We have a great question submitted by one of our homeowners. Do you have a list of inspections that are require for a home project? I have a feeling there's more than I think there are.

If you're curious about inspections (how many there are and what's involved), then we have a great list for you. Let's dive into what you need to know about inspections for new home construction, and if you're undergoing a renovation, this applies to you too. Of course edit it depending on your project scope.

Keep in mind, every City is different. Check with your City and get a list of their inspection requirements, but this is a very typical inspection list (and no, you can't skip any).

1. Footings/Foundation – After the forms for footings and foundations are complete, but prior to placing / pouring of any concrete. A few items may be required to be submitted and within a timeline window.
   
   Ex. A Structural field review (if involved) submitted 48 hours prior to a spread footing inspection. A Geotechnical and Structural field review and original Forms Survey must be submitted 48 hours prior to the forms/foundation wall inspection.

2. Dampproofing / Draintile – After the removal of the formwork from a concrete foundation and the installation of the perimeter drain tiles and dampproofing prior to back-filling against foundation. For ICF foundations inspection required for the peel and stick (to manufacturer’s specification).

3. Sewer & Water Service Pipe (Plumbing) – The Sewer and Water Service is the connection from the property line to the foundation. The Sanitary, Storm and Water Service pipe must be installed, bedded, tested and approved prior to pipe being covered. If the pipe is buried prior to inspection, you will be asked to uncover it. If heavy equipment is used to expose the pipe, retesting will be required.

4. Underground Plumbing (Under Slab) – All drainage (DWV - drainage, waste and vent) shall be installed, bedded and tested prior to backfill. Water pipe shall be installed and tested as per the province / state plumbing code requirements before backfill. 

5. Pre-slab Poly (Under Slab) – After the 6 mil (UV rated) poly and rigid insulation is placed over the compacted gravel base of the concrete slab but prior to any concrete being placed / poured for the floor.

6. Rough-In Plumbing (Above Slab) – After all DWV (drainage, waste & vent) shall be installed and tested through the roof. Water distribution pipe shall be installed and tested as per the province / state plumbing code.

7. Sheathing – (Optional inspection) – All windows and exterior door frames are installed. Paper and metal flashing is complete. A Structural Engineer's field review is required to be submitted.

8. Tubs & Showers – All tubs and showers, including valves, shall be installed, approved and tested to the overflow of the fixture. Tubs and showers shall be installed tested and approved prior to a framing inspection (stand-alone / drop- in tubs to be inspected at final plumbing inspection).

9. Framing – After framing and sheathing, fire-blocking, bracing, chimney, duct-work, gas venting, installation of tubs & showers are completed, but before any insulation, lath, or other interior or exterior finish is applied that conceals such work. Fire blocking is required. Fire-resistant drywall is required for fire separation (if applicable). Rigid / isoboard insulation is required behind plumbing pipes (facing the exterior side).
   
   Prior to ordering a framing inspection the following must be submitted: engineer sealed roof truss drawings and engineered sealed TJI floor layout shop drawings (original wet seal documents or electronic digital seal), a Structural field review (framing), a completed plumbing rough-in, a completed electrical rough-in (possible state / provincial forms / documents) and all windows and exterior door frames are installed.
   
   Other items may include: an original, designer stamped Mechanical Ventilation Checklist, a Fire Suppression field review (if applicable), 

10. Insulation / Poly Vapour Barrier – After all insulation and 6 mil polyethylene (UV rated) is installed, (including floor joist-end cavities, crawlspace foundation insulation and attic insulation), but prior to any interior finish or other concealment is applied (aka. drywall). If using spray foam in unvented roofs, a Schedule B and field review are required by either an architect or engineer at framing stage.

11. Solid Fuel Appliance / Fireplace / Chimney – When applicable, factory-built chimneys, fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances are roughed-in; or in the case of masonry fireplace or chimney construction, when the smoke shelf is complete and the first two (2) flue liners are in place. A WETT Certificate is required.

12. Plumbing Final – All plumbing fixtures (including PRV, Check Valves and other Backflow Devices) are to be installed, tested and approved as per the province / state plumbing code. All testable Backflow Devices must have test report submitted at time of final inspection.

13. Building Final – Prior to ordering a final, the following is typically required to be submitted: a completed Plumbing final, a Schedule C-A (if applicable), all Schedule C-B documents (all Engineer's sign-off), a final inspection Electrical Permit and Gas Permit (if applicable), a Letter of Certification - Septic (if applicable), and a WETT Certificate (wood stove installation certificate).

14. Occupancy is generally not given prior to a final inspection report being issued. Check with your local City and their building bylaws to see if that applies. Penalties are usually imposed.

Now it's your turn. Did you find this helpful? Have any questions about this list here? Ask them in the comments below. And if you want to submit a question for your new home or renovation project, post it here inside our Private HQ.