Building Codes are a set of minimum home building standards. New construction inspections are made to insure compliance to these standards.
Hi Carl,
In your steps to building a home, you only mention inspections at two stages, before pouring the foundation and after step 23 or 24.
Are there other inspections that should take place and if so, at which stages of construction?
Rose
Hi Rose,
Actually, the rest of the important ones are mentioned, just hard to find in the minutia of text.
Here is where some of the other inspections are mentioned: “How to Build a House Step by Step”:
STEP 11: Rough-ins (1-2 weeks)
Consult with your local utility company on the insulation you need to qualify for their lowest rates. Some locales require an inspection of insulation by both the utility and the building inspection department when it is completed, and before it is covered with drywall or paneling (or plaster, if anyone still wants plaster walls).
My list of inspections does not mean it will be your list of inspections.
You may have more inspections or you may have less depending on the locale in which you build your new home. It varies widely.
Having more inspections is good, especially for the 1st time home builder as it takes some of the worry off your shoulders.
When you go through the process of obtaining all your permits you will find out what inspections need to be done for your house. In most locales the cost of permits covers the cost of required inspections.
Here’s a list of most of the possible inspections.
There may be other inspections that may be required that are not listed.
If you are ever in doubt whether or not an inspection is required, call your building inspection department.
Remember: Building Codes are a set of minimum standards.
After plan review, permits issued and permits posted:
INSPECTIONS:
NOTE: All work requiring an inspection must be inspected prior to covering.
• Temporary electric
• Driveway specifications for inspection & permit posted
• Soil erosion control
• Footing inspection
• Mono slab/footing Inspection
• Formed wall Inspection (required for all formed walls prior to placement of concrete)
• Foundation inspection (Note: inspection of steel reinforcement in forms may be required depending on the design of concrete walls or grouted walls)
• Certified foundation survey (for review at the foundation inspection)
• Garage and basement slab areas
• Deck footing inspection
• Slab inspection (non monolithic slab)
• Plumbing under slab Inspection
ROUGH-IN INSPECTIONS FOR:
• Framing
• Plumbing
• Mechanical (HVAC)
• Electrical
• Water and Sewer Inspection
• Insulation Inspection
FINAL inspections for all building components completed including:
• Mechanical,
• Electrical And
• Plumbing Systems;
• Stairs,
• Decks,
• Handrails,
• Guardrails,
• Exterior finish
• Interior finish material (excluding floor finishes/coverings, and interior paint)
• Final grading
OTHER INSPECTIONS
• Waterproofing inspection
• Swimming pools (Require separate permits)
• Retaining walls (Require separate permits)
Well Rose, I am glad you brought the subject up as it’s important. I should have thought to write this a long time ago. Thanks.
You are probably surprised that there are so many inspections…
Builders sure do earn their money don’t they?
Carl
