Inspection

An inspection is a scheduled visit by a jurisdiction inspector to confirm that what has been built matches the approved plans and complies with the code. Inspections happen at points in construction chosen so that the work can still be seen, which is why most of them come before anything gets covered up.

Typical sequence on a residential project

The exact list varies by jurisdiction and scope, but the shape is consistent:

1. Footing or foundation, before concrete is poured
2. Slab or under-slab, covering plumbing and vapor barrier
3. Rough-in, once framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical are in place but before insulation and drywall
4. Insulation, before it is covered
5. Final, when the work is complete

Passing and failing

An inspector either approves the stage, or fails it and lists what must change. Failing is routine and not a crisis; the work is corrected and the inspection is called again. Most jurisdictions charge a re-inspection fee from the second or third failure on the same item.

Covering work early

Covering work before it has been inspected is the expensive mistake. The remedy is normally to open it back up, at your cost, so the inspector can see what is behind it.