The inspector may reject the work if there are signs of leaks in the gas lines, incorrect slopes in plumbing lines (leading to potential drainage issues), or if electrical conduits are not buried deep enough or are inadequately protected.
How to Schedule:
Scheduling: Schedule this inspection immediately after the plumbing, gas, and electrical work is complete and before any backfilling or covering of the lines.
3. Slab Concrete and Framing Inspection
How to Work on This Part:
Reinforcing the Slab: Lay steel rebar or wire mesh within the formwork, ensuring it is properly elevated using rebar chairs to sit in the middle of the slab, not on the bottom. The reinforcements should be placed according to the structural engineer’s specifications.
Framing the Structure: Once the slab is poured and cured, begin framing the walls, floors, and roof, ensuring that all structural elements are plumb, level, and square.
Examples of Approval:
Approval: The inspector will approve the work if the rebar is correctly positioned within the slab, the concrete is evenly poured and adequately compacted, and the framing is properly aligned with the plans.
Examples of Rejection:
Rejection: Rejection may occur if the rebar is too close to the surface (which could lead to corrosion), if the slab shows signs of unevenness or cracks, or if the framing is not level or not aligned with the building plans.
How to Schedule:
Scheduling: Schedule the slab and framing inspection once the reinforcements are in place and before pouring the concrete, and again after the framing is complete.
4. Plywood, Plumbing, Electrical, and Roof Inspection
How to Work on This Part:
Installing Plywood: Ensure that plywood sheathing is securely fastened to the studs using the correct type and number of nails or screws. All edges should be supported by studs or blocking.
Rough Plumbing and Electrical: Ensure all rough plumbing and electrical work is installed according to the plans, with pipes and wires properly supported and routed.
Roof Installation: The roof framing should be complete, with sheathing securely attached and covered with a weatherproof barrier.
Examples of Approval:
Approval: Approval will be given if the plywood is correctly installed, all plumbing and electrical work meets code, and the roof structure is secure and watertight.
Examples of Rejection:
Rejection: The inspector might reject the work if the plywood is not properly fastened, there are improper or unsafe plumbing or electrical installations, or if the roof sheathing is not adequately secured or weatherproofed.
How to Schedule:
Scheduling: Schedule this inspection once the plywood, rough plumbing, electrical work, and roofing are completed but before insulation or drywall is installed.
5. Drywall, Finish Electrical, and Plumbing Inspection
How to Work on This Part:
Installing Drywall: Ensure drywall is properly secured to the studs with the correct fasteners and that joints are adequately taped and mudded.
Finishing Electrical: Install electrical outlets, switches, and light fixtures according to the plans, ensuring all connections are secure and meet code.
Installing Plumbing Fixtures: Install sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures, ensuring all connections are watertight and properly vented.
Examples of Approval:
Approval: The inspector will approve the work if the drywall is properly installed, all electrical fixtures are safe and functional, and the plumbing fixtures are securely installed and leak-free.
Examples of Rejection:
Rejection: Rejection may occur if drywall is poorly installed, if there are loose or improperly connected electrical fixtures, or if plumbing fixtures are not properly sealed or vented.
How to Schedule:
Scheduling: Schedule this inspection once all drywall, finish electrical, and plumbing work is completed and ready for final inspection.
6. Final Inspection
How to Work on This Part:
Final Touches: Ensure that all work, including painting, flooring, cabinetry, and final trim, is complete. Verify that all systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) are fully operational and meet code.
Cleanup: The site should be clean, with all construction debris removed and the building ready for occupancy.
Examples of Approval:
Approval: The inspector will approve the final inspection if all previous corrections have been made, and the home meets all building codes and safety standards.
Examples of Rejection:
Rejection: The inspector may reject the final inspection if there are still unresolved issues from previous inspections, incomplete work, or if the home doesn’t meet local codes and regulations.
How to Schedule:
Scheduling: Schedule the final inspection once you are confident that all work is complete and all systems are ready for final review.
Overall Timeline
Total Time for Inspections: The entire inspection process typically spans the duration of the construction project, usually between 3-6 months depending on the project's complexity and how promptly inspections are scheduled.
Key Tips:
Preparation: Before each inspection, review the specific building codes related to that phase of construction to ensure compliance.
Communication: Maintain clear communication with your contractors and the local building department to ensure that all necessary steps are completed before the inspector arrives.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of all inspections, including any corrections that were required, to streamline the final inspection process.
