Building Inspection Checklist
Table of Contents
Basics
Framing
All bearing points should be properly supported.
Foundation
Any strapping or bolts should already be in place and secure.
Sheathing
Should be in place and nailed according to code.
Headers
Must be installed and supported according to code.
Insulation
Insulation should meet standards and be appropriately fire-blocked as needed.
Mechanical
Plumbing, electrical and HVAC installation should be complete.
Windows/doors
These should be properly installed and functional.
Interior
Attic.
Any blown insulation should be completed and certificate card posted; pull down stairs installed
Bath
All glass doors must be verified as tempered glass.
Banisters/stairs
Railings should be in place and wheelchair access provided where indicated (commercial installations).
Outlets
All electrical outlets should be covered and grounded properly.
Garage
The entire garage area should be fire-stopped and doors properly installed.
Exterior
Roof
The roof should be fully installed, sealed, and flashing nailed down. Gutters and downspouts should be in place.
Ventilation
Vents and exhaust openings should be sealed and caulked around.
Wood
Exterior wood should be primed and painted or sealed.
Concrete
Drives and walkways should be appropriately footed and graded to provide drainage away from the foundation.
House Numbers
These should be installed on the house in full view of the street, and if possible numbers should be painted on the curb as well.
Legal
Permit
This should be posted in plain view of the street.
Plans
Architectural plans should be available for the inspector to review.
Zoning
Appropriate paperwork should be available showing proof of zoning exception, if needed.
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Presented by:
Nicole Nichols-West
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Views: 248
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Tasks: 24
Introduction
Details
A building inspection takes place to determine the structural integrity of the building. Generally two inspections are conducted; if there are problems that show up on the first inspection (and there often are) a fair period of time is allowed for them to be remedied and then a second inspection takes place. The following checklist comprises some of the main items that will be reviewed by a building inspector, along with suggestions of what professionals to hire to ensure proper remedial action is taken so the final inspection will result in a pass.
Tips
An official building inspection is generally performed by a city, township or county employee who is certified in one or more disciplines. Sometimes several inspections are called for if a structure in the process of being built is very large and there are vast installations in each category. In such cases, separate specialists may be called in to inspect different portions of the building such as plumbing, electrical or mechanical at varying stages of completion to ensure that the building meets all applicable codes. This can include additions or exterior features such as swimming pools or detached garages or workshops.
Private building inspectors are occasionally employed to inspect houses under build to provide a preliminary report as to whether the building is up to code or not, or as part of a home inspection in relation to a sale of the property. These inspectors must be certified by the local governing body if the inspection is to be used in a legal binding contract. Building inspectors will conduct a complete walkthrough of the structure, note any problems, and present advice on how to remedy situations that cause the building to not pass. In the case of older structures, a 'dilapidation' report may be issued with a listing of issues and suggestions for fixing them. These should be implemented with as little disruption to the surrounding area as possible, and no destruction of adjoining properties should result.
Who it's for
This Building Inspection Checklist is for teams that want consistent execution, less rework, and clear ownership.
- Standardize quality - run the same Building Inspection steps every time, regardless of who executes
- Save time - reuse a proven Building Inspection workflow instead of rebuilding processes from scratch
- Improve accountability - assign owners and see what's done vs. what's pending
- Onboard faster - use the Building Inspection checklist as the SOP and training guide
- Coordinate across roles - handoffs are clear and everyone works from the same source of truth
How to use it
How to use this Building Inspection Checklist:
- Start by saving it - save as a Template if you'll reuse it, or as a Checklist if it's a one-off project.
- Customize it once for your workflow - remove what doesn't apply and add your team-specific steps.
- Assign ownership and execute - set owners/due dates where needed and track completion as work happens.
- Reuse without rebuilding - when Building Inspection comes up again, start from your saved version and run it with clear ownership.