Final Building Inspection
The final inspection is your official approval that the attic conversion meets building codes and is safe for occupancy. Pass this milestone to legally use your new space.
Why Final Inspection is Essential
The final inspection is the official stamp of approval that your attic conversion meets all building codes and safety requirements. Without it, your converted attic legally doesn't exist as finished living space. This affects insurance coverage, property value assessments, and home sales. More importantly, the inspection ensures your family's safety - verifying that egress routes work, electrical systems are properly installed, and structural modifications are sound. The inspector isn't your adversary - they're ensuring your significant investment is done correctly and safely.
Important: Never occupy or use an attic conversion as living space before passing final inspection. Unpermitted or uninspected work can void insurance, complicate home sales, and create liability issues.
What Inspectors Verify
Egress Requirements
- •Window opening minimum 5.7 sq ft
- •Sill no higher than 44" from floor
- •Opens easily without tools
- •Clear path to egress window
Ceiling Height & Space
- •7 foot minimum ceiling height
- •Over 50% of floor area meets height
- •Sloped areas measured correctly
- •Rooms match approved plans
Stairway & Handrails
- •Proper tread depth and riser height
- •Handrails on both sides if required
- •Adequate headroom (80" min)
- •Balusters spaced properly (4" max)
Electrical Systems
- •All outlets functional and grounded
- •GFCI in bathrooms/wet areas
- •AFCI protection where required
- •Proper outlet spacing per code
Safety Features
- •Smoke detectors installed and working
- •CO detectors near sleeping areas
- •Detectors interconnected if required
- •Fire blocking in place
HVAC & Insulation
- •Heating/cooling reaches attic
- •Proper R-value insulation installed
- •Ventilation adequate
- •Bathroom exhaust vents outside
Inspection Process
Complete ALL Work First
Do not schedule until everything is 100% finished:
- ✓All painting and wall finishing complete
- ✓Flooring installed throughout
- ✓All trim, baseboards, and casings installed
- ✓Light fixtures and outlet covers in place
- ✓Smoke and CO detectors installed and tested
- ✓Stair railings and balusters complete
- ✓Space clean and debris-free
Self-Inspect Before Scheduling
Walk through and verify key requirements yourself:
- •Test egress window - opens smoothly without tools
- •Test every outlet with plug-in tester
- •Test all light switches
- •Press test button on smoke and CO detectors
- •Verify GFCI outlets trip and reset properly
- •Check handrails are secure - give them a firm shake
Schedule the Inspection
Contact your building department to schedule:
- •Have your permit number ready
- •Most departments require 24-48 hours notice
- •Request morning appointment if possible (inspectors fresher)
- •Ask if specific inspector can be requested
- •Get confirmation number and inspector contact info
Pro Tip: Schedule for mid-week if possible. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons tend to be busiest and inspectors may be rushed.
Prepare for Inspection Day
Be ready when the inspector arrives:
- •Have permit posted and visible
- •Have approved plans available to review
- •Ensure clear access to all areas including electrical panel
- •Turn on HVAC so inspector can verify operation
- •Be present - answer questions, take notes on any issues
- •Be professional and courteous
After the Inspection
Next steps depend on the outcome:
If Passed: Inspector signs off on permit. Pick up certificate of occupancy from building department. Keep with your important home records. Celebrate your successful conversion!
If Failed: Review written deficiency list carefully. Fix all issues promptly. Schedule re-inspection (may be $50-150 fee). Don't get discouraged - most failures are minor and easily corrected.
Pro Tips
- ✓Take photos during inspection showing approved features for future reference
- ✓Build a good rapport with inspectors - they can provide valuable guidance
- ✓If contractor did the work, have them present to address questions
- ✓Don't argue with the inspector - take notes and address issues
- ✓Update homeowner's insurance with new finished square footage
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the inspector check during an attic conversion final inspection?▼
Inspectors verify: egress window size and operation (5.7 sq ft minimum opening), ceiling height (7 feet minimum over 50% of floor area), stair dimensions and handrails, smoke and CO detectors, electrical outlets and GFCI protection, HVAC operation, structural work matches approved plans, and insulation installation. They confirm all prior rough inspections passed and work matches the permitted plans.
What happens if my attic conversion fails final inspection?▼
The inspector provides a written list of deficiencies that must be corrected. Fix all issues, then schedule a re-inspection (may have additional fee of $50-150). Most failures are for minor items like missing smoke detector interconnection, incorrect GFCI placement, or missing handrail. Major failures are rare if you passed all rough inspections. Once issues are corrected, you'll receive final approval and certificate of occupancy.
Do I need a certificate of occupancy for an attic conversion?▼
Yes, a certificate of occupancy (CO) or final approval document is required to legally use your converted attic as living space. Without it, the space is technically not approved for occupancy. This matters for insurance coverage, home sales, and property taxes. Some areas may issue a CO specifically for the addition or update your existing home's CO. Keep this document with your important home records.
How long does a final attic conversion inspection take?▼
A typical final inspection takes 30-60 minutes for an attic conversion. The inspector will examine all finished work, test smoke detectors, verify egress window operation, check stair railings, test GFCI outlets, and ensure work matches approved plans. Being organized with permits and plans visible speeds the process. Complex conversions with bathrooms or kitchens may take longer.