Whether you’re building a home from the ground up or just doing some renovations, it’s essential to prepare for the inspections sure to come. Anything that changes the structure of your home or counts as a real estate improvement will require a permit. A building permit is an approval obtained before work begins that verifies that the work can proceed and that it will have been performed to a certain standard when it is done.
The building permit inspection is the official inspection certifying that everything is up to code. The stages of an inspection can vary depending on the job, but there are usually three main inspection stages for a large job:
- The foundation inspection
- The framing inspection
- The final inspection
Knowing what an inspector will look for is vital in ensuring everything is prepared for the visit. It is also important to reduce how many errors you might need to fix after the inspector’s visit to move on to the next stage of construction.
What is a Building Permit?
A building permit is an official approval acquired before beginning any new construction, whether it’s new work from the ground up or a renovation of your home. The permit is meant to confirm that your building follows all safety codes and construction standards mandatory for your community.
To receive it, you must present the relevant government office with the plans and get approval from the building inspector. This is a separate stage of the building permit inspection stage, as it occurs before receiving the permit.
All construction plans must follow safety codes to receive the permit. Building permits have a limited amount of validity depending on the projected length of the project, and work must begin within a specific time after the permit is issued. However, the length of both depends on the area’s laws and the project’s complexity. The contractor is responsible for obtaining the building permit.
If it is a do-it-yourself situation, the homeowner can obtain their own permit but are responsible for learning and following building codes.
What is a Building Permit Inspection?
A building permit inspection is an inspection that is meant to verify that all construction is following the plans initially detailed in the permit. The first inspection overviews the plans before issuing the permit, but later, inspections ensure progress is on track.
For minor renovations, there may only be one final inspection where the inspector does a complete walk-through to ensure that the work has been completed correctly. If it is a new build, the inspection has three main parts. Some cities vary these inspections at specific points of the building process, but what must be checked generally remains the same. Breaking these can result in code violations.
The Foundation Inspection
The foundation inspection, also called the pre-pour inspection, is meant to check that the site is ready to pour a concrete foundation. It ensures that there are no issues with grading or excavating and that the rods and footing that will anchor the building are properly placed. This is a vital inspection because once the foundation is poured, there is no going back. Other problems can be fixed even after completing them, but the foundation will have the entire structure resting on it. This means it must be stable or risk problems for the entire structure later on.
The Framing Inspection
The framing inspection occurs after the frame of the house has been built. It is meant to examine the beams and posts that make up the house’s interior before they are covered by drywall or sheetrock.
Aside from inspection of the structural components of the frame, it is also a good opportunity for an inspector to look at the utilities that will be hidden behind walls, such as the electrical wiring, plumbing, and gas if required. Insulation will also be inspected before being installed. If any issues are found, the contractor will be alerted and must fix the problem before scheduling a follow-up inspection to get further approval.
Almost all failed inspections can be inspected again, providing the opportunity to correct the problems flagged. However, the building permit may lapse if the final inspection is not approved. Then, the contractor must apply for a new permit and comply with all building codes again.
The Final Inspection
The final inspection of a new home build is very similar to the home inspection that would occur when buying a house. It ensures that the home is safe and complies with local codes and building standards. It is, however, the most extensive inspection; looking at the roof, gutters, doors, exterior items, basements, HVAC systems, plumbing, electricity, and appliances.
Separate inspections might be required at this stage or after, such as gas and electrical meter inspections that you cannot install until after the final inspection. Pools are similarly also in their own category, as they often have a permit separate from the home. The process for pool inspections has several of its own stages to ensure proper sealing and safety.
Most Common Issues
New home inspections can reveal many hidden issues because the space has never been tested as a home before. Some problems can be serious; foundation cracks, poor framing, or poor grading. Less serious ones, such as HVAC issues or poorly wired outlets, are also commonly seen in resale homes. Others would be immediately noticed in a home, like broken thermostats, faulty faucets, etc.
If you’re in Frisco, Texas, check out Kissee Inspection Services for experienced, licensed inspectors near you. They provide new home inspections and resale inspections, with plenty of add-ons to ensure total safety in your new home.