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Inspection Tips

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1. Drywall/Shower Wallboard/Tile backer Inspection

Request wallboard/lath and or drywall inspection after all lathing or drywall is in place, but before taping, plaster, or stucco is applied.

2. Electrical

The electrical inspection includes an examination of the materials, components, and electrical equipment installed. All rough wiring for the structure and the electrical service is inspected at the same time. Rough-in inspection includes, but is not necessarily limited to, all wiring within the walls, all circuit breakers, panel boards and ground splices terminated by mechanical means. The inspection takes place after all wiring systems, including the ground conductor (GEC), have been installed in approved boxes, cabinets, and service equipment. Switches, receptacles and fixtures should not be installed at the rough-in.

3. Electrical Service Panel

To release main service panel to SCE, once all outlets, switches, lighting, equipment and breakers are set.

4. Exterior Underground Gas Line

Performed when the gas pipe is factory coated for use underground with all joints and or fittings wrapped and installed in the trench. Steel gas pipe (galvanized or black iron) shall be of approved material. Burial depth for steel pipe shall be no less than 18” inches below grade. The test for such piping shall be 10 psi on a 30 psi gauge for no less than 15 minutes, with no perceptible drop in pressure. Approved Polyethylene (PE) pipe may be used in exterior buried piping systems. The test for such piping shall be 10 psi on a 30 psi gauge for no less than 30 minutes with no perceptible drop in pressure. The burial depth for PE pipe shall be no less than 18” inches below grade with approved metallic risers on each end. An electrically continuous number 18 AWG yellow tracer wire shall be installed with and attached to underground non-metallic gas piping and shall terminate above grade at each end. CSST shall be installed and bonded in accordance with the code and the manufacturer’s specifications.  These tests shall be made using air, CO2, or nitrogen pressure only. For installation and testing, gas pipe materials other than those listed above consult the piping manufacturer and the Building Division for approved methods.

5. Final Inspection

Request final inspection after construction is completed, including all grading, drainage and site work, and before the building is occupied. The building must be unlocked, or prior arrangements made for the inspector to access the building. All appliances, electrical fixtures, convenience outlets, switches and plates must be in place. The following is also required to receive a final on the building permit and a certificate of occupancy: (Provide a final HERS report if applicable.) Indicate the presence of required maintenance and operations manuals.

6. Rough Inspections

 Rough-In Inspections (Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical) All the rough inspections can be inspected concurrently by Combination Inspectors. On complex installations, separate inspections by Special Inspectors for each trade may be necessary.

7. Framing

Interior and exterior walls should be constructed according to the type of material used as specified in the building code and approved set of plans. Request structural frame inspection after bracing; shear panels at walls, floors and roof; straps and hold-downs; fire blocking and all other framing and structural connections are in place. The framing inspection should be made after all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in has been inspected and all ducts, chimneys, hold-downs and shear walls are installed and framing is complete. (Building shall be dried-in prior to frame inspection.)

8. Foundation

Request foundation inspection after trenches are excavated, forms are erected, UFER ground, seismic restraints and reinforcing steel are in place and, before, pouring concrete. (Verify all form setbacks to approved plans)

9. Insulation Inspection

Request insulation inspection after insulation and caulking is in place. Provide a QII certification to the building Inspector if required by T-24.

10. Interior gas lines/release

Air pressure testing is required on all interior fuel gas piping at rough inspection and after all cabinets have been installed or brown coat inspection.

11. Lath/wrap Inspection

Request exterior lath inspection after exterior walls and sub-roof underlayment, and lath has been installed; all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place; rough plumbing is completed and under test; rough electrical and rough mechanical are complete and after drywall is installed.

12. Plumbing/Mechanical

In accordance with the state building code, the plumbing and mechanical systems are inspected prior to covering or concealing any portion of the system. The inspection takes place after the installation of all water piping, drain, waste vent piping, fuel gas piping, HVAC ducting, range, dryer and bath exhaust ducting, furnace, boiler, water heater, unit heaters, and/or other fuel fired appliances and their venting system. (IAQ/whole house fans as applicable.) Also in accordance with the state building code, water or air pressure testing is required on all water, drain, waste and vent piping.

13. Roof sheathing and shear

Request roof sheathing (frame from top plates up) after all roof penetrations for plumbing and mechanical have been installed. (Inspect HVAC if applicable at this time.) Interior and exterior shear walls are to be inspected. Pre-assembled walls (strong walls, I-joists etc.) must be ICC listed. (All windows/sliders shall match plans for U-factor and egress.)

14. Rough or precise grading

For smaller residential additions or alterations, a grading permit or inspection is usually not required. Certain site conditions, however, may warrant the submittal of a grading plan for plan review, grading permit issuance and inspection approval before foundation work can commence. Soil and civil certifications also must be submitted and approved by the City prior to inspection approval of the footings or foundation.

15. Shower pan (poured in place)

 “Built-in place” shower bases shall be lined in accordance with the code and filled with water.  This inspection is typically requested at the same time as the drywall inspection. (Pan slope inspected.)

16. Special Inspections

All special inspection reports and documents must be turned in to the Inspector prior to calling for a final inspection.

17. Subfloor Insulation

Inspect subfloor insulation for correct R-value and installation method.

18. Subsoil plumbing (or underfloor)

performed when the base plumbing drainage system is in place.  The inspection must be approved prior to the placement of concrete or floor sheathing.  The system shall be on test at the time of the inspection by either a 10-foot head of water or for systems other than plastic, five pounds of air shown on a 30 psi gauge. All plumbing under floors shall be suspended a minimum of three inches above the ground to allow for soil expansion.

19. Temporary power pole

Performed when the builder/owner or licensed electrician has set the temporary service to be used during the construction of the residence.  Ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection of all 125 volt 15, 20 and 30 amp receptacles must be provided on all job sites. Receptacles of higher amperage and voltage will also need GFCI protection or assured equipment grounding conductor program, per NEC 590.6 (B) (2). Only the use of approved extension cords is acceptable.  The use of illegal extension cords may result in the removal of the electrical meter.

20. Underfloor and frame Inspection

Request underfloor inspection after rough plumbing (sanitary drain lines) and rough mechanical (water and gas piping) are installed, strapped and under test; and after heat ducts are installed, supported and insulated before the subfloor is installed. Subfloor and insulation are not to be installed until inspection of underfloor has been approved.