Rough Inspection for Kitchen Renovation
Before you can close up walls and move to finish work, your renovation must pass rough inspection. This critical checkpoint ensures all electrical, plumbing, structural, and HVAC work meets code requirements. Understanding what inspectors look for and how to prepare helps you pass the first time.
Quick Summary
Time needed
30-60 minutes
Cost
Included in permit
Difficulty
Easy (if prepared)
Why Rough Inspection Matters
Rough inspection exists to ensure safety. Once walls are closed, unsafe wiring, improper plumbing, or structural issues become hidden hazards. Inspectors verify that work meets minimum safety standards before it becomes inaccessible.
Non-Negotiable Requirement: You cannot legally close walls or proceed with finish work until rough inspection is passed and approved. Skipping inspection or covering work before approval can result in fines, required demolition to expose work, insurance issues, and problems when selling your home.
Beyond legal compliance, inspection provides peace of mind. It's an expert verification that your kitchen's hidden infrastructure is safe and properly installed.
What the Inspector Checks
Electrical Systems
The inspector verifies that all electrical work meets National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments. This is typically the most scrutinized aspect of kitchen rough-ins.
Electrical Inspection Points:
- •Correct wire gauge for circuit amperage
- •GFCI protection on all countertop outlets
- •Dedicated circuits for required appliances
- •Proper box sizing and support
- •Correct outlet spacing along countertops
- •Proper wire stapling and protection
- •Grounding and bonding as required
- •Panel labeling and circuit documentation
Plumbing Systems
Plumbing inspection focuses on proper installation, code compliance, and functionality. Inspectors pay particular attention to drain slope and venting since these are critical for proper operation.
Plumbing Inspection Points:
- •Drain line slope (minimum 1/4 inch per foot)
- •Proper venting for all drains
- •Correct pipe sizing for fixtures and appliances
- •P-traps installed at all drains
- •Water line support and protection
- •Pressure test results (may require demonstration)
- •Proper materials used for application
- •Shut-off valve locations and accessibility
Structural and Other Elements
If your renovation involved structural changes like removing walls, adding beams, or modifying framing, the inspector will verify this work meets structural code requirements.
Additional Inspection Items:
- •Structural framing matches approved plans
- •Proper headers and support for wall openings
- •HVAC ductwork properly installed and supported
- •Fire blocking in walls as required
- •Overall compliance with approved permit plans
Preparing for Inspection
Before Scheduling
Don't call for inspection until all rough-in work is completely finished and you've done a pre-inspection walkthrough to catch obvious issues.
Pre-Inspection Checklist:
- • All electrical boxes installed and wired
- • All plumbing lines run and tested
- • HVAC modifications complete
- • Structural work finished and cleaned up
- • No insulation or drywall covering any work
- • Permit posted in visible location
- • Work area reasonably clean and accessible
- • Approved plans available for inspector reference
Pro tip: Have your electrician and plumber do their own pre-inspection walk-through before you call for the official inspection. They know what inspectors look for and can catch issues you might miss.
Day of Inspection
Make the inspector's job easy by providing good access, lighting, and clear visibility of all work. Inspectors appreciate organized, professional presentations.
Do This
- • Be present or have contractor available
- • Provide good lighting in work areas
- • Clear pathways to all work
- • Have plans and permit accessible
- • Be respectful and professional
- • Ask questions if something is unclear
- • Take notes on any issues mentioned
Avoid This
- • Don't argue with the inspector
- • Don't make excuses for violations
- • Don't have debris blocking access
- • Don't schedule if work isn't done
- • Don't hide problem areas
- • Don't start insulation or drywall early
- • Don't be absent without arrangements
After the Inspection
If You Pass
Congratulations! The inspector will note approval on your permit or inspection card. You can now proceed with insulation and drywall installation. Keep the approval documentation with your project records.
Next steps: Schedule insulation if needed, order drywall, and line up your drywall contractor. Take photos of the approved rough-in work before covering it—these can be valuable references later.
If Issues Are Found
The inspector will provide a list of corrections needed. These must be fixed before you can pass inspection and proceed. Most issues are straightforward fixes that your contractors can address quickly.
Common corrections: Adding missing GFCI protection, adjusting drain slope, upsizing wire gauge, adding required blocking, or correcting spacing violations. Fix the issues promptly and schedule re-inspection. Most jurisdictions don't charge extra for one re-inspection.
Working with Your Contractors
If you hired licensed electricians and plumbers, they should handle any corrections at no additional cost—they're responsible for code-compliant work. If you're DIYing and fail inspection, don't panic.
DIY failures: Inspectors often provide guidance on how to fix issues. This is a learning opportunity. Make the corrections carefully, and you'll likely pass re-inspection. Consider consulting with a licensed contractor if you're unsure how to address violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the inspector check during rough inspection?
Rough inspection covers all work that will be hidden behind walls and ceilings. The inspector checks electrical wiring and boxes for code compliance, plumbing lines and drains for proper installation and slope, structural framing modifications for safety, HVAC ductwork if modified, and overall compliance with approved plans. They verify wire sizes, circuit protection, drain venting, water line support, and that everything matches the permitted plans.
When should I schedule the rough inspection?
Schedule rough inspection after all rough-in work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, structural) is completely finished but before any walls are closed with drywall or insulation is installed. The inspector needs full visibility of all work. Call your building department as soon as rough work is done—many municipalities require 24-48 hours notice for inspection scheduling.
What happens if I fail the rough inspection?
If your rough-in fails inspection, the inspector will provide a list of issues that must be corrected. You cannot proceed with closing walls until you fix these items and pass re-inspection. Common failures include incorrect wire sizes, missing GFCI protection, improper drain slope, or work not matching approved plans. Your contractor should fix the issues quickly and schedule re-inspection. Most inspectors are helpful and want you to succeed.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
Either you or your contractor should be present for the inspection to provide access, answer questions, and receive feedback. If you hired licensed contractors for electrical and plumbing, they often attend their portion of the inspection. Being present helps you understand any issues and ask questions. If you can't be there, ensure someone knowledgeable about the project is available.
How long does a rough inspection take?
A typical kitchen rough inspection takes 30-60 minutes depending on the scope of work and inspector thoroughness. Simple renovations with minimal changes may be quicker, while complex projects with extensive electrical, plumbing, and structural work take longer. The inspector needs time to check all components, verify code compliance, and document findings.
Ready for the Next Step?
Once you've passed rough inspection, it's time to close up the walls with drywall and prepare for finish work.