Introduction

Importance of Inspections in Residential Remodeling

Inspections are a cornerstone of any residential remodeling project. They ensure that the work meets safety standards, complies with local building codes, and maintains structural integrity. For homeowners, inspections prevent future headaches like structural failures, electrical hazards, or plumbing leaks. For builders, they confirm quality and legal compliance. For inspectors, they safeguard public safety and enforce regulations. Skipping or failing an inspection can lead to costly delays, fines, or unsafe living conditions—making this process non-negotiable.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Scheduling Missteps: Calling for an inspection too early (before work is complete) or too late (delaying the next phase) can derail your timeline. Fix: Follow the construction sequence and confirm readiness with your contractor.
• Missing Documentation: Inspectors won’t proceed without permits, approved plans, or prior inspection reports. Fix: Keep a binder with all paperwork on-site.
• Ignoring Past Failures: Uncorrected issues from previous inspections guarantee repeat failures. Fix: Address all noted problems before rescheduling.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is your roadmap through the inspection process. It’s broken into:

• Master Checklist: A quick-reference list of all inspections by phase.
• Detailed Breakdowns: Step-by-step guidance for each inspection, with visuals and checklists.
• Pro Tips: Practical advice to keep things moving smoothly.

Master Inspection Checklist

This checklist organizes inspections by construction phase. Check off each as it’s completed, and ensure required documentation is ready before scheduling.

Pre-Construction

• BLD-Pre-Construction Inspection
  Documentation: Approved building plans, permits.

Foundation

• BLD-Foundation/Footer
  Documentation: Foundation plans, soil reports.
• BLD-Stem Wall
  Documentation: Foundation plans.
• BLD-Tie Beam
  Documentation: Structural plans.
• BLD-Pilasters/Fill Cells/Columns
  Documentation: Structural plans.
• BLD-On Grade Slab/Monolithic Slab
  Documentation: Slab design plans.
• BLD-Driveway or Sidewalk Pre-Pour
  Documentation: Site plans.

Framing

• BLD-Wall or Roof Sheathing
  Documentation: Framing plans.
• BLD-Framing
  Documentation: Framing plans, truss engineering.

Insulation & Energy Compliance

• BLD-Insulation-Ceilings/Walls
  Documentation: Energy compliance forms.

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP)

• ELE-Rough-In
  Documentation: Electrical plans.
• ELE-Underground Rough-In
  Documentation: Electrical plans.
• ELE-Pool Bonding
  Documentation: Pool electrical plans.
• MEC-Rough-In
  Documentation: Mechanical plans.
• PLB-Rough-In
  Documentation: Plumbing plans.
• PLB-Underground Rough-In
  Documentation: Plumbing plans.
• PLB-Sewer
  Documentation: Sewer connection permits.
• PLB-Water Service
  Documentation: Water service plans.
• PLB-Pressure Test
  Documentation: Plumbing plans.
• PLB-Gas Rough-In
  Documentation: Gas line plans.
• PLB-Tub Set
  Documentation: Plumbing plans.

Roofing

• ROF-Dry-in/Mid
  Documentation: Roofing plans.
• ROF-Final
  Documentation: Roofing plans.

Final Inspections

• ELE-Electrical Power Release
  Documentation: Electrical plans.
• ELE-Final
  Documentation: Electrical plans.
• MEC-Final
  Documentation: Mechanical plans.
• PLB-Final
  Documentation: Plumbing plans.
• BLD-Final Grading-Drainage
  Documentation: Grading plans.
• BLD-Site Final
  Documentation: Site plans.
• BLD-Final
  Documentation: All previous inspection reports.

Specialty Inspections

• BLD-Pool Barrier/Alarm
  Documentation: Pool safety plans.
• BLD-Pool Steel/Drain/Bond
  Documentation: Pool structural plans.
• BLD-Tree Replacement Check
  Documentation: Landscaping plans.
• BLD-Elevation Certificate Check
  Documentation: Elevation certificate.

Illustrated Step-by-Step Inspection Breakdown

Each inspection below includes its purpose, timing, common pitfalls, and a checklist. Illustrations are provided to show what to aim for or avoid.

Site & Foundation Inspections

BLD-Pre-Construction Inspection

Purpose: Confirms the site is ready and all paperwork is in order before breaking ground.

When to Schedule: Before any construction starts.

Common Failures: No permits, unapproved plans, unclear property lines.

• Permits posted on-site.
• Approved plans available.
• Site staked and boundaries marked.

BLD-Foundation/Footer

Purpose: Verifies the foundation can support the structure.

When to Schedule: After excavation and formwork, before concrete pour.

Common Failures: Wrong dimensions, missing rebar, soggy or loose soil.

• Dimensions match plans.
• Rebar placed and tied correctly.
• Excavation clean and dry.
• Soil compacted per specs.

Structural & Framing Inspections

BLD-Framing

Purpose: Ensures the skeleton of the house is sound and code-compliant.

When to Schedule: After framing is up, before insulation or drywall.

Common Failures: Skimpy nailing, no hurricane clips, hacked-up trusses.

• Studs, joists, and rafters spaced per plan.
• Nailing meets code (e.g., 16d nails, 6″ spacing).
• Hurricane clips installed where required.
• Trusses unmodified and per engineering.

Insulation & Energy Compliance

BLD-Insulation-Ceilings/Walls

Purpose: Checks that insulation meets energy codes for efficiency.

When to Schedule: After insulation, before drywall.

Common Failures: Gaps, crushed batts, wrong R-value.

• R-value matches local code.
• No gaps or compression in insulation.
• Vapor barriers face the right direction.

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Inspections

ELE-Rough-In

Purpose: Confirms electrical wiring is safe before it’s hidden.

When to Schedule: After wiring, before insulation or drywall.

Common Failures: Bad grounding, undersized wires, no junction boxes.

• Wires secured every 4.5 ft.
• Correct gauge for circuits (e.g., 12 AWG for 20A).
• Grounding complete and bonded.
• Junction boxes installed and accessible.

PLB-Rough-In

Purpose: Ensures plumbing is properly installed before concealment.

When to Schedule: After pipes are in, before walls close up.

Common Failures: Leaky joints, missing vents, no shutoff valves.

• Pipes sloped for drainage (1/4″ per ft).
• Vents extend through roof or tie into system.
• Shutoff valves installed per code.
• No leaks under test pressure.

Roofing Inspections

ROF-Dry-in/Mid

Purpose: Verifies the roof is watertight before final layers.

When to Schedule: After underlayment and flashing.

Common Failures: Sloppy flashing, exposed nails, torn underlayment.

• Underlayment overlapped 2–4″ and nailed.
• Flashing seals all edges and penetrations.
• No exposed fasteners or damage.

Specialty Inspections

BLD-Pool Barrier/Alarm

Purpose: Ensures pool safety features meet regulations.

When to Schedule: Before filling the pool.

Common Failures: Short fences, broken gates, no alarms.

• Fence 48″ high, gaps under 4″.
• Gates self-close and latch.
• Alarms on doors or pool surface work.

Practical Guides & Pro Tips

How to Schedule Inspections Efficiently

• Time It Right: Schedule as soon as work is done—don’t wait. Example: Call for framing once the last nail’s in.
• Team Up: Coordinate with your contractor to avoid surprises. Confirm they’ll be on-site.
• Batch It: If multiple systems (e.g., electrical and plumbing) are ready, schedule them together.

Preparing for Re-inspections

• Fix Everything: Address every item on the failure report—half-measures won’t cut it.
• Prove It: Take photos of corrections and have them ready for the inspector.
• Act Fast: Reschedule ASAP to keep the project on track.

Contractor vs. Homeowner Responsibilities

• Contractors: Handle scheduling, ensure code compliance, provide plans and permits.
• Homeowners: Double-check that inspections are booked and passed, keep records safe.

Example Inspection Report & How to Interpret It

• “Approved”: Green light—move to the next phase.
• “Failed”: Lists what’s wrong (e.g., “Missing ground wire”). Fix it, then re-inspect.
• “Partial Approval”: Minor fixes needed, but you can proceed with caution.

Appendices & Resources

Sample Permit and Inspection Request Form

Download Sample Form

Glossary of Inspection Terms

• Rough-In: Checking systems before walls hide them.
• Final: The last sign-off for occupancy.
• Code: Rules (e.g., IRC, NEC) your project must follow.