Pass Final Building Inspection
The official stamp of approval that your renovation was done safely, legally, and to code. This inspection protects your investment and ensures everything is safe for your family.
Quick Summary
Time needed
30-60 minutes
Cost
Included in permit fees
Who handles it
Your contractor
Why the Final Inspection Matters
Your building permit isn't just bureaucracy - it's verification that work was done safely and to code. Passing final inspection means your electrical work won't cause fires, your plumbing won't leak into walls, and your ventilation properly removes cooking fumes.
Legal & Financial Protection: Without passing final inspection, your renovation is technically illegal. This can cause problems when selling your home (you'll have to disclose unpermitted work), with insurance claims (they may deny coverage for unpermitted work), and if something goes wrong (you have less legal recourse against contractors).
Most homeowners never interact with building inspectors - your contractor handles this. But understanding the process helps you ensure your contractor is following proper procedures and your renovation is truly complete.
The Final Inspection Process
1. Schedule the Inspection
Your contractor schedules this when all work is complete. Most jurisdictions require 3-5 days advance notice.
Before Scheduling:
- •All work must be complete and accessible for inspection
- •Previous inspections (rough-in) must have passed
- •Nothing should be covered that inspector needs to verify
- •All appliances should be installed and operable
- •Approved plans and previous inspection records on site
2. What the Inspector Checks
The inspector verifies all permitted work meets current building codes and matches approved plans. They check multiple systems.
Electrical System
- • All outlets properly wired and grounded
- • GFCI protection where required (near water sources)
- • Proper circuit sizing for appliances
- • Correct box fill (not too many wires in boxes)
- • All junction boxes accessible with covers
- • Proper support and protection for wiring
- • Lighting controlled by switches
Plumbing System
- • No visible leaks at any connections
- • Proper drain slope and venting
- • Hot water on left, cold on right
- • Shutoff valves accessible and functioning
- • Proper support for supply lines
- • Dishwasher air gap or high loop
- • Gas connections tight and leak-free (if applicable)
Mechanical (Ventilation)
- • Range hood vents to exterior (no recirculating)
- • Proper duct size and material
- • Duct runs properly supported
- • Exterior vent has damper to prevent backdraft
- • No excessive bends in duct run
- • Hood fan operates properly
Structural & General
- • Any structural changes properly supported
- • Load-bearing modifications engineered correctly
- • Proper clearances around cooking appliances
- • Fire-rated materials where required
- • Work matches approved plans
- • Handrail and guardrail if elevation changes
3. During the Inspection
The inspector walks through testing and verifying all systems. Your contractor should be present to answer questions.
What to Expect:
- • Inspector may test GFCI outlets with a tester
- • They'll turn on faucets checking for leaks
- • They'll operate the range hood
- • They may open electrical boxes to verify wiring
- • They'll compare work to approved plans
- • They take notes and may take photos
- • Inspection usually takes 30-60 minutes
Your Role:
- • Be available but let contractor do the talking
- • Take notes on any issues raised
- • Ask questions if anything is unclear
- • Don't argue with inspector - they're following code
- • Get specific details on any required corrections
4. Pass or Fail
At the end, inspector will tell you if you passed or what needs correction.
If You Pass
- • Inspector signs off on permit
- • You receive final approval or certificate of completion
- • Renovation is now legal and official
- • You can make final payment to contractor
- • Keep documentation for future home sale
If You Fail
- • Inspector provides written list of deficiencies
- • Contractor must correct all issues
- • Schedule re-inspection (may be additional fee)
- • Don't make final payment until you pass
- • Space cannot legally be used until approved
Common Reasons Inspections Fail
Most failures are minor issues easily corrected. Here are the most common problems inspectors find:
Missing GFCI Protection
Outlets within 6 feet of water source (sink) must be GFCI protected. This is a very common oversight that's easy to fix.
Range Hood Not Vented to Exterior
Most jurisdictions require range hoods to vent outside, not recirculate. If plans showed exterior venting, it must be installed.
Plumbing Leaks
Even small drips at connections will fail inspection. All connections must be completely dry during inspection.
Improper Electrical Box Fill
Too many wires crammed in an electrical box is a code violation and fire hazard. Boxes must be sized for number of wires.
Work Doesn't Match Approved Plans
If you made changes from approved plans, you may need to submit revised plans before final approval. Don't deviate from approved plans without inspector approval.
After Passing Inspection
Important Steps:
- 1.Get documentation: Request a copy of the signed-off permit and certificate of completion/occupancy
- 2.File permanently: Keep with your home records. You'll need this when selling your home
- 3.Release final payment: Now safe to pay contractor final amount
- 4.Get warranties: Collect all appliance warranties and contractor warranty documentation
- 5.Update home insurance: Inform insurer of completed renovation (may affect coverage/value)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a building inspector check during final inspection?
The inspector verifies all permitted work was completed according to code: electrical outlets and circuits are properly wired and grounded, plumbing has no leaks and proper venting, range hood vents to exterior with proper ductwork, GFCI outlets in required locations, proper clearances around appliances, structural work is sound and to code. They compare completed work against approved plans and building codes.
How long does a final building inspection take?
Most final inspections take 30-60 minutes depending on scope of work. For a full kitchen renovation, expect closer to an hour as the inspector checks electrical, plumbing, mechanical (ventilation), and any structural changes. Simple projects may be quicker.
What happens if I fail the final inspection?
The inspector will note specific deficiencies that must be corrected. Your contractor fixes the issues, then you schedule a re-inspection. There may be a fee for re-inspection ($50-150 typical). You cannot legally use the space until you pass inspection. Don't make final payment to contractor until inspection passes.
Do I need to be present for the final inspection?
It's highly recommended but not always required. Your contractor should definitely be there. Being present allows you to hear inspector's comments directly, understand any issues, and ask questions. If you can't attend, have your contractor take detailed notes and photos of anything the inspector flags.
What if my contractor did work without permits?
Unpermitted work is illegal and can cause serious problems when selling your home or with insurance claims. If you discover unpermitted work, you'll need to apply for after-the-fact permits, which may require exposing completed work for inspection and can result in fines. Always verify your contractor pulled required permits before work begins.
Ready for the Final Step?
With inspection passed, it's time to document your beautiful new kitchen with professional-quality after photos.