You've built enough ADUs to know the order by heart. But with 10–14 inspections per project and 4+ permits running at once, one sequencing error costs you $1,200 and a week of delays. This is the reference you give to your PM — and the checklist InspectPilot enforces automatically.
ADU inspections follow the same LADBS framework as any residential project, but the scope is smaller and more predictable. A new-build ADU typically requires 10–14 inspections. Garage conversions require fewer since foundation and framing work may be minimal. You know this.
What trips people up isn't the inspections themselves — it's the sequencing across multiple permits. When you're running 4 ADU projects simultaneously, each at a different stage, it's easy to request the wrong inspection on the wrong permit. LADBS will fail it automatically. That's a day lost, a sub sitting idle, and another $1,200 down the drain.
Full sequence: grading, foundation, slab, framing, all rough-ins, insulation, drywall, and finals. Typically 12–14 inspections. The framing inspection has the highest failure rate — prepare accordingly.
Often skips grading, foundation, and slab. Starts at framing modifications. Typically 8–10 inspections depending on scope. Watch for Title 24 energy compliance — it catches a lot of conversions.
Verifies excavation depth, soil conditions, and erosion control. Required before any foundation work. Your geo report must be on file. If it's not, the inspector won't even get out of the truck.
Rebar placement, footing dimensions, anchor bolts. Must pass before concrete pour. Make sure the inspector has clear access to all footings — if they can't see it, they can't pass it.
Under-slab plumbing must pass first. Then vapor barrier, reinforcement, and grade are inspected before the slab pour. Coordinate your plumber — if they're not done, you're waiting.
The most comprehensive single inspection. All structural elements: walls, beams, posts, shear panels, hold-downs, roof framing, headers. Highest failure rate of any inspection. If something doesn't match plans, you'll be back here next week. Double-check everything before you call it in.
Supply lines, drain lines, venting while walls are open. Pressure test must be completed. Common ADU fail point: incorrect drain slope. Your plumber knows — make sure they've tested before you schedule.
Wiring, panel, grounding, GFCI/AFCI locations. ADU sub-panel must be properly sized and connected to main panel per approved plans. If the panel doesn't match specs, that's a correction.
HVAC ductwork, mini-split line sets, ventilation. Most ADUs use ductless mini-splits, which simplifies this inspection. Verify your HVAC sub has the equipment operational before scheduling.
Insulation R-values, air sealing, and California Title 24 energy compliance. Must pass before drywall. This catches more garage conversions than you'd expect — don't underestimate it.
Fastener spacing on drywall before taping. Fire-rated assemblies require specific drywall type and layer count. Quick inspection but an easy fail if your drywall crew cuts corners on spacing.
Four separate finals: plumbing (fixtures, water heater), electrical (panel labels, devices, smoke/CO), mechanical (equipment operational), and building (all corrections resolved, address posted). Each one has to pass. One failure holds up the whole project.
Issued after all final inspections pass and all corrections are resolved. Required before the ADU can be legally occupied or rented. This is the finish line.
InspectPilot maps the correct inspection sequence for your ADU project type, confirms trade readiness before scheduling, and submits requests before the 3 PM LADBS deadline. You never request out of order. You never miss a deadline. You stay on the jobsite. See how scheduling works →
10–14 for new builds, 8–10 for garage conversions. The exact number depends on scope, structural complexity, and which trades are involved.
Automatic failure. LADBS won't inspect framing if foundation hasn't passed. That's a wasted day, an idle crew, and another request to submit before 3 PM. InspectPilot prevents this by enforcing the sequence before submitting.
No. Every inspection on your permit must pass in order. Garage conversions may have fewer required inspections, but you can't skip any that are listed on your permit.
The inspection timeline typically spans 3–6 months for new builds, depending on construction pace. Each inspection must be requested at least 1 business day in advance via iRFIS or 311.
InspectPilot knows the exact inspection sequence for every ADU type and handles scheduling automatically. $200/month, month-to-month, cancel anytime.
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