Schedule Final Building Inspection
The final inspection is the official stamp of approval that your basement finishing work meets building codes and safety requirements. This critical step ensures your investment is legal, safe, and adds legitimate value to your home.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-2 hours
Cost
Included in permit
Difficulty
Easy (preparation)
Why Final Inspection is Critical
Without a final inspection and approval, your basement legally doesn't exist as finished living space. This affects insurance coverage, home value, and future home sales. More importantly, the inspection ensures your basement is safe for your family.
Legal Requirement: Unpermitted or uninspected basement finishing work can cause serious problems when selling your home. Many buyers' mortgage lenders won't approve financing if they discover unpermitted work. You could be forced to rip out all improvements or sell at a significantly reduced price.
Building inspectors aren't trying to make your life difficult - they're ensuring your basement meets minimum safety standards for fire egress, electrical safety, structural integrity, and ventilation. These requirements exist to protect you and your family.
What Inspectors Check
Egress Windows and Emergency Exit
- • Minimum 5.7 square feet opening area
- • Window sill no higher than 44 inches from floor
- • Opens easily without tools or keys
- • Window well properly sized if below grade
- • Ladder or steps in window well if needed
Electrical Systems
- • All outlets have power and are properly grounded
- • GFCI protection in bathrooms and wet areas
- • AFCI breakers where required by code
- • Light switches control correct fixtures
- • Electrical panel properly labeled
- • No exposed wiring or improper connections
Plumbing (if applicable)
- • All fixtures drain properly
- • No visible leaks at connections
- • Proper venting for drains
- • Water pressure adequate at all fixtures
- • Shut-off valves accessible
Safety Features
- • Smoke detectors installed per code (typically one per bedroom plus hallway)
- • Carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
- • Handrails on stairs (required if more than 3 risers)
- • Guardrails where needed (open sides more than 30 inches high)
- • Proper headroom on stairs (minimum 80 inches)
Structural and General
- • Minimum ceiling height (typically 7 feet)
- • HVAC system provides heating/cooling to space
- • Rooms match approved plans
- • Fire-rated drywall where required
- • Ventilation adequate (bathroom fans, etc.)
Final Inspection Process
1. Complete ALL Work First
Don't schedule inspection until absolutely everything is done. Incomplete work will fail.
Pre-Inspection Checklist:
- ✓All painting and finishing work complete
- ✓Flooring installed throughout
- ✓All fixtures and hardware installed
- ✓Trim and baseboards complete
- ✓All electrical outlet/switch covers on
- ✓Smoke and CO detectors installed and tested
- ✓Clean and free of construction debris
2. Schedule the Inspection
Contact your local building department to schedule. Most require 24-48 hours notice.
When Scheduling:
- •Have your permit number ready
- •Request specific inspector if you had good experience during rough inspection
- •Ask about typical inspection time (usually 30-60 minutes)
- •Confirm what documentation you need present
- •Get inspector's name and phone number
Pro Tip: Schedule inspections for morning if possible. Inspectors are fresher and have more time. Afternoon inspections may feel rushed if they're running behind schedule.
3. Prepare for Inspection Day
Make the inspector's job easy and they'll appreciate the professionalism.
Day Before Inspection:
- •Test every light switch and outlet
- •Run water at all fixtures to check for leaks
- •Test smoke and CO detectors
- •Verify egress windows open smoothly
- •Have approved plans and permits available
- •Clean and vacuum entire space
- •Clear access to electrical panel
4. During the Inspection
Be present, be helpful, and take notes on any issues identified.
Inspection Etiquette:
- •Greet inspector professionally
- •Let them lead - don't hover
- •Answer questions directly and honestly
- •Take notes when they point out issues
- •Ask for clarification if you don't understand
- •Don't argue or make excuses for deficiencies
Important: If inspector finds issues, stay calm. Most issues are minor and easily corrected. Getting defensive makes the situation worse. Thank them for catching problems before they become bigger issues.
5. After the Inspection
If you pass, celebrate! If not, fix issues promptly and schedule re-inspection.
Next Steps:
- ✓If passed: Inspector signs off on permit. Pick up certificate of occupancy or final approval from building department.
- ✗If failed: Review written list of deficiencies. Fix all issues. Schedule re-inspection (may have additional fee).
- •Keep all inspection documents with home records
- •Update homeowner's insurance with finished square footage
Common Inspection Issues and How to Avoid Them
Electrical Problems
- • Missing outlet covers
- • Wrong GFCI placement
- • Unlabeled circuit breakers
- • Open junction boxes
Safety Violations
- • Missing smoke/CO detectors
- • Non-functional detectors
- • Improper handrail installation
- • Blocked egress windows
Egress Issues
- • Window too small
- • Window sill too high
- • Window won't open fully
- • Missing window well ladder
Work Not Matching Plans
- • Room layout different from approved plans
- • Additional plumbing not permitted
- • Window size/location changed
- • Structural changes not approved
Professional Inspection Tips
Pro Tip: Take your own photos during the inspection showing key approved features. This documentation can be valuable when selling your home or filing insurance claims.
Pro Tip: If using a contractor, make sure they attend the inspection. They should address any issues the inspector finds as part of their contract completion.
Pro Tip: Build a good relationship with your inspector. They can provide valuable advice and may be more lenient on minor issues if you've been professional and prepared throughout the process.
Pro Tip: Don't try to hide problems. Inspectors have seen it all. Being upfront about concerns shows integrity and they'll often help you find solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my final basement inspection?
Schedule your final inspection only after all work is 100% complete - including painting, fixtures, trim, flooring, and cleanup. Inspectors cannot approve incomplete work. Most jurisdictions require 24-48 hours notice for inspection appointments. Don't rush - scheduling too early often results in failed inspections and re-inspection fees.
What does the inspector check during a final basement inspection?
Inspectors verify: proper egress windows (size and operation), smoke and CO detectors installed per code, GFCI outlets in bathrooms and wet areas, proper electrical grounding, plumbing fixtures drain properly with no leaks, HVAC system functions, minimum ceiling height (typically 7 feet), headroom on stairs, handrails installed properly, and overall code compliance. They'll also verify work matches approved plans.
What happens if my basement fails final inspection?
If inspection fails, the inspector provides a written list of deficiencies that must be corrected. Fix all issues, then schedule a re-inspection (may have additional fee). Most failures are for minor issues like missing outlet covers, non-functional smoke detectors, or incorrect GFCI placement. Once corrected and re-inspected successfully, you'll receive your certificate of occupancy or final approval.
Do I need to be present during the final inspection?
Yes, strongly recommended. Being present allows you to answer questions, demonstrate how systems work, show access to areas, and take notes on any deficiencies. If you can't be there, your contractor should attend. The inspector will explain any issues directly, which is valuable for understanding what needs correction. Never schedule an inspection without someone present who knows the project details.
Ready for the Next Step?
Inspection passed? Congratulations! Now it's time to furnish your beautiful new basement space and make it livable.