Before Every Inspection: The Non-Negotiables
These items must be in place before the inspector arrives. Missing any of them is a guaranteed failure or a refusal to inspect. You know this — but does everyone on your team?
0 Pre-Inspection Essentials
If any of these are missing, the inspector won't even start. This is the most common reason for wasted inspection visits.
- Approved plans on site and accessible to inspector
- Building permit posted visibly at the job site
- Work area clean, accessible, and safe for inspector entry
- All work for this phase is 100% complete (not "almost done")
- Previous corrections addressed and documented
- Responsible trade or super on site or reachable by phone
Phase-by-Phase Checklists
1 Foundation Inspection
Footings, slab-on-grade, grading. Inspector verifies soil prep, rebar, and formwork before you pour.
- Excavation to required depth per approved plans
- Rebar size, spacing, and placement match structural plans
- Rebar properly tied and supported (chairs/spacers in place)
- Formwork level, aligned, and properly braced
- Anchor bolt locations marked and correct per plans
- Soil compaction test results available (if required)
- No standing water in excavation
- Utility trenches and sleeves installed per plans
2 Framing Inspection
The big one. Highest failure rate. Double-check everything before you call it in.
- All structural members match approved plans (sizes, species, grades)
- Shear wall nailing pattern matches schedule on plans
- Hold-downs and straps installed at all required locations
- Headers and beams correctly sized and supported
- Cripple walls properly braced
- Blocking installed at all required locations
- Roof framing complete: rafters, ridge, collar ties
- Window and door rough openings match approved sizes
- Fire blocking installed between floors and at soffits
3 Rough Plumbing
Supply, drain/waste/vent, and gas piping while walls are open. Pressure test must be done.
- Supply lines properly supported and secured
- DWV pipe sizes match code requirements
- Proper slope on drain lines (1/4" per foot minimum)
- Vent pipes properly terminated and sized
- Water heater seismic strapping in place
- Gas lines tested and pressure test results available
- System holds pressure test (no leaks)
- Clean-outs accessible at required locations
4 Rough Electrical
All wiring, boxes, panel, and circuits before insulation goes in.
- Wire gauge matches circuit amperage per plans
- All boxes properly secured and at correct heights
- Panel properly grounded and bonded
- GFCI protection where required (kitchen, bath, exterior, garage)
- AFCI protection where required (bedrooms, living areas)
- Smoke detector and CO detector locations per code
- Wire properly stapled and supported
- Box fill calculations within limits
5 Rough Mechanical (HVAC)
Ductwork, venting, and HVAC equipment before walls close.
- Duct sizes match HVAC design calculations
- Ducts properly supported and sealed at joints
- Combustion air provisions for gas equipment
- Exhaust fans ducted to exterior (not attic)
- Dryer vent routed to exterior with proper material
- Equipment clearances meet manufacturer specs
- Return air pathways clear and properly sized
6 Insulation Inspection
R-values, vapor barriers, air sealing. Must be inspected before drywall covers it.
- R-values match energy calculations on approved plans
- Insulation properly fitted with no gaps or compression
- Vapor barrier installed on correct side (warm side)
- Air sealing at all penetrations (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Attic insulation depth markers visible
- Insulation kept clear of recessed lights (unless IC rated)
7 Drywall Inspection
Nailing pattern, fire-rated assemblies, moisture-resistant board in wet areas.
- Drywall thickness matches fire rating requirements
- Fire-rated assemblies use correct materials and fasteners
- Nailing pattern meets manufacturer and code specs
- Moisture-resistant board in wet areas (bath, kitchen)
- All joints and seams properly finished
- Electrical boxes and fixtures accessible
8 Final Inspection
The last one before certificate of occupancy. Everything has to come together.
- All previous inspections passed and documented
- All fixtures installed and functional
- Smoke detectors and CO detectors installed and working
- Handrails and guardrails at required locations
- Final grading complete with proper drainage
- Address posted and visible from street
- All safety glazing where required
- GFCIs and AFCIs functional and properly labeled
- Appliances installed per manufacturer instructions
- Site clean, all temporary construction removed
⚡ InspectPilot Enforces This Checklist Automatically
Instead of printing this out and hoping your PM follows it, InspectPilot confirms trade readiness before scheduling, enforces the correct sequence, and submits requests through iRFIS before the 3 PM deadline. The checklist becomes automated. $200/month, month-to-month.