Pass All Rough-In Inspections
Before insulation or drywall can be installed, all rough-in work must pass inspection. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and framing must all be approved. This critical milestone ensures your home is built safely and to code.
Quick Summary
Typical Cost
$500 - $2,000
Inspection fees (included in permits)
Time Required
1 - 3 days
Schedule and complete inspections
Difficulty Level
Coordination Required
Depends on quality of rough-in
Why This Matters
Rough-in inspections are the critical checkpoint between the systems phase and the finishing phase of your remodel. Once walls are closed with insulation and drywall, all electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, HVAC ducts, and structural framing become hidden and nearly impossible to correct. Problems discovered after closing walls require destructive, expensive repairs.
The inspection process exists to verify that all work meets building codes designed to ensure safety. Electrical codes prevent fires and electrocution. Plumbing codes prevent leaks and ensure proper waste disposal. Mechanical codes ensure safe heating and cooling. Framing codes ensure structural integrity. These are not arbitrary bureaucratic hurdles - they protect you and your family.
Beyond safety, passing inspections protects your investment. Unpermitted or uninspected work can create legal issues when selling, void insurance coverage if problems occur, and indicate poor quality work that may fail over time. Taking the time to do it right and verify with inspections is always worthwhile.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Complete All Rough-In Work
Before scheduling inspections, ensure all work is truly complete and ready for review.
- Verify all electrical wiring is complete, including boxes, cables, and panel
- Confirm all plumbing supply and DWV piping is installed and tested
- Ensure HVAC equipment and ductwork installation is complete
- Check that all framing, blocking, and structural work is done
- Complete any required fire blocking and draft stopping
- Install nail plates where required to protect pipes and wires
Step 2: Conduct Pre-Inspection Walk-Through
Walk through with each trade contractor to review their work before the official inspection.
- Have electrician verify all work against code requirements
- Have plumber pressure test and inspect all connections
- Check HVAC installation against approved plans
- Review framing against structural drawings
- Identify and correct any issues before calling for inspection
- Check that all work matches approved permit drawings
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather all necessary documents and ensure they are accessible for the inspector.
- Locate permit and ensure it is posted visibly on site
- Have approved plans readily available (inspector may request them)
- Compile any engineering reports or specifications
- Document any approved change orders or variances
- Prepare results of any required pressure tests
- Have product specifications available if inspector has questions
Step 4: Schedule Inspections
Contact your building department to schedule all required rough-in inspections.
- Call building department or use online scheduling if available
- Request all applicable inspections: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, framing
- Ask if inspections can be combined in one visit
- Schedule as early in the day as possible
- Confirm inspection date and required presence
- Notify contractors of inspection schedule
Step 5: Prepare Site for Inspection
Make the site safe and accessible for the inspector to thoroughly review all work.
- Clean up debris and provide clear access to all areas
- Ensure adequate lighting for inspector to see work
- Provide ladder access to attic and elevated areas
- Keep electrical panel accessible and energized if requested
- Have water available for plumbing tests if needed
- Secure any safety hazards (open floors, missing handrails)
Step 6: Electrical Rough-In Inspection
The electrical inspector will verify all wiring meets code before it is covered.
- Panel installation: sizing, clearances, grounding
- Wire sizing and type for each circuit
- Box fill calculations (number of wires per box)
- Proper support and stapling of cables
- Nail plates protecting wires through framing
- AFCI and GFCI protection where required
Step 7: Plumbing Rough-In Inspection
The plumbing inspector will verify supply lines, drains, and vents are properly installed.
- Supply line pressure test (typically 50-100 PSI)
- Drain-waste-vent system integrity (air or water test)
- Proper slope on all drain lines
- Correct venting of all fixtures
- Proper pipe sizing and materials
- Cleanout locations and accessibility
Step 8: HVAC/Mechanical Rough-In Inspection
The mechanical inspector will verify heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are correctly installed.
- Equipment installation per manufacturer specifications
- Ductwork sizing, routing, and support
- Combustion air provisions for fuel-burning equipment
- Exhaust ventilation for bathrooms and kitchens
- Required clearances from combustibles
- Condensate drainage provisions
Step 9: Framing Inspection
The framing inspector verifies structural integrity and fire-stopping before walls are closed.
- Wall framing matches approved structural plans
- Headers and beams properly sized and supported
- Hold-downs and straps installed per engineer's specs
- Fire blocking at required locations
- Proper nailing patterns and fastener schedules
- Shear wall construction if applicable
Step 10: Address Any Corrections
If the inspector notes corrections, fix all issues promptly and schedule re-inspection.
- Review correction notice carefully with contractors
- Understand the reason for each correction
- Fix all noted items completely
- Look for similar issues that may not have been noted
- Schedule re-inspection once corrections are complete
- Document corrections made for your records
Pre-Inspection Checklists
Electrical Checklist
- Panel properly grounded and bonded
- Wire gauge matches circuit breaker size
- Cables stapled within 12 inches of boxes
- Nail plates installed where required
- Box fill calculations verified
- AFCI/GFCI protection per code
- Smoke/CO detector wiring complete
- Required outdoor outlets installed
Plumbing Checklist
- Pressure test completed and holding
- All drains have proper slope
- Every fixture properly vented
- Cleanouts accessible
- Nail plates protecting pipes
- Proper support and hangers
- Water heater provisions complete
- No cross-connections present
HVAC Checklist
- Equipment installed per specs
- Ducts properly supported
- Return air paths adequate
- Combustion air provisions met
- Exhaust fans ducted correctly
- Condensate drainage provided
- Required clearances maintained
- Refrigerant lines protected
Framing Checklist
- Headers sized per span tables
- Hold-downs installed per plans
- Fire blocking complete
- Draft stopping installed
- Proper nailing throughout
- Shear walls complete if required
- Blocking for fixtures installed
- Matches approved plans
Inspection-Related Costs
Note: Many jurisdictions include inspection fees in permit costs. Check your permit documents.
Pro Tips
Self-Inspect First
Walk through with each contractor before scheduling the official inspection. Catching and fixing problems beforehand saves time and avoids re-inspection fees. Most contractors want to pass on the first try and will appreciate the opportunity to verify their work.
Be Present and Professional
Being present for inspections shows you care about quality. Greet the inspector, have documentation ready, and ask questions if you do not understand something. A professional, cooperative attitude makes inspections smoother and builds goodwill for future interactions.
Take Photos Before Covering
Whether you pass or fail, photograph everything before insulation and drywall. Document wire routing, pipe locations, duct runs, and structural connections. These photos are invaluable for future repairs, modifications, or if problems arise later.
Understand the Why
If you receive a correction, understand why the code requires it, not just what to fix. This helps you spot similar issues elsewhere and prevents repeat corrections. Inspectors often appreciate genuine interest in understanding code requirements.
Schedule Strategically
Request morning inspections when possible. Schedule all trades for the same day if allowed. Avoid Fridays if re-inspection might be needed (you do not want to wait a weekend). Call early to get on the schedule - busy seasons can mean week-long waits.
Keep Permit Posted
Ensure your permit is posted visibly near the main entrance to the work area. This is typically a code requirement. Have approved plans on site and accessible. Missing documentation can delay inspections even when work is perfect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Calling Too Early
Do not schedule inspections until work is truly complete. Inspectors have limited time and will not wait for contractors to finish work. Calling before you are ready wastes everyone's time and may require paying for another inspection visit.
Deviating from Approved Plans
Any changes from approved plans should be documented and approved before inspection. If you moved an outlet, changed a fixture location, or modified framing, get the change approved. Inspectors compare work to approved drawings, and unapproved changes fail inspection.
Covering Work Before Inspection
Never install insulation or drywall before passing rough-in inspections. Some homeowners get anxious to proceed and cover work prematurely. This always results in having to remove what was installed, costing time and money. The inspector must see the work.
Missing Nail Plates
One of the most common rough-in corrections is missing nail plates. Any wire or pipe that passes through a stud or joist within 1.25 inches of the face needs a protective nail plate. Walk through before inspection and add plates where needed.
Inadequate Support
Electrical cables must be stapled within 12 inches of boxes and every 4.5 feet. Plumbing pipes need support at proper intervals. Ductwork must be supported without sagging. Proper support is code-required and frequently missed by hurried installers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections are required at the rough-in stage?
Typical rough-in inspections include: electrical rough-in (all wiring before covering), plumbing rough-in (supply and DWV before covering), mechanical/HVAC rough-in (ductwork and equipment), framing inspection (after framing, before covering), and sometimes separate insulation inspection. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some areas combine inspections, while others require separate appointments for each trade. Check with your local building department for specific requirements.
Can I insulate before passing rough-in inspections?
No. Insulation must wait until all rough-in inspections pass. The inspector needs to see all wiring, plumbing, and mechanical work, which is hidden once insulation is installed. Covering work before inspection typically requires removing the covering for inspection - an expensive mistake. Some areas require a separate insulation inspection before drywall as well.
What happens if I fail a rough-in inspection?
If you fail an inspection, the inspector will provide a correction notice listing items that need to be fixed. Common corrections include missing nail plates, improper wire support, incorrect drain slope, or deviations from approved plans. Fix all noted issues, then schedule a re-inspection. Re-inspection fees may apply. The key is understanding and fixing the root cause, not just the noted item, as inspectors may check more thoroughly on subsequent visits.
Should I be present for inspections?
You or your general contractor should be present for all inspections. This allows you to discuss any concerns with the inspector, understand any corrections needed, and build a positive relationship. Inspectors often provide valuable advice when someone knowledgeable is present. If you cannot attend, ensure your contractor can answer questions about the work.
How long do rough-in inspections take?
A thorough rough-in inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes for a whole home remodel. Complex projects with extensive mechanical work may take longer. Inspectors often do multiple inspections (electrical, plumbing, framing) in one visit for efficiency. Schedule early in the day when possible, as inspectors' schedules often compress later in the day.