Rough-In Inspections: Pass on First Try

Rough-in inspections cover all the systems that go inside your walls before they're covered. This is typically three separate inspections: electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Get these right and you'll never have to cut open finished walls. Fail them and you're looking at days of delays, hundreds in re-inspection fees, and the stress of torn-apart work.

When to Schedule

Timing: After rough-in work is complete but BEFORE insulation or wall covering

Notice required: 24-48 hours for each inspection

Can they be combined? Many jurisdictions allow you to schedule "rough-in" as one visit covering all three trades. Ask your building department. This can save days and reduces scheduling headaches.

Weather: These are all interior inspections, so weather rarely delays them.

What the Electrical Inspector Checks

Service and Panel

Service size:

• Adequate for calculated load (typically 200 amp for modern homes)
• Proper service conductor size
• Correct meter base installation
• Service grounded properly

Main panel:

• Proper working space (30" wide, 36" deep, 6'6" high)
• Labeled clearly
• Correct breaker types
• Proper wire connections
• No double-tapping (two wires under one breaker)

Grounding:

• Grounding electrode system installed (ground rods, typically two 8' rods)
• Grounding conductor proper size
• Bonding of water and gas lines
• Bonding of service equipment

Branch Circuits

AFCI protection (NEC 210.12):

• Required for virtually all 15/20 amp circuits in living areas
• Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, closets, etc.
• AFCI breakers installed (not just labeled)

GFCI protection (NEC 210.8):

• Bathrooms (all receptacles)
• Kitchens (countertop receptacles)
• Garages
• Unfinished basements
• Crawl spaces
• Outdoors
• Within 6' of sinks
• Laundry areas

Kitchen circuits:

• Minimum two 20-amp small appliance circuits
• Separate circuit for refrigerator (typical, not always code)
• Dedicated circuit for dishwasher
• GFCI protection for countertop receptacles

Bathroom circuits:

• 20-amp circuit required
• GFCI protection required
• Can serve multiple bathrooms or single bathroom depending on layout

Wiring Methods

Cable type and size:

• Correct wire gauge for breaker size (14 AWG for 15A, 12 AWG for 20A, etc.)
• Proper cable type for location (NM-B for dry, UF for underground, etc.)
• No mixing wire sizes on same circuit

Cable protection (NEC 334.15):

• Protected from physical damage
• Minimum 1-1/4" from edge of stud where nails/screws might penetrate
• Metal plates installed where less than 1-1/4" from edge
• Proper support every 4.5' and within 12" of boxes

Proper routing:

• No sharp bends
• Proper radius on turns
• Not crushed or damaged
• Stapled within 12" of boxes and every 4.5'

Boxes (NEC 314.20):

• Proper size for number of wires (box fill calculation)
• Flush with finished wall surface (or proper extension)
• Properly secured to framing
• Cable secured to box with proper connector

Receptacle Placement

General rooms (NEC 210.52):

• Maximum 12' between receptacles
• No point along wall more than 6' from receptacle
• Receptacles required for any wall 2' or longer

Kitchen (NEC 210.52(C)):

• Countertop receptacles every 4' (or within 2' of any point on countertop)
• Peninsulas and islands need receptacles
• Cannot be installed face-up in countertop (unless special listed type)

Bathrooms (NEC 210.52(D)):

• At least one receptacle within 3' of outside edge of each basin
• Must be on 20-amp bathroom circuit
• GFCI protected

Garage (NEC 210.52(G)):

• At least one receptacle
• GFCI protected

Outdoor (NEC 210.52(E)):

• Front and back of dwelling
• Grade-level access required
• GFCI protected
• Weatherproof covers (in-use type if outlet used while covered)

Lighting and Switching

Required lighting outlets (NEC 210.70):

• Every habitable room
• Bathrooms
• Hallways
• Stairways (illumination at each level)
• Attached garages
• Outdoor entries

Switching:

• Wall switch required for lighting in habitable rooms
• Switch at each floor level for stairs
• Three-way switches for stairs with 6+ risers
• Switch height typically 48" (accessibility varies by jurisdiction)

Special Requirements

Smoke and CO detectors (IRC R314, R315):

• Hard-wired with battery backup
• Interconnected (when one sounds, all sound)
• Locations: each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, each level
• CO detectors outside sleeping areas and each level

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters:

• Required on most 15/20 amp circuits
• Check for proper AFCI breakers (not just standard breakers)

Dedicated circuits:

• Furnace/HVAC equipment
• Appliances per manufacturer specs
• Sump pump (recommended)
• Garage door openers (recommended)

What the Plumbing Inspector Checks

Water Supply

Pipe sizing:

• Adequate size for fixture count and distance
• Main service line adequate (typically 3/4" or 1" for house)
• Branch lines sized per code (IRC Table P2903.7)

Pipe materials:

• Approved type for application (copper, PEX, CPVC, etc.)
• Proper fittings for pipe type
• No mixing incompatible materials without proper transition fittings

Water hammer arrestors:

• Installed at quick-closing valves (washing machine, dishwasher)
• Proper size for application

Support and protection:

• Pipes properly supported per code intervals
• Protection through framing (1-1/2" from edge or steel plates)
• Pipe sleeves through concrete
• Separation from electrical (when parallel)

Pipe insulation:

• Required in unconditioned spaces
• May be required on hot water lines for energy code

Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV)

Drain pipe sizing (IRC Table P3004.1):

• Adequate for fixture units served
• Minimum 3" for toilet drains
• Minimum 2" for shower drains
• Minimum 1-1/2" for lavatory sinks

Slope (IRC P3005.3):

• Minimum 1/4" per foot for pipes under 3"
• Minimum 1/8" per foot for pipes 3" and larger
• No sags or bellies (low spots that trap water)
• Maximum slope 3" per foot (to prevent liquid outrunning solids)

Venting (IRC P3104-P3111):

• Every fixture properly vented
• Vent pipe sized adequately (typically 1-1/2" minimum)
• Horizontal vents sloped up toward vent terminal
• Vent termination minimum 3' above roof, 10' from windows/doors

Wet venting (if used):

• Only where code allows
• Proper sizing and configuration
• Typically used for bathroom groups

Cleanouts:

• Required at changes in direction greater than 45 degrees (horizontal)
• Required at base of each vertical stack
• Accessible locations

DWV support:

• Horizontal pipes supported every 4' (ABS/PVC)
• Vertical pipes supported every floor level

Fixture Rough-In

Toilet:

• Flange properly set (correct height for finished floor)
• Flange secured to floor structure
• Drain size 3" minimum
• Vent within proper distance
• Water supply stubout at correct height and location

Shower/Tub:

• Drain properly located and sized
• P-trap accessible
• Proper slope to drain
• Vent adequate
• Valve rough-in correct height
• Pressure balancing or thermostatic valve installed (anti-scald)

Sinks:

• Supply lines correct height
• Drain rough-in correct location
• P-trap location accessible
• Proper venting

Dishwasher/disposal:

• Air gap or high loop required (dishwasher)
• Proper drain connection
• Water supply with shutoff
• Electrical connection rough-in

Water Heater

Location:

• Drain pan required in some locations (above living space, indoors)
• Pan drain piped to safe location
• Proper clearances maintained
• Combustion air if fuel-fired

Connections planned:

• Cold water supply
• Hot water outlet
• Gas line if applicable
• Electric if applicable
• TPR (temperature/pressure relief) valve discharge pipe

Special Items

Shower pan test (IRC P2709):

• Flood test required before tiling
• Pan filled to dam height (2" above curb)
• Hold 24 hours minimum
• No water loss acceptable
• Test BEFORE tiling or inspector won't pass

Gas piping (if applicable):

• Proper pipe sizing for BTU load
• Correct material (black iron, CSST, etc.)
• Pressure test required (typically 15 psi for 15 minutes)
• Proper support and protection
• Bonding of CSST if used

What the HVAC Inspector Checks

Equipment Placement

Furnace/air handler:

• Proper clearances to combustibles
• Adequate service access (30" working space)
• Proper support if in attic
• Condensate drain provisions
• Return air provisions

Air conditioning condenser:

• Proper clearances from structure
• Level pad or mounting
• Service access
• Electrical disconnect within sight

Water heater (sometimes under HVAC inspection):

• Proper clearances
• Drain pan if required
• TPR valve and discharge pipe
• Combustion air if gas

Ductwork

Sizing:

• Supply ducts sized per Manual D (ACCA standards)
• Return ducts adequate size
• Trunk lines properly sized
• Ducts match equipment capacity

Materials and construction:

• Proper duct material for application
• Joints sealed (mastic or foil tape, not cloth duct tape)
• Properly supported (every 4' for flex duct, 10' for metal)
• No crushing or compression of flex duct

Insulation (IRC N1103.3.3):

• Required R-value in unconditioned spaces (typically R-8)
• Vapor barrier facing outward
• Sealed at joints

Return air:

• Adequate size for system
• Sealed to prevent outside air infiltration
• No return air from garage or hazardous locations

Supply registers:

• Proper locations for heating/cooling
• Sized for CFM requirements
• Boot boxes properly installed and sealed

Combustion and Ventilation

Combustion air (if fuel-fired equipment):

• Adequate combustion air provided
• Two openings if using inside air
• Proper sizing of openings
• One opening within 12" of ceiling, one within 12" of floor

Venting (fuel-fired):

• Proper vent type for equipment (Type B, direct vent, etc.)
• Adequate size
• Proper pitch (1/4" per foot toward equipment typically)
• Proper clearances to combustibles
• Proper termination
• No condensation issues

Draft hood clearances:

• Minimum 6" to combustibles

Exhaust Ventilation

Bathroom exhaust:

• Required in bathrooms without operable windows
• Minimum 50 CFM (intermittent) or 20 CFM (continuous)
• Vented to exterior (not into attic or soffit)
• Proper duct material (smooth metal or flex)

Kitchen exhaust:

• Required if no operable windows (IRC M1503.1)
• Minimum 100 CFM for intermittent range hood
• Vented to exterior
• Makeup air may be required for high-CFM hoods (>400 CFM)

Dryer vent:

• Maximum 25' length (reduced for elbows: -2.5' per 45°, -5' per 90°)
• Minimum 4" diameter
• Metal duct required (no vinyl or flex)
• Vented to exterior
• Vent cap installed

Refrigerant Lines (if applicable)

Line set installation:

• Proper routing
• Protected from damage
• Proper insulation
• Sealed penetrations

Condensate drain:

• Proper pitch (1/4" per foot minimum)
• P-trap installed on negative pressure systems
• Drained to safe location
• Overflow safety provisions

Before the Inspector Arrives

Walk your work 48 hours before each inspection. Fix issues now, not during the inspection.

Electrical Rough-In

Plumbing Rough-In

HVAC Rough-In

General Preparation

Top 10 Electrical Failures

These are the most common reasons owner-builders fail electrical rough-in. Know them. Fix them before the inspector arrives.

Top 10 Plumbing Failures

Plumbing failures are expensive. Improper venting can cost $1,000-$4,000 to fix after walls are up.

Top 5 HVAC Failures

HVAC is often inspected with plumbing. The most common failures involve ductwork sealing and exhaust venting.

If You Fail

Get Specific Details

When the inspector writes up failures, ask for:

• Code section violated
• Exact location of each failure point
• Proper correction method
• Written documentation of all failures

Take notes. Take photos of what the inspector is pointing out.

Make ALL Corrections

Don't just fix the items the inspector pointed out.

Walk through and fix anything similar throughout the entire house. If inspector caught one missing steel plate, check every wire run. If one drain has improper slope, verify all drains.

Inspectors don't catch everything on first pass. Fix everything in the same category to avoid multiple re-inspections.

Re-Inspection Timeline

Most jurisdictions schedule rough-in re-inspections within 2-4 days after you call.

Some charge re-inspection fees ($50-$150 per trade). Check with your building department.

Multiple Trades Failed?

If you failed electrical and plumbing, fix both before calling for re-inspection.

Some jurisdictions will re-inspect all trades at once. Others require separate calls. Ask when scheduling.

Cost of Delay

Every week rough-in inspections are delayed costs you money:

Pass on first try by being thorough. One hour of prep work can save you $1,000+ in delays.

Final Checklist: Ready for Rough-In?

Use this comprehensive checklist to verify you're ready before scheduling inspections.

Pro Tips

Optimal Inspection Scheduling Order

If doing separate inspections rather than combined rough-in:

Required Test Documentation

Have these test results documented and ready to show inspector:

• Shower pan: 24-hour flood test with before/after photos and timestamps
• Gas piping: Pressure test results (typically 15 psi for 15 minutes minimum)
• DWV systems: Water test if required in your jurisdiction (ask building department)

No documentation = may have to retest with inspector present (delays and additional fees).

Regional Variations

Code requirements vary by climate and seismic zone. Know your area's special requirements.

Final Thoughts

Rough-in inspections are critical checkpoints in your build. They verify that hidden systems are installed correctly before they're covered up. Take them seriously, prepare thoroughly, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

A good relationship with your inspector makes the entire process smoother. They're there to ensure your house is safe and code-compliant - that benefits everyone.

Next steps: After passing rough-in inspections, you'll move on to insulation and drywall. Check out our Insulation Inspection Guide for what comes next