Building Inspections Check Work Before It Is Covered and Again at the End

Building inspections check permitted work at set stages, most importantly before it is covered and again at the end. They differ by place and by project, so this guide explains the pattern with the published lists of Maple Grove, Minnesota, an out-of-market example, and Contra Costa County, California, and sends you to your own department for the schedule that governs.

What is a building inspection?

A building inspection is a visit by the building department at a set stage of permitted work to check it before it is covered or finished. Maple Grove, Minnesota, an out-of-market example, says all permitted work requires an inspection and that the required inspections differ based on the project.

Which stages are inspected?

Maple Grove lists footing inspection before concrete is poured, a foundation inspection after excavation is complete and any forms or reinforcing steel are in place, a framing inspection after framing is in place and the rough-in electrical, plumbing and mechanical work has been approved, an insulation inspection after framing is approved and insulation is in place, and a final inspection after the electrical, mechanical and plumbing finals are complete.

Contra Costa County, California, lists a rough electrical inspection after the electrical boxes are installed and before any devices are connected, a rough inspection for other structural, mechanical or plumbing alterations and a final inspection after all work is complete.

Who schedules an inspection and what must be on site?

In Maple Grove the permit holder is responsible for calling to schedule inspections, inspections must be scheduled in advance and a contractor or an adult homeowner must be present if the inspector has to enter the home. Approved plans and the permit and inspection cards are required on the job site for the inspector.

Which projects have special inspections?

For a deck, Maple Grove inspects the footings after the holes are dug and before the concrete is poured, the framing before the deck boards go on if the plan review calls for it, and the finished deck.

For a re-roof or re-siding job, the city requires printed photographs of the ice and water protection or the house wrap to be on site at the final inspection, because those layers are covered by the finish.

Why should walls stay open until the inspector passes them?

An inspector can only judge what is visible, so ask your contractor to keep the work open until each inspection is passed and to tell you when each is booked. Ask the department to confirm which hidden layers it inspects, photograph insulation, wiring and framing before they are covered, and keep the inspection card and final sign-off with your papers.

Inspections Protect You Only If the Work Is Still Open

Ask the department for its inspection list before you sign, and when you request quotes, ask each contractor who books the inspections, who is home for them and what happens to the schedule if one fails. A written answer to those three questions makes bids easier to compare.