Avoiding Reinspection Fees

You can help prevent the need for a second inspection and costly delays by reviewing these common issues that inspectors frequently encounter. This is not an exhaustive list, but correcting any of these problems before scheduling your inspection will likely save time and money later.

All Projects

Common issues for all projects

  • Make sure to have your permit(s) and approved plans onsite.
  • Residential permits must be visible from the street.
  • Make sure you have provided access to the area to be inspected.
  • Inspectors only carry one-story ladders. You must provide a ladder set-up capable of reaching any roof point over one-story.
  • Have someone onsite to meet the inspector if there are gates/fences that could be locked or if inside access is required and the structure is occupied.
  • Make sure the job is complete and ready for inspection.
  • Ensure that subcontractors are all properly licensed.
  • Completed work must match the approved plans/drawings.
  • The work area must be safe, with no debris or other hazards.
  • Work cannot start until you have obtained permit(s).
  • The inspector must be able to locate the work site - make sure you have provided a correct address and unit number and that these items are posted at the site.
  • Have handrails on stairs - inspectors will not go upstairs if there are no handrails present.

Commercial Projects

Building

  • Make sure all other required inspections are completed prior to final building inspection (frame/final).
  • Make sure fire walls are installed correctly/screw spacing/sealing of fire joints (frame/fire wall inspection/final).
  • Check that draft stops are installed and sealed properly (frame/final).
  • Check that fire sealing of all penetrations in a rated assembly is complete (frame/final).
  • Post permanent address/unit number (final).
  • Check that self-closing devices on fire-rated doors operate properly (final).
  • Check that guardrails/handrails meet code requirements for height/rise/run (final).

Electrical

Rough – In Inspection

  • At the time you call for your rough – in inspection, you should have all your wire pulled, supported  properly, and all splices made up and ready to accept devices and fixtures.
  • Do not install devices or fixtures or cover any wiring with insulation, wall covering, drywall or paneling. All wire splices and equipment grounding conductor make-up shall be completed prior to the rough inspection.
  • Check all light fixtures before installation to ensure disconnects are installed per factory requirements.

Final Inspection

  • The electrical installation should be complete at the time of the request. All devices and fixtures installed, service equipment complete and labeled properly.
  • All wiring shall be free from short circuits, ground faults and open circuits.
  • All light fixtures, switches and receptacles are required to be grounded.

 What to avoid . . .

  • Improper system grounding connections (rough/final)
  • The bonding of metal water piping in the vicinity of separately derived systems (rough/final)
  • The improper installation and securing of expansion fittings
  • Use of electrical equipment without following the manufacturer’s instructions (rough/final)
  • The non-bonding of service raceways and equipment (rough/final)

Mechanical

  • Use of ventless gas appliances is not allowed.
  • Check that fire smoke dampers are properly supported or framed (rough).
  • Make sure condensate drains are properly installed (rough).
  • Duct work must be properly fastened (rough/final).

Plumbing

  • Check that foundations are backfilled (under slab).
  • Make sure there are no undersized vent lines (under slab/rough).
  • Confirm water/pressure test of piping (under slab/rough). 
  • Check locations of sprinkler heads (rough/final) - often missing or incorrect locations.
  • Check for sprinkler heads painted or protection tape not removed (final).

Residential Projects

Building

  • Check that footing has proper depth and width.
  • Watch out for set back encroachment (footing/slab).
  • Properly nail exterior sheathing (frame).
  • Check that straps or tie downs are not missing (frame).
  • Make sure you have the correct smoke detector location (frame/final).
  • Confirm fireplace flue clearance to combustibles.
  • Ensure you achieve the minimum opening size for fire rescue (frame).

Electrical

  • Protect wiring from nails and screws (rough).
  • Make sure you do not have an overcrowded switch box (rough).
  • Make sure smoke detector is not too close to bathroom door or HVAC return/supply (rough/final).
  • Do not have too many wires through a hole in frame (rough).
  • Make sure that arc fault breakers are installed (Final).
  • Make sure junction boxes and wiring is installed properly (Rough).
  • Watch for romex cable installed in conduit outside of house (Rough).

Mechanical

  • Bathroom, clothes dryer or kitchen hood vents are installed properly (rough).
  • Installation of ventless gas appliances is not allowed.
  • Watch for setback encroachment of air conditioning unit (rough/final).
  • Watch for new gas-fired appliance venting into unlined existing chimney chase (rough/final).

Plumbing

  • Ensure that water/air test on piping was performed or approved (under slab).
  • Watch out for undersized vents (under slab/rough).
  • Make sure that the water heater is properly installed and does not have a malfunctioning temperature and pressure relief valve  (rough/final).
  • For the water heater, have proper termination of discharge pipe (rough/final).
  • Have access to tub motor on jetted tubs (final).
  • Vent water heater properly (rough/final).