You know the inspection sequence. You've run it on dozens of projects. But when you're managing 4+ permits at different stages, the sequence that's second nature on one project becomes a juggling act across all of them. This is the reference guide — and the work InspectPilot does for you automatically.
New construction requires 12–20 mandatory inspections in Los Angeles, depending on scope and trades involved. ADU projects typically need 10–14. Each one must pass before the next phase begins. LADBS inspectors conduct them, and you request them through iRFIS or 311 before the 3 PM deadline.
The sequence is the same for every project. What changes is how many projects you're running at once. When you've got 4 ADUs at different stages, all with overlapping inspection windows, all needing requests before 3 PM, the process that works for one project breaks down at scale.
All LADBS inspection requests must be in by 3:00 PM the business day before. Miss it and your inspection rolls one day. One day of idle subs, one day of delayed framing, one day closer to your permit expiring. Do the math on 4 permits — it adds up fast.
First inspection after site prep. Verifies excavation depths, soil conditions, and erosion control match approved plans. Your geo report must be on file.
Rebar, footing dimensions, anchor bolts. Must pass before you pour. If the inspector can't see the rebar clearly, they can't pass it.
Vapor barrier, reinforcement, under-slab plumbing. The plumbing inspection must pass first — coordinate with your plumber or you'll be waiting.
The biggest inspection. Highest failure rate. All structural framing, shear panels, hold-downs, and connections before walls close up. Double-check everything before you call it in. Seriously.
Supply, DWV, gas piping while walls are open. Pressure test must be done before the inspector arrives. Drain slope is the #1 fail on ADU plumbing.
Wiring, box placement, panel, grounding. GFCI and AFCI where required. ADU sub-panel sizing is a common fail point.
Ductwork, equipment, refrigerant lines. Most ADUs use mini-splits, which simplifies this. Make sure the equipment is running before you schedule.
R-values, air sealing, Title 24 compliance. Must pass before drywall. Catches more garage conversions than you'd expect.
Fastener spacing, fire-rated assemblies, correct materials. Quick inspection, easy fail if your crew cuts corners on spacing.
Four separate finals: plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building. All corrections must be resolved. This is where everything comes together — or doesn't. One open item holds up the whole project.
InspectPilot maps every inspection in the correct order for your project type, confirms trade readiness, catches sequencing errors, and submits requests before the 3 PM deadline. $200/month, month-to-month, cancel anytime. See how it works →
12–20 depending on scope. ADU projects typically need 10–14. Each must pass in sequence before the next phase.
Correction notice. Fix all items. Re-request before 3 PM. 3–7 days added to timeline. $1,200 average cost per failure. See the correction guide.
No. LADBS requires the correct sequence. Out-of-order requests are automatic failures. InspectPilot prevents this by enforcing the sequence before submitting.
Highest of any residential inspection. Most common issues: work not matching plans, missing hold-downs, incorrect shear wall nailing patterns. Walk it yourself before calling it in.
InspectPilot manages the sequence, scheduling, and tracking. $200/month, month-to-month, cancel anytime.
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