New construction requires many inspections at various stages to ensure compliance with local zoning and safety requirements and other criteria.
Inspectors take great care when doing building inspections process. The electrical systems as any oversight could lead to fire in the future; thus, inspectors are extremely thorough with their work.
Building Code Inspections
Building inspections play a vital role in the construction industry. They serve to ensure all projects comply with minimum set requirements designed to safeguard people, property and the environment – these standards cover everything from structural strength and means of egress to sanitation and energy conservation – they’re often developed by national, state or local governments and regularly updated.
Most states and counties provide building services departments, with this team reviewing designs plans, inspecting construction work and issuing permits for new builds and alterations as well as reviewing and responding to complaints.
Many of these professionals are certified by the International Code Council or CCPIA (Certified Commercial Property Inspector Association). They may specialise in plumbing, electrical or specialty inspections such as swimming pool codes.
Home inspectors don’t require certification, though a strong knowledge of construction processes and local codes that govern them can prove invaluable in identifying any issues with potential serious repercussions such as roof leakage or window seal failure, insufficient insulation, or an unfinished basement that need immediate attention.
Builders applying for permits must provide the name and contact details of those performing special inspections; failing which, an inspector may issue a stop work order until sufficient details have been submitted.
Pre-Construction Inspections
Inspections at each stage of construction are vitally important in order to ensure that everything is proceeding according to plan – this helps avoid problems from cropping up in the final phase that could become costly if corrected late on.
There are various building inspections process that should be performed on new homes during pre-construction. Foundation or “pre-pour” inspections provide peace of mind before concrete pouring is finalized (after which, there’s often no turning back), framing inspections verify that beams, posts, studs & other structural components have been properly installed while “pre-drywall/sheetrock” inspections check for electrical, plumbing & HVAC issues that might otherwise go undetected without wall coverings being put up.
Municipal building inspectors tend to do an effective job spotting common issues during construction, but having a third-party inspect the property throughout its development is always recommended. Even small errors such as using different type of wood or misaligning window frames could become major headaches later, costing thousands in repairs.
Final inspections should take place when the builder and buyer are ready to conduct a walk-through and prior to closing on a property. They ensure all major systems and components have been installed properly based on industry models and are working as expected. Furthermore, this inspection helps identify any visible defects which may be covered under warranty agreements with the builder.
Post-Construction Inspections
Post-construction inspections are an integral component of any successful project. Post-construction inspections serve to secure any loose ends before handover to building owners; and protect businesses against complaints or claims made years or even decades post-completion.
Large-scale construction projects often result in vibrations that disrupt adjacent structures and buildings and having accurate knowledge of their conditions prior to starting work can provide invaluable assistance when setting vibration thresholds based on actual damage rather than safety factors. Furthermore, disturbing a lot of dirt or vegetation at any one time increases stormwater runoff from sites into nearby waterways; pre and post-construction surveys can evaluate whether BMPs implemented at construction sites are functioning effectively to reduce polluted runoff from sites.
GKM serves as an authorised third-party inspector, conducting building inspections process surveys to assess the condition of existing structures and compare them with post-construction evaluations. Such inspections provide contractors with protection from unjustified damage claims while helping determine how much to pay out in damages should one occur. Our INSi solution uses advanced technology to provide a detailed portrait of structures surrounding construction sites.
Final Inspections
At the conclusion of your construction phase, a final inspection is essential to verifying all work has been completed as promised and that your building is fit for occupancy. Furthermore, this final examination allows inspectors the last opportunity to identify any code violations before issuing your certificate of occupancy (CO).
Before final inspections begin, you’ll need all your paperwork in order. This includes approved plans, inspection results that have passed or failed and any problems noted along the way. Being prepared in this way can save time during an inspection process.
As you prepare for an inspection, be sure that all workers and subcontractors know they must attend. Failure to do so may require them to schedule additional appointments, which could delay matters further. Furthermore, providing the inspector with a list of any changes made during construction would help him/her clearly document those modifications.
At a final inspection, an inspector will review a variety of details in your home including plumbing, electrical wiring, switches and circuits, HVAC systems, the roof/attic space, windows/doors as well as any code violations which could lead to costly repairs later such as loose door handles or exposed wires.