When Do I Call for a Building Inspection?
I will say this until I am blue in the face, but the bottom-line is NEVER cover anything up without first making sure it doesn’t need to be inspected. This can be especially hard for homeowners to do. You are likely working nights and weekends on your project, and stopping to wait for an inspection is a scheduling pain. I get it, and I have been there myself as a fellow do-it-yourselfer.
My advice is always to reach out to your local building inspector and let them know what you are up to. Many times, they will work with you or can give you ideas on how to keep moving forward without covering work that requires inspection.
The amount of inspections required can change based on where you live. For example: on a new house, we may perform 5-7 inspections on the building permit (not including plumbing, electrical and mechancial work) while other cities or counties may perform upwards of 20 inspections. Knowing that information up front is going to serve you way better than finding it out as you go.
Typical inspections include:
1) footing and foundation wall inspections prior to pour.
2) framing inspections after rough-in of trades work is complete.
3) inspection of nailing of exterior sheathing prior to siding and roofing.
4) insulation inspections.
5) drywall inspections.
6) Final inspections.
To make sure you are prepared for your project, subscribe on the blog page for a free building schedule template that lists standard inspections and when to call for them. Happy building!
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