Residential Inspection Schedule
The following is an outline of the different types of inspections the County provides and a schedule of when they are to be performed throughout the construction process as required by the North Carolina State Building Code.
This is not intended to be a complete list of items to be checked nor does it certify proper operation of equipment or systems.
Depending on the size or complexity of your project, you may not need as many or possibly more inspections that are listed below. If you have questions regarding the process contact the Code Information & Resource Center at 980-314-CODE (2633) (follow the prompts for residential technical assistance) or [email protected].
Inspections
To be made after the trenches are excavated, all grade stakes are installed, all reinforcing steel and supports are in place and appropriately tied, all necessary forms are in place and braced and before any concrete is placed.
To be made after all forms have been placed, all electrical plumbing and/or heating and air conditioning facilities, all crushed stone, a vapor retarder, insulation, all reinforcing steel with supports and tied and/or all welded wire fabric is installed, when required, and before any concrete is placed.
( Exception: An inspection is not required for driveway slabs, at-grade patio slabs, walks, etc. which are considered non-habitable spaces.)
A monolithic slab is a combination of footing, and slab where the footing and slab preparations described are in place prior to the inspection.
To be made after all foundation supports are installed. This inspection is to check foundation supports, crawl space leveling, ground clearances, and positive drainage, where required.
To be made on parts of the electrical, plumbing, heating/ventilation, or cooling system that will be hidden from view in the finished building after all parts of the building framing are in place, but before any wall, ceiling finish, or building insulation is installed.
To be made after the roof wall, ceiling, and floor framing is complete with appropriate blocking, bracing and fire stopping in place. The following items should be in place and visible for inspection:
- Pipes
- Chimneys and vents
- Flashing for roofs, chimneys and wall openings
- Insulation baffles
- All lintels required to be bolted to the framing for support shall not be covered by any interior or exterior wall or ceiling finish materials before approval. Work may continue without approval for lintels which are bolted and supported on masonry or concrete.
This is an optional inspection provided for an extra fee of $50.00 per site visit ($25.00 per townhouse when grouped in pairs). This may be used to inspection house wrap, flashings, lintels, window and door installations to allow exterior wallcovering to be installed in advance of a full framing inspection. It can also be used as an energy inspection, to inspect the encapsulation areas behind tubs, showers, fireplaces and chases that may not be visible at the framing inspection. or other concealed spaces prior to vapor barriers installed. You must request a sheathing inspection with a customer comment note that states "Interior only for energy inspection or framing behind tubs/fireplaces". You may have both exterior and encapsulated areas inspected at the same time. Please add a customer comment "this is for exterior and interior behind tubs/fireplace encapsulation areas".
To be made after an approved building framing and trade rough-in inspections. All insulation and vapor retarders must be in place, but before any wall or ceiling covering is applied. Blown-in ceiling insulation may be inspected at the final inspection if all areas are accessible.
Each trade must be completed prior to requesting a final inspection for each. Typically the building final inspection is performed last. all final grading, drainage, hand rails, guardrails in place. Once all final inspections are complete and any outside agency holds have been satisfied (if any), a certificate will be issued for the property.
In addition to the called inspections above, the inspection department may require other inspections to ascertain compliance with the Building Code and other laws enforced by the Inspections Department.
Permits
No permit shall be required for any construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration costing $20,000 or less, unless the work involves: the addition, repair or replacement of load bearing structures; the addition or change in the design of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment.
An application for a permit shall be filed with the inspection department either on-line or on a form furnished for that purpose and include the following:
- A general description of the proposed work
- Location of proposed work
- Signature of the owner, or licensed agent
- The proposed occupancy classification of all parts of the building Inspection departments shall make available a list of other information that must be submitted with the building permit application.
- List any and all trade contractors along with the cost of their portion of the project cost.
- A total project cost.
Some projects may require plan review prior to permit issuance. Please review the Residential Plan Review Services web page for detail.
If you have any questions about this material, standards, or State Building Code Requirements, call the Code Information Resource Center (CIRC) at 980-314-2633.