Schedule Rough-In Inspections
Your critical checkpoint before tiling begins. Get plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work inspected and approved to ensure code compliance, safety, and a smooth path forward for your bathroom remodel.
Why Rough-In Inspections Matter
Rough-in inspections are the last opportunity to verify that your bathroom's hidden infrastructure - plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and waterproofing - meets building codes before these systems disappear behind walls and tile. Skipping or failing these inspections creates serious problems: code violations that affect home resale value, insurance claim denials, potential safety hazards, and the nightmare scenario of tearing out finished work to fix hidden issues.
Unlike cosmetic issues that can be fixed later, problems with rough-in work often require demolition to access. A $50 plumbing fitting installed incorrectly could cost $5,000+ to repair after tiling is complete. The inspection process protects your investment by catching these issues when they're still easy (and inexpensive) to correct.
Types of Rough-In Inspections
Plumbing Rough-In Inspection
The plumbing inspector verifies all drain, waste, and vent (DWV) lines plus water supply lines are installed correctly before they're concealed.
- • Drain line slope (1/4" per foot minimum for proper drainage)
- • Vent pipe sizing and routing to roof or main stack
- • P-trap placement and accessibility
- • Shower pan/liner water test (typically 24-hour test)
- • Toilet flange height relative to finished floor
- • Hot water on left side of fixtures (code requirement)
- • Proper support and hangers for all pipes
- • Shutoff valve accessibility
Electrical Rough-In Inspection
The electrical inspector ensures all wiring, circuits, and box placements meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for wet locations.
- • GFCI protection for all bathroom outlets (within 6 feet of water)
- • Dedicated 20-amp bathroom circuit(s)
- • Proper wire gauge for circuit amperage
- • Box fill calculations (not overcrowded)
- • Outlet placement heights (typically 15-48" above floor)
- • Exhaust fan venting to exterior (not attic)
- • Light fixture boxes rated for wet/damp locations
- • Wire protection through studs (nail plates where required)
- • Heated floor thermostat and wiring connections
Framing Inspection (If Applicable)
Required if you moved walls, added a window, or made structural changes. Some jurisdictions combine this with other rough-in inspections.
- • Stud spacing (typically 16" on center)
- • Header sizing over doors and windows
- • Blocking for grab bars, toilet paper holders, towel bars
- • Fire blocking where required
- • Proper nailing patterns
- • Shower curb framing and dimensions
How to Schedule Inspections
Confirm work is complete
All rough-in work must be finished before scheduling. Never schedule "hoping" work will be done - failed inspections waste everyone's time.
Contact your building department
Call the permit office or use their online scheduling system. Have your permit number ready. Many departments now offer same-day or next-day scheduling.
Request specific inspection types
Ask for "plumbing rough-in" and "electrical rough-in" separately. Inquire if both can be scheduled for the same day to minimize wait time.
Get confirmation details
Record the inspection date, time window (usually AM or PM), confirmation number, and inspector contact information for day-of questions.
Pro Tip: Schedule inspections for early in the day when possible. Inspectors are fresher, less rushed, and more likely to offer helpful guidance.
What Inspectors Look For
Code Compliance
- • Materials match approved plans
- • Work meets current building codes
- • Proper permits in place
- • Licensed professionals used (if required)
Safety Standards
- • GFCI protection in wet areas
- • Proper grounding throughout
- • No cross-connections in plumbing
- • Adequate ventilation
Installation Quality
- • Secure pipe and wire fastening
- • Proper slopes and alignments
- • Clean, professional workmanship
- • Accessible shutoffs and cleanouts
Waterproofing
- • Shower pan liner integrity
- • Membrane overlap at seams
- • Curb construction and height
- • Drain connection watertight
Preparing for Inspection Day
The Day Before
- ✓Do a self-inspection walkthrough
- ✓Clean work area of debris and dust
- ✓Ensure all work is visible (no coverings)
- ✓Post permit in visible location
- ✓Have approved plans accessible
- ✓Set up adequate work lighting
Inspection Morning
- ✓Be present or have contractor there
- ✓Clear path to work area
- ✓Have notepad ready for comments
- ✓Keep pets secured away from area
- ✓Have phone ready for photos
- ✓Be ready during entire time window
What Happens If You Fail Inspection
Don't Panic - Failed Inspections Are Fixable
Failing a rough-in inspection is frustrating but common. The good news: you caught the problem before it was buried behind walls. Here's what happens next:
- 1. Inspector provides written correction list
- 2. You or your contractor fixes all noted issues
- 3. Schedule a re-inspection (often free for first attempt)
- 4. Inspector verifies corrections were made properly
- 5. Once passed, you're approved to proceed
Important: Do NOT Proceed Until You Pass
Never install drywall, cement board, or tile after a failed inspection. If you cover unpassed work, you may be required to remove it for the re-inspection. This is not negotiable - covering failed work is a code violation that can affect your certificate of occupancy and home insurance.
Common Reasons for Failed Inspections
Plumbing Failures
- ✗Insufficient drain slope (less than 1/4" per foot)
- ✗Failed shower pan water test (leaks)
- ✗Missing or undersized vent pipes
- ✗Improper cleanout accessibility
- ✗Toilet flange at wrong height
- ✗Pipes not properly supported
Electrical Failures
- ✗Missing GFCI protection on bathroom circuits
- ✗Wires not stapled within 12" of boxes
- ✗Overcrowded junction boxes
- ✗Missing nail plates on studs
- ✗Exhaust fan vented to attic (not exterior)
- ✗Wrong wire gauge for circuit amperage
Re-Inspection Process and Costs
Timeline: Most re-inspections can be scheduled within 2-5 business days after corrections are complete. Some departments offer expedited re-inspections for an additional fee.
Documentation: Keep all inspection reports and correction lists. You may need these for permit close-out, home insurance, or future home sale documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate plumbing and electrical inspections?▼
In most jurisdictions, yes. Plumbing and electrical rough-in inspections are typically performed by different inspectors with specialized expertise. Some areas allow a combined "mechanical" inspection, but this is less common for bathroom remodels. Contact your local building department when scheduling to confirm their requirements. You may also need a framing inspection if you moved or added walls.
What happens if my bathroom rough-in inspection fails?▼
If your inspection fails, the inspector will provide a written list of corrections needed. You must fix all noted issues before scheduling a re-inspection. First re-inspections are usually free, but subsequent failures may incur fees ($50-150). Common failures include missing GFCI protection, improper drain slope, inadequate venting, or electrical boxes at wrong heights. Never proceed with tiling or drywall until you pass all required inspections.
How long does a bathroom rough-in inspection take?▼
Each inspection typically takes 15-45 minutes for a standard bathroom remodel. The plumbing inspector will check drain and supply lines, venting, and shower pan tests. The electrical inspector will verify GFCI circuits, wire routing, box placement, and code compliance. If you have both inspections scheduled on the same day, allow 1-2 hours total including buffer time between inspectors.
Should I install cement board before or after inspections?▼
This depends on your jurisdiction and waterproofing method. Generally, rough-in inspections should happen before cement board in shower areas, as inspectors need to see plumbing connections. However, if you're using a sheet membrane waterproofing system (like Kerdi), inspectors may want to see the membrane applied to cement board. Ask your building department specifically what stage they want to inspect your waterproofing system.
Can my contractor schedule inspections for me?▼
Yes, either you or your licensed contractor can schedule inspections, but the permit holder (usually the property owner or licensed contractor) is typically responsible. Many homeowners let their contractor schedule since they know exactly when work will be ready. However, if you pulled the permit yourself, you remain legally responsible for ensuring inspections occur. Always confirm who scheduled, get the confirmation number, and plan to be present.
Pre-Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist before calling to schedule your inspection:
Plumbing Ready?
- All drain lines installed and tested
- Supply lines installed with shutoffs
- Shower pan water test passed (24 hrs)
- Vent pipes run to roof/stack
- Toilet flange at correct height
Electrical Ready?
- All wiring installed and secured
- GFCI circuits identified
- Boxes at correct heights
- Exhaust fan vented to exterior
- Nail plates installed where needed
General Preparation
- Permit posted visibly
- Work area cleaned and accessible
- All work visible (nothing covered)
- Approved plans available