INSPECTION GUIDELINE FOR CONTRACTORS AND HOMEOWNERS
Prepared by Centre Region Code Administration
The following list of inspection descriptions is designed to be a minimum guideline of what inspectors require to be completed for each inspection. It does not mean that by having these items ready your inspection will automatically be approved. The builder/homeowner should be aware of what each applicable code requires as well as the manufacturer of appliances and engineered components. Regardless of the inspection, the following must be on the job at the time of inspection: Building permit, all pages of approved plans, sealed engineered truss cut sheets with the layout sheet, heat loss/gain calculations, and violation notices if applicable.
SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS ONE WORKING DAY IN ADVANCE!!
Footings: Footings are excavated to a minimum depth of 36” (inches) below grade. Sub soils below footing shall have minimum load bearing value of 1,500 psf. Soil is checked for excess water or loose materials. Frozen soil shall not be present under footing area. All footings and piers shall match approved plans. Any adjacent footing at different elevations shall have proper soil bearing. Footings shall be formed, or trench type. Reinforcing steel is to be in place per approved plans.
Foundations: Masonry Block or poured concrete foundation walls are to be in place with size and height as indicated on building plans. Unbalanced fill areas checked for required reinforcing and grouted units. Brick ledges and hollow block walls with size changes shall have FHA block or lower block poured solid, for proper load transfer. ˝” anchor bolts shall be in place, 6’0” maximum spacing and not more than 12” form all corners and splices with a minimum 7” embedment. Anchor straps installed per manufacturer’s specifications. Any engineered foundation wall system shall require manufacturer’s specifications on site. Damp-proofing and foundation drainage system shall be installed, including an approved method of discharge (daylight or sump). If an engineered foundation system is used the installation guide shall be on site.
Plumbing Under Slab: Complete under slab drainage and distribution system shall be trenched for proper drainage slope. Any distribution piping shall be minimum type M copper, a CPVC or other approved material. A temporary air gauge shall be installed on DWV (drain, waste, vent) system with 5 pounds of air pressure indicated, or a water test with each section filled with water to a point not less than 10’ above the highest fitting connection in that section, or to the highest point in the completed system. Water supply system shall be tested and proved tight under a water pressure not less than the working pressure of the system; or, for piping systems other than plastic, by an air test of not less than 50 psi. All piping, fittings, sump systems and back water valves, when required, shall be installed in compliance with all regulating codes.
Rough Plumbing: Complete rough plumbing system shall be installed which includes: drain/waste/vent and distribution system from slab connections to exiting of venting system. Nail plates are installed where required. Complete piping system is properly supported at required intervals. Water closet flanges are installed. All trap systems that are intended to be concealed without access are to be installed and glued. Air or water test shall be prepared same as indicated in plumbing under slab.
Mechanical: All supply ducts that will be concealed shall be installed. Cold air returns including areas between studs and floor joist shall be isolated from unused spaces with fire blocking. Ducts for range hood, dryer, and bath fan exhaust ducts are to be installed. All gas lines that will be concealed are installed as per manufacturer. An air test of 10 lbs. is required on all gas piping (completed to outside at meter location).
Rough Electric: All boxes are to be in place and conductors run to boxes (circuits completed). Grounds are to be connected together with approved connectors and metal boxes grounded with approved clips or screws. Smoke detectors shall be installed at proper locations and all low voltage wire including telephone, TV, speaker, fire/burglar alarm wire that will be concealed shall be installed.
Framing: Rough plumbing, mechanical, rough electrical and factory built fireplace (if any) will have been inspected and approved. Truss sheets with registered Pennsylvania design professional seal for each truss design and the layout sheet is on the job along with the installation guide for “I” type floor joist and open web truss type joist. If trusses are damaged or altered you must obtain documentation form a registered design professional stating either repair is not required or indicating repair detail. If repair detail is required it should be made before framing inspection so inspector can confirm repair. Pre-cut stairways and/or interior stair stingers shall be cut and installed. All exterior doors and windows are to be installed as well as roof sheathing and roof felt. The building shell is to be complete including required flashing. All fire blocking is in place and trusses are braced as required on sealed truss sheets.
Final Electric: All electrical devices are to be installed and working properly with cover plates on. Smoke detectors are connected and working properly. AC and furnace is hooked up and the index inside panel schedule is complete.
Final Inspection: Must have final zoning [if required (if zoning permit # is on the building permit card a zoning inspection shall be required)]. Final grading regardless of time of year is complete as per code. HVAC system is hooked-up and working, access for tub traps are installed and guard rail and handrails are installed and complete. At least one complete working bathroom and kitchen (range & sink). All exterior openings are sealed up with weather resistant material. Caulk around pipes and around windows, aluminum and vinyl siding are installed, untreated wood is primed. If building deck onto house and plans are approved, deck must be complete.