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Comprehensive Illustrated Inspection Guide – Oasis Engineering Oasis Engineering Visit our website 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. Start with the Master Inspection Checklist to track progress. Dive into the Illustrated Step-by-Step Inspection Breakdown for specifics on each inspection. Use the illustrations (provided by you) to see what “right” looks like. Pro tip: Keep this guide handy on-site—digital or printed—for instant reference. 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 InspectionDocumentation: Approved building plans, permits. Foundation BLD-Foundation/FooterDocumentation: Foundation plans, soil reports. BLD-Stem WallDocumentation: Foundation plans. BLD-Tie BeamDocumentation: Structural plans. BLD-Pilasters/Fill Cells/ColumnsDocumentation: Structural plans. BLD-On Grade Slab/Monolithic SlabDocumentation: Slab design plans. BLD-Driveway or Sidewalk Pre-PourDocumentation: Site plans. Framing BLD-Wall or Roof SheathingDocumentation: Framing plans. BLD-FramingDocumentation: Framing plans, truss engineering. Insulation & Energy Compliance BLD-Insulation-Ceilings/WallsDocumentation: Energy compliance forms. Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) ELE-Rough-InDocumentation: Electrical plans. ELE-Underground Rough-InDocumentation: Electrical plans. ELE-Pool BondingDocumentation: Pool electrical plans. MEC-Rough-InDocumentation: Mechanical plans. PLB-Rough-InDocumentation: Plumbing plans. PLB-Underground Rough-InDocumentation: Plumbing plans. PLB-SewerDocumentation: Sewer connection permits. PLB-Water ServiceDocumentation: Water service plans. PLB-Pressure TestDocumentation: Plumbing plans. PLB-Gas Rough-InDocumentation: Gas line plans. PLB-Tub SetDocumentation: Plumbing plans. Roofing ROF-Dry-in/MidDocumentation: Roofing plans. ROF-FinalDocumentation: Roofing plans. Final Inspections ELE-Electrical Power ReleaseDocumentation: Electrical plans. ELE-FinalDocumentation: Electrical plans. MEC-FinalDocumentation: Mechanical plans. PLB-FinalDocumentation: Plumbing plans. BLD-Final Grading-DrainageDocumentation: Grading plans. BLD-Site FinalDocumentation: Site plans. BLD-FinalDocumentation: All previous inspection reports. Specialty Inspections BLD-Pool Barrier/AlarmDocumentation: Pool safety plans. BLD-Pool Steel/Drain/BondDocumentation: Pool structural plans. BLD-Tree Replacement CheckDocumentation: Landscaping plans. BLD-Elevation Certificate CheckDocumentation: 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