Required Residential Inspections

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

This information is intended to give guidance to the homeowner/builder regarding required inspections for single family residential construction. This is not limited to be an all inclusive list of code requirements. 

  • Approved plans are required for all inspections 
  • Footprint must match plans: any changes will require approval from Planning, Environmental Health, and Building Inspections
  • Site must be accessible by vehicle and address posted.

Footing Inspection
o Clear of water, debris, roots, and loose soil.
o Bulkheads and grades stakes in place.
o Rebar in place (if required)
o All corners/sides square.
o Portable toilet on site.
o Bottom of footings relatively flat and level
o Soil bearing report from engineer required for Pre Fabricated Walls
o Engineer design required when rock is encountered or unusual soil conditions.
o Note: Deck footings may be requested as a separate inspection or with other inspections.

Saw Service Inspection (combine with another inspection or pay for an extra trip)
o All receptacles GFI protected.
o Grounding electrode driven
o Pole braced in two directions.

Foundation/Floor Framing Inspection
Survey must be submitted and approved by the Planning Dept. before this inspection is set up.
o Crawlspace graded for positive drainage.
o Crawlspace drain installed per code and terminated.
o Damp proofing and foundation drain installed.
o Floor framing complete without plywood deck.
o Termite treatment
o Crawlspace ventilation.
o Sealed crawlspaces require protection from moisture during construction, it is recommended that poly be installed and a dehumidifier be used as soon as roof is dried in.

Waterproofing Inspection
o Required for all basements walls including Pre Fabricated Walls before backfill
o Foundation drain installed per code.

Basement Foundation Inspection
o Design required for poured in place concrete.
o Wall forms and steel inspected before placing concrete.
o Design required for masonry foundation, based on soil type and height of backfill.
o Layout design and manufacturer’s installation manual required for Per Fabricated Walls.
o All reinforcement must be inspected before pouring walls and filling block.

Slab Inspection: Garage/Porch/Basement
o Expansion joint if required.
o Stone base when required.
o Reinforcement when required.
o Thickened areas for bearing walls or point loads.
o Poly in place (6 mil. Min.)
o Flashing between concrete and any framing (NO Aluminum)
o Strings pulled to verify depth of pour.
o All form work in place.
o Termite treatment.

Rough In Inspections (All trades performed at the same time)
Framing Inspection
o Pre – Siding inspection
o Roofing complete
o Penetrations fire-stopped and insulation baffles installed.
o Safety rails in place on stairs and balconies.
o Load bearing conditions supported by structural elements and transferred to the foundation or designed beams.
o Engineered and sealed designs for steel, laminated beams, or truss construction. (All sealed drawings must be on site for framing inspection.
o Any deviations from original plans are subject to engineer’s approval.

Electric Rough Inspection
o All concealed wiring installed per NEC(including any Low voltage wiring i.e. TV, Phone, Security, Computer)
o All pre drywall fixtures installed.
o Ground and switch joints made up in all boxes.
o Metal boxes grounded
o Nail plates installed.

Plumbing Rough Inspection
o All drainage, waste, and vent piping installed per NC Plumbing code and tested with air (5psi) or with water (36 inches above highest fixture.)
o Water lines installed per NC Plumbing code and tested to 100psi.(any Plastic water lines must be water and air tested)
o Tub/showers installed and tested.
o Shower panning installed and tested. (if an Alternative shower system is used an extra trip fee must be paid for a separate inspection)
o Water heater pans piped to exterior
o Nail plates installed.

Mechanical Rough Inspection
o All boots and ductwork above first floor installed and sealed with mastic or approved tape.
o Line sets and condensate piping installed for air handler installed above first floor.
o Returns installed.
o Air handlers must be installed within 20 feet of attic or crawlspace access.
o Factory fireplaces with vents or chimneys installed per manufacturer’s installation instructions: instructions must be with the appliance.
o Metal Dryer vent installed.
o All gas piping installed, tested, and labeled if required.
o All CSST piping installed and tested and Bonded per manufacturer’s instructions.

Masonry Fireplace Inspection
o Completion of hearth and chimney to the first flue properly sized for hearth opening and height of chimney.
o Hearth extension properly sized
o Hearth extension cannot be supported by framing.
o Clearances from hearth and chimney to combustibles.

Pre Brick Veneer

o OSB, plywood, and fiberboard sheathing must be covered with weather-proof membrane.
o Flashing for weep holes installed, flashing can be 6 mil poly or galvanized metal or other approved products.
o Lintels installed that require bolting or nailing: flashing or weatherproof membrane must be installed over top of lintels.
o All windows and doors installed and flashed per manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Insulation Inspection
o Floors R 19
o Walls R 13
o Ceiling R 38, blown insulation in attic requires depth markers.
o Sealed crawlspaces R 10 attached to foundation wall
o Spray foam products should be installed by certified installers and manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions provided to the inspector (third party must inspect Fire Retardant spray).

Electric / Plumbing Trenches
o All waterlines, sewer lines, and electrical wiring underground must be inspected prior to backfill.
o All piping must be sleeved and sealed through foundation walls.
Electric/Plumbing/Mechanical in Slabs
o Any electrical conduit, plumbing, or ductwork in or below slabs must be inspected before slab prep begins. All DWV below slab must be tested with air (5psi) or with water (10 feet head).
o All hydronic piping must be tested before pouring concrete and remain pressurized during pour.
o All piping extending through slab must be sleeved or protected by approved methods.
Temporary Electrical Final
o All electrical work complete
o All electrical components and fixtures UL listed.
o Panels complete, bonded, and labeled.
o Copper water lines bonded.
o Well casing bonded.
o Ground rod (2) driven and connections to electrodes exposed.
o Exterior light fixtures caulked to siding.
o Receptacles required to be GFI protected must be labeled.
o Access provided for whirlpool pump motor.
o Power may be issued on the dwelling by the inspector.

Building Final
All trades are inspected at the same time
Note: Environmental Health & Zoning Final must be issued before final inspection is performed
o Six inches clearance from siding to finish grade.
o Six inches of fall on grading away from foundation.
o Crawlspace and foundation drains terminated to daylight.
o Crawlspace clean and poly installed
o Sealed crawlspace complete per approved design
o All Hand rails &Guard rails installed
o All trenches covered & graded(no standing water)
o Siding or veneer complete.
o Exterior painting and caulking complete.
o Garage doors installed: must be rated 90MPH.
o House numbers posted.

Electrical Final
o Check all circuits, smoke detectors, and disconnects once power is turned on.
o Check all miscellaneous items from previous inspection.

Plumbing Final

o Fixtures installed and connected to DWV system and water supply.
o Fixtures caulked to countertops of floors.
o All water heaters located in garages elevated and protected from physical damage.
o Insulation required on waterlines in attics or garages.
o Anti siphon devices installed water spigots.
o Water heater PRV piped to pan or outside, pan drain piped to exterior.
o Thermal expansion protection and pressure reducing valves installed.
o Water turned on.

Mechanical Final
o Air handlers and condensers installed
o Gas appliances vented properly
o Ductwork, line sets, an condensate piping complete
o Filters installed in returns.
o Floor registers installed.
o Ducts and returns clean of debris and dust.
o Final air test on all gas piping required.
o Copper tubing used as gas piping must be labeled
o Do not test through regulators.

Exterior Gas lines
Note: Gas service is installed by a separate Mechanical Contractor & requires a separate Mechanical permit.
A 50 lb test required on exterior lines.