Building Inspections: The Complete Guide

Inspections are the checkpoints that ensure your home is built safely and to code.

Pass them, and your project moves forward. Fail them, and you're looking at delays and re-work.

As an owner-builder, you'll be scheduling and managing all inspections yourself. This guide will help you understand the process and pass every inspection on the first try.

Why Inspections Matter

Safety: Inspections catch structural, electrical, and fire safety issues before they're buried in walls.

Code Compliance: Your home must meet minimum code requirements for health, safety, and welfare.

Legal Protection: Passed inspections protect you legally. They prove your home was built to code.

Resale Value: Future buyers and lenders will require documentation of passed inspections.

Insurance: Many insurers won't cover homes without proper permits and inspections.

Required Inspections (Typical Sequence)

Here's the standard inspection sequence for a new home build. Do not skip or reorder these—each must pass before the next.

Jurisdictional Variations

Your specific area may require additional inspections:

• Gas rough-in inspection
• Fireplace/chimney inspection
• Deck/porch inspection
• Septic system inspection (usually separate department)
• Well inspection (usually separate department)
• Fire sprinkler inspection (if required)
• Energy inspection (increasingly common)

Critical: Get a complete list of required inspections from your building department when you get your permit.

Scheduling Inspections

How Much Notice?

• Typical: 24-48 hours advance notice
• Some departments: Same-day or next-day
• Rural areas: May need a week
• Busy season: Longer wait times

Tip: Call early in the morning (7-8 AM) to get on that day's schedule or first thing next day.

How to Schedule

Most building departments allow:

• Phone calls
• Online portal
• Email
• Mobile app

Have ready when calling:

• Permit number
• Address
• Type of inspection
• Your contact phone number
• Preferred inspection time

What Time Will They Come?

Inspectors typically:

• Don't give exact times
• Give windows (morning/afternoon)
• Run ahead or behind schedule
• May call 15-30 minutes before arrival

Plan to be available all morning or all afternoon

Who Must Be Present?

• You (owner-builder): Should always be there
• The trade contractor: Required for their specialty inspection
• No one technically required: But being absent is a bad idea

Why you should attend:

• Answer questions
• Take notes on any corrections
• Build relationship with inspector
• Learn what they look for
• Catch issues immediately

What Inspectors Actually Check

Inspectors are looking at three things:

1. Code Compliance

Does it meet minimum code requirements?

• IRC (International Residential Code)
• Local amendments
• Energy code
• Fire code

2. Safety

Will this hurt someone?

• Structural integrity
• Electrical safety
• Fire hazards
• Egress requirements

3. Consistency with Plans

Does the built work match approved plans?

• Major deviations require permit amendments
• Minor field changes usually ok with documentation

They are NOT checking:

• Quality beyond code minimum
• Aesthetic choices
• Cost-effectiveness
• "Better" methods that exceed code

During the Inspection

Be Prepared

• Have permit posted visibly on site
• Have approved plans available
• Clean work area (clear debris)
• Provide adequate lighting
• Be ready to access all areas
• Have a notebook and pen

Attitude Matters

Do:

• Be respectful and professional
• Listen carefully
• Ask questions if unclear
• Take detailed notes
• Thank them for their time

Don't:

• Argue or get defensive
• Make excuses
• Bad-mouth other inspectors
• Rush them
• Be absent

Remember: Inspectors are doing a job. Make it easy for them, and they'll usually work with you.

Taking Notes

Write down:

• Specific failures and corrections needed
• Code sections referenced
• Inspector's name
• Date of inspection
• Exactly what needs to be fixed

Don't trust your memory. Get it in writing or write it yourself.

Passing vs. Failing

Passed Inspection

Inspector will:

• Sign off on inspection card or in system
• Note "approved" or "passed"
• Sometimes provide written approval
• Move you to next phase

You can proceed with next work phase immediately.

Failed Inspection

Inspector will note:

• Specific failures
• Code sections violated
• Required corrections
• Whether you can proceed with other work

Common outcomes:

• "Failed - correct and call for re-inspection"
• "Approved with corrections" (can proceed but must fix issues)
• "Failed - do not proceed" (must fix before continuing)

If You Fail

Don't panic. Inspection failures happen to professionals too.

Common Reasons for Failure

Across all inspection types, these are the top reasons:

1. Work Not Complete

• Inspector arrives and work isn't ready
• Missing components
• Temporary installations

Fix: Don't call until truly ready

2. Code Violations

• Doesn't meet specific code requirement
• Missing required safety features
• Incorrect sizing or spacing

Fix: Know the code before building

3. Doesn't Match Plans

• Built differently than approved
• Unauthorized changes
• Missing elements shown on plans

Fix: Build to plans or get plan amendments

4. Accessibility Issues

• Can't access area to inspect
• Covered before inspection
• Blocked by materials or debris

Fix: Keep areas clear and accessible

5. Safety Concerns

• Unsafe temporary conditions
• Hazardous installations
• Missing required safety features

Fix: Prioritize safety always

See detailed failure points by inspection type →

Working with Inspectors

Building a Good Relationship

• Learn their names
• Be consistently prepared
• Show you care about doing it right
• Accept corrections gracefully
• Don't waste their time

Why it matters: Inspectors have discretion. A good relationship means:

• They might help you solve problems
• Give you benefit of the doubt on minor issues
• Provide guidance before you build
• Be available for questions

When You Disagree

Sometimes you'll think an inspector is wrong. Here's how to handle it:

Step 1: Make sure you understand

• Ask them to explain
• Request the specific code reference
• Take notes on their reasoning

Step 2: Research the code

• Look up the code section
• Read it carefully
• Check local amendments

Step 3: If you're still convinced they're wrong

• Respectfully ask to discuss
• Show them your code reference
• Ask if there's a local amendment you're missing
• Request to speak with supervisor if unresolved

Step 4: Appeal if necessary

• Most jurisdictions have an appeal process
• Usually goes to building official or board
• Requires documentation of your position

Reality check: 90% of the time, the inspector is right. Make absolutely sure before pushing back.

Special Situations

Remote/Video Inspections

Some jurisdictions now allow:

• Video call inspections
• Photo submissions
• Self-certification for minor work

Requirements:

• Good photos from multiple angles
• Measurements visible
• Clear documentation
• May need to be available for live video

Third-Party Inspections

In some areas, private inspection companies can:

• Conduct inspections
• Submit reports to building department
• Speed up the process

Costs: $100-300 per inspection Benefit: Faster scheduling, more flexible

Multiple Inspections Same Day

You can often schedule:

• Rough plumbing, electrical, HVAC together
• Saves time having them on-site once

Coordination required: All trades must be complete

Inspection Costs

Inspection fees are typically included in permit fees, but some jurisdictions charge:

• Re-inspection fees: $50-150
• After-hours inspection: $100-300
• Rush inspection: $150-300
• Special inspection: Varies

Total typical fees: $0-500 (beyond permit costs)

Documentation

Keep Records Of:

• Inspection dates
• Inspector names
• Pass/fail results
• Correction items
• Photos of work before covering
• Contractor certifications

Why: You'll need this for:

• Certificate of occupancy
• Lender requirements
• Future resale
• Legal protection
• Your own reference

Photos Are Your Friend

Take photos of:

• All structural connections before covering
• Plumbing and electrical rough-in
• Insulation installation
• Any unusual conditions
• Corrections made after failed inspection

These photos can:

• Help you remember what's behind walls
• Prove work was done correctly
• Support appeals if needed
• Help contractors troubleshoot later

Inspection Checklist

Timeline Planning

Critical: Inspections can't be scheduled on your timeline alone.

Build in buffer time for:

• Inspector scheduling delays (2-5 days)
• Failed inspection and corrections (3-7 days)
• Re-inspection scheduling (1-3 days)
• Weather delays preventing inspection access

Example timeline:

• Day 1: Complete framing
• Day 2-3: Call for inspection, scheduled for Day 5
• Day 5: Inspection (passed)
• Day 6: Insulation starts

If inspection fails:

• Day 5: Fail inspection
• Day 6-7: Make corrections
• Day 8: Request re-inspection
• Day 10: Re-inspection (passed)
• Day 11: Insulation starts

5-day delay from one failed inspection

This is why passing first time is crucial.

Mental Game

Inspections can be stressful. Here's the mindset:

They're protecting you: Inspectors catch mistakes before they're permanent

It's not personal: They fail professionals too

Learn from it: Each inspection teaches you something

Ask questions: Most inspectors enjoy teaching

Stay calm: Getting upset never helps

Next Steps

Understand each specific inspection type:

1. Foundation Inspections →
2. Framing Inspections →
3. Rough-In Inspections →
4. Insulation Inspections →
5. Final Inspections →

**Most importantly