What Inspections Are Required During the Construction Process?

If you’ve ever watched a build stall because the inspector didn’t sign off, you know inspections aren’t just red tape—they’re the traffic lights of a jobsite. When they’re timed right, you flow. When they’re missed or failed, everything backs up: subs reschedule, materials sit, and your budget takes a hit. I’ve managed residential and light commercial projects across multiple jurisdictions, and the one constant is this: the builders who treat inspections as a work phase—planned, staged, and checked—finish faster, with fewer surprises. Let’s walk through what inspections you can expect, how to prepare, what they typically cost or delay, and how to avoid the most common fails.

Why inspections exist (and who’s looking over your shoulder)

Inspections protect life, property, and future resale value. They verify the work matches approved plans and the adopted codes (IRC/IBC, NEC, IMC, IPC, energy code). But it’s not just the building department.

Expect oversight from:

• Building department inspectors: structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, energy.
• Fire department: sprinklers, alarms, access, address signage, fire-rated assemblies.
• Health department: septic/well, sometimes commercial kitchens.
• Public works: driveways, sidewalks, right-of-way, erosion control/stormwater.
• Utility providers: gas pressure test, electric service, water meter/backflow.
• Third-party inspectors: energy raters (HERS), private “special inspection” firms, soils/compaction testing.
• Design professionals: engineer’s structural observation letters; sometimes architect’s field reports.
• Lenders/insurers: draw inspections and risk checks.

The mix varies by city and project type, but the logic is the same: verify that what’s in the plans is what’s in the ground (and walls).

Permits and your inspection roadmap

Before a shovel hits dirt, get these sorted:

• Approved plans and permit card: The inspector’s autograph book. Keep the latest stamped set on site.
• Site setup: Silt fence or other erosion control, portable toilet, temporary power, jobsite address visible from the street.
• Pre-construction meeting (optional but smart): On tricky projects, I invite the inspector for a courtesy walk to align on expectations—especially for unique foundations, hillside sites, or heavy retrofit work.
• Inspection portal access: Most cities now use an online portal. Create logins for the PM and superintendent, and learn the lead times. Some book next day; others run 2–5 days out.

Pro tip: Build an “inspection phase” line item into your schedule. Treat inspections as a task with start/finish, not a hope and a prayer squeezed between subs.

The typical residential inspection sequence (ground-up single-family)

Every jurisdiction has nuances, but the rhythm is similar. Here’s the play-by-play for a slab-on-grade home; pier-and-beam or basement adds steps for walls/drainage/backfill.

1) Pre-site and utilities

Common early checks:

• Temporary power pole: Grounding, GFCI, weatherproof in-use covers, correct breaker sizes. Cost: Utility drop + electrician service; inspection is usually included in the permit.
• Construction fence/erosion control: Silt fence keyed in, curb inlet protection, stabilized construction entrance.
• Tree protection: Fencing around drip line, no soil compaction within protection zone.

Typical pitfalls:

• Silt fence installed uphill of the work or without proper trenching.
• Temp pole lacks proper grounding or weatherproof covers.

Timeframe: 1–3 days setup; inspections normally pass same day if set correctly.

2) Footings and foundation

For slab-on-grade:

• Footing/form inspection: Verify trench depth and width per plan, rebar size/spacing, UFER ground (concrete-encased electrode), elevations, vapor retarder, and termite pre-treatment or barriers (in termite zones). Post-tension cables if used: layout, caps, clearance, tendon count.
• Underground plumbing and electrical: DWV slope, bedding, cleanouts, traps, and pressure/water tests in place; conduit depth and type.
• Radon system rough-in (if applicable): Sub-slab piping and vent path.
• Slab insulation (cold climates): R-value and thermal break details at perimeter.

Special inspections that may be required:

• Concrete testing: Slump test and cylinders for compressive strength when specified.
• Soils/compaction testing: Proof-rolling or density tests on engineered fill.

Costs:

• Special inspections/testing: $85–$150/hour; $250–$600 for a basic set of cylinders and a field tech visit.
• Termite pretreat: Often $250–$600 single-family.

Common fails:

• Missing chair supports causing rebar on dirt.
• Not enough clearance at post-tension anchor pockets.
• Pipe sleeving through footings forgotten.
• Vapor barrier punctured and not patched; laps too short.
• DWV test not set up (inspector arrives, no test… instant fail).

Prep checklist:

• Photos of rebar layout with a tape measure for spacing.
• Ties/stirrups and splices per plan, with tags on PT tendons visible.
• Plumber on call in case a test drops pressure during inspection.

Timeline: Inspection to pour typically 24–72 hours, depending on scheduling and concrete availability.

For basement or stem wall:

• Foundation wall forms and rebar inspection before pour.
• Damp-proofing or waterproofing after forms stripped.
• Drain tile and filter fabric; gravel and sump where required.
• Backfill inspection: Don’t backfill until approved—walls can bow under soil pressure if not cured/braced.

3) Framing and the rough-in phase

This is where schedules go to die if you aren’t organized. The rough-in sequence is a choreography: framing first, then MEP roughs (mechanical/HVAC, plumbing, electrical), exterior sheathing, windows/WRB, roof dry-in. Inspections typically require several passes.

Inspections commonly needed:

• Wall/floor/roof framing: Stud sizes/spans, headers, joist hangers, trusses with stamped engineering, required blocking, hold-downs, anchor bolts, shear wall nailing patterns, fire blocking, stair geometry.
• Exterior sheathing/shear: Fastener size/spacing, edge distances, blocking at panel edges, proper nailing pattern called out on shear schedule.
• Roof sheathing and dry-in: Nailing pattern, underlayment type, ice/water shield in cold zones, drip edge details. Some jurisdictions do a mid-roof inspection before shingles/tiles.
• Windows and doors: Flange flashing, head flashing, pan flashing or sloped sill, WRB integration, shims/fasteners per mfr.
• Rough mechanical: Duct sizes and supports, smoke/fire dampers (commercial), bath fan ducting, combustion air, vent terminations, refrigerant line insulation, condensate drains and secondary pans.
• Rough plumbing: Water lines pressure test, DWV test (5 psi air or 10-foot head water column typical), tub/shower setbacks, trap arms/venting, shower pan flood test (24 hrs at least in many places).
• Rough electrical: Box fill, conductor gauge, GFCI/AFCI circuits, nail plates over studs at penetration points, service equipment grounding/bonding, arc-fault protection in required areas.
• Fireplace/chimney rough: Clearances, flue terminations, combustion air; gas log lighters with shutoff location.

Common fails I see:

• Missing nail plates where plumbing/electrical run within 1.25 inches of stud face.
• Shear wall nails overdriven or wrong nail size (code calls for specific diameters).
• Hold-down anchors missing proper washers or the specified tension hardware.
• Shower pan test not set up or less than 24 hours; inspector sees dampness and fails you.
• Bath fan ducts dumped into attic instead of to exterior.
• Electrical boxes too deeply set into drywall plane without box extenders planned.

Pro tips:

• Tape a copy of the shear wall schedule to the wall. Inspectors love seeing it.
• Use different color fasteners or mark off high nailing density zones.
• Photograph every hold-down, anchor, and strap before covering. If a dispute comes up later, photos save days.

Timing:

• Rough phase for a typical 2,500 sq ft home: 2–5 weeks depending on crew size and complexity.
• Inspections: Expect 2–4 visits (framing/shear, M/E/P roughs, exterior envelope elements, possibly separate roof).

4) Insulation and air sealing

Insulation inspection typically checks:

• Cavity insulation: R-values, coverage, compressed areas behind piping, fire-stop caulking at penetrations.
• Baffles at eaves to maintain ventilation.
• Spray foam thickness and ignition barrier coatings in attics/crawlspaces.
• Caulking and foam at top plates, rim joists, and penetrations for air sealing.

Energy testing:

• Blower door test: Measures building air leakage. Common pass targets: 3–5 ACH50 depending on climate zone.
• Duct leakage test: Less than 4–8% leakage to outdoors or total leakage target per code. Keep boots sealed during rough-in.

Cost:

• Energy rater/HERS: $400–$1,200 depending on tests and documentation.
• Insulation inspection is usually included in the building permit fee.

Common fails:

• Missed air sealing behind tubs-on-exterior walls.
• Recessed lights not IC-rated or not air-sealed in conditioned envelopes.
• Spray foam too thin or uneven; no ignition barrier where required.

Prep checklist:

• Insulation certificate posted with R-values and installers.
• Attic rulers installed for blown-in depth.
• All penetrations sealed; smoke test with a fogger is cheap insurance if you suspect leaks.

5) Drywall, lath, and exterior cladding

Depending on jurisdiction:

• Drywall hang inspection: Checks nailing/screw patterns, fire-rated assemblies, shaft walls. Some places allow you to combine this with rough framing sign-off; others require a specific inspection before tape/mud.
• Lath/stucco scratch/brown: Weather-resistive barrier overlaps, weep screeds, paper lath, flashing at penetrations, control joints, and reinforcement.
• Siding flashing: Kick-out flashing, head flashing, integration with WRB, clearances above grade, and over roofs.

Common fails:

• Missing kick-out flashing where a wall meets a roof. This one causes real-world rot.
• WRB not shingled properly; reverse laps.
• Stucco paper not lapped to weep screed or not held above paving.

6) Trim-out and finals

Final inspections wrap the whole project into a safe, code-compliant package.

Expect:

• Electrical final: Devices, GFCI/AFCI protection verified, labeling of panel circuits, working lighting, proper clearances at service equipment, smoke/CO detectors where required, exterior receptacle in-use covers.
• Plumbing final: Water heater T&P discharge to approved location, drain pan if above occupied space, seismic strapping (seismic regions), backflow prevention devices on hose bibs and irrigation, cleanouts accessible, fixtures functioning without leaks, anti-scald valves.
• Mechanical final: Proper venting, gas connections tested, condensate routed with trap and secondary pan, outside unit clearances, makeup air and combustion air as needed, range hood termination.
• Building final: Guards/handrails (4-inch sphere rule at balusters, 34–38 inches handrail height typical), egress doors and windows, safety glass at hazardous locations, attic access, door self-closers to garage, fire separation between house/garage, attic ventilation, grading away from foundation (6 inches in the first 10 feet best practice).
• Energy final: Blower door and duct test certificate, ventilation airflow verification (balanced mechanical ventilation where applicable).
• Fire final (if sprinklered): Flow test, alarm supervision, coverage verification and labeling.
• Health department final (if septic/well): As-built location, flow test, water quality test.

Certificate Of Occupancy (CO):

• Issued after all finals pass and outside agencies sign off.
• Temporary CO (TCO) may be granted if life-safety is complete, allowing move-in while minor site items wrap up. Expect a bond or letter and a deadline for completion.

Typical pitfalls:

• Missing address numbers visible from the street.
• Exterior landings/steps not complete or not to code.
• Smoke/CO detectors missing or not interconnected.
• Water heater discharge termination wrong (into a pan or too high off the floor).
• Grade slopes toward house; missing splash blocks/downspout extensions.

Timeframe:

• Trim-out and finals can take 1–2 weeks if you pass first try. Each fail can set you back several days due to scheduling.

Renovations and additions: what’s different

With remodels, inspections focus heavily on anything newly built or altered—and anything exposed. Commonly required:

• Pre-construction/demolition inspection: Verify protection of existing structure, lead-safe practices if applicable, plan to shore or brace structural elements.
• Rough framing/MEP: Same as new builds but often trickier due to existing conditions, odd joist spans, and earlier code eras.
• Insulation/energy: Air sealing at the new work and sometimes the whole dwelling if the scope is major.
• Lath/drywall where fire separations are affected: Garages, multifamily demising walls, stair enclosures.
• Final: GFCI/AFCI upgrades may be triggered; smoke/CO retrofits often required even outside the work area.

Common renovation pitfalls:

• Covering existing knob-and-tube wiring with insulation without upgrading—fail.
• Removing or notching load-bearing members without engineer’s detail.
• Missing draft-stopping in floor cavities in older homes.

Special inspections and engineering oversight (IBC Chapter 17 overview)

For larger homes, multifamily, and commercial projects, “special inspections” are third-party quality checks performed by certified inspectors, not the city. Your engineer specifies them in the Statement of Special Inspections. Common items:

• Soils and compaction: Proof-rolling, density testing on fill lifts.
• Concrete: Slump, temperature, air content, cylinder samples; rebar placement verification.
• Masonry: Grout placement, reinforcement, prism tests if required.
• Structural steel: Welding inspection (shop and field), high-strength bolt tensioning (turn-of-nut or calibrated wrench), galvanizing thickness.
• Wood: High-load diaphragms, nail patterns, and boundary elements in engineered shear walls.
• Post-tensioned concrete: Tendon placement and stressing observations.
• Deep foundations: Pile driving logs, drilled pier inspection, helical pile torque monitoring.
• Spray-applied fireproofing and intumescent coatings: Thickness, adhesion, density.
• Anchoring to concrete with adhesives: Installer certification and pull testing in some seismic zones.
• Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS): Drainage plane, adhesion, flashing details.

Costs and logistics:

• Budget $1,500–$10,000+ depending on scope. Field techs are commonly $85–$150/hour; lab testing extra.
• The special inspector’s reports go to the building official. Missing reports can hold up your final.

Engineer’s structural observations:

• Many jurisdictions require a “substantial completion” observation letter from the structural engineer, especially in high-wind/seismic zones or for complex frames. Schedule this prior to final inspections.

Beyond the building department: site and utility inspections

Don’t sleep on these; they can hold up a CO just as fast as a missing smoke detector:

• Driveway/curb cut: Must meet city standards, slope, and sight lines.
• Sidewalks and ADA ramps (commercial/multifamily): Slope, tactile warnings, finish, control joints.
• Stormwater/erosion control: Ongoing inspections at key phases; inlet protection maintained until stabilization.
• Landscape and irrigation: Tree count, caliper size, irrigation backflow testing.
• Floodplain projects: Elevation certificate at foundation and final; mechanical equipment elevated.
• Gas company: Pressure test—often 10 psi for 15–30 minutes at meter set; regulator and bonding checks.
• Electric utility: Service release—clearances, meter base, mast supports, labeling.
• Water/sewer: Tap approvals, backflow preventer tests, sewer camera if required, cleanout locations.

Typical costs:

• Backflow test: $75–$200.
• Elevation certificate: $500–$1,200.
• Driveway/ROW permits: $100–$1,000 depending on city and street type.

Scheduling strategy: pass the first time and keep moving

A few habits that boost first-time pass rates:

• Readiness checklists: Walk each inspection with your foreman 24 hours in advance. If you need water in the shower pan, fill it. If you need labels, print them.
• Leave work exposed: Don’t insulate or cover until it passes. If weather threatens, plan temporary protection that still allows inspection.
• Stage the job: Keep ladders, attic access, and keys handy. Inspectors who can’t reach an area will fail or only partially approve.
• Be present: Have the superintendent or lead trade on site during inspection windows. Quick fixes can save a reinspection.
• Keep the plan set open: Flag details with sticky notes; have RFI responses printed.
• Be respectful and ask questions: If an inspector red-tags something, ask for the code section and the fix they prefer. Document it. Many disputes are alignment issues, not bad work.

Lead times and reinspection fees:

• Lead times: Next-day in many suburbs; 2–5 days in high-volume cities or after storms.
• Reinspection fees: $50–$300+ per trip. Multiple fails can trigger additional plan review or supervision requirements.

Target metrics I hold teams to:

• 90% first-time pass rate.
• Zero “work covered without inspection” violations.
• Corrections closed within 48 hours.

Common fails by phase (and how to dodge them)

Footings/foundation:

• Fail: Missing rebar laps or splices too short. Fix: Use rebar chairs and tie lapping lengths per plan; print a lap chart on site (e.g., 40 bar diameters).
• Fail: DWV under-slab slope flat or back-graded. Fix: Laser level the run and bed pipes in sand; check slope (.25 inch per foot typical).
• Fail: Vapor barrier shredded by traffic. Fix: Lay just-in-time and protect with ply sheets at pathways.

Framing/shear:

• Fail: Overdriven nails at shear panels. Fix: Set gun pressure; use a gauge block; spot-check with a caliper and replace overdriven nails with correctly spaced nails if required by the schedule.
• Fail: Missing fire blocking at vertical chases and soffits. Fix: Pre-assign fire-blocking to the framing punch list and photo-document.
• Fail: Truss field alterations without engineer approval. Fix: Zero field cuts; if someone cuts, stop work and get an engineered repair detail.

Rough MEP:

• Fail: Shower pan test not ready. Fix: Fill 24 hours ahead and leave a note with time filled. Protect the drain from being kicked.
• Fail: Electrical box overfill. Fix: Use deeper boxes, count conductors, and verify cubic inch allowance.
• Fail: HVAC ducts crushed or improperly supported. Fix: Hang to manufacturer specs and avoid tight bends.

Envelope/roof:

• Fail: Window flashing reverse lapped. Fix: Train the crew on shingle-style sequencing; use pre-formed corners or site-made pan flashings.
• Fail: Missing kick-out flashing. Fix: Make it a checklist line item alongside roof-to-wall.
• Fail: Roof underlayment wrong type for low slope. Fix: Follow manufacturer and code for slopes under 4:12.

Insulation/energy:

• Fail: Recessed can lights not sealed/IC rated. Fix: Use ICAT housings and seal trims.
• Fail: No ventilation baffles causing wind-washing. Fix: Baffles in every bay at eaves; extend insulation to top plate.

Finals:

• Fail: Guardrail opening exceeds 4 inches. Fix: Pre-check with a template block.
• Fail: Water heater T&P discharges improperly. Fix: Terminate to an approved location with gravity slope and correct diameter.
• Fail: Range hood or bath fans vent into attic. Fix: Reroute to exterior with backdraft damper.

Costs: what to budget for inspections and testing

These vary widely, but for planning:

• Permit and inspection fees (residential single-family): $2,000–$10,000 depending on jurisdiction, size, and impact fees (which can be much higher in some cities).
• Reinspection fees: $50–$300 each.
• Special inspections/testing: $1,500–$10,000+ depending on structure and required scope.
• Energy testing and documentation: $400–$1,200.
• Surveys (construction staking, final): $800–$2,500.
• Engineer letters (structural observation, truss repair, field fixes): $300–$2,500 each.
• Septic/well inspections: $300–$1,500 plus labs for water testing.

Hidden costs:

• Delays: A failed inspection can cascade into thousands per day on larger jobs due to idle subs, equipment, and rental costs. Build contingency time into the schedule.

Regional twists to expect

• Seismic zones (West Coast): More hold-downs, anchor spacing, and special inspections for anchors/epoxy, wood shear walls, and strongbacks. Expect engineer observation letters.
• High wind/coastal (Gulf/Atlantic): Uplift connectors everywhere, roof deck secondary water barrier, window impact ratings or shutters, stricter soffit details. Mid-roof inspections common.
• Snow load/cold climates: Roof framing sizing and ice-barrier underlayment, slab edge insulation, radon systems in high radon counties.
• Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI): Ember-resistant vents, ignition-resistant materials, defensible space. Extra inspections for venting and exterior materials.
• Floodplains: Elevation certificates at foundation and final; mechanicals elevated, flood vents in enclosures.

Case studies: how it plays out on real projects

A Texas slab-on-grade with post-tension cables

• Sequence: Temp power and erosion control → trench/footing and PT layout → under-slab plumbing and electrical with tests → foundation inspection with termite pretreat cert → pour with special inspection cylinders (for owner’s peace of mind).
• Common trip-ups: PT dead-end anchorage clearances; plumber forgetting to sleeve pipes at grade beams.
• Tip: Use PT layout paint colors for different tendon types and take photos for the engineer. It helps with any tendon count discrepancies later.

California garage-to-ADU conversion

• Extra players: Energy rater (Title 24), HERS verification, smoke/CO upgrades in main house, sometimes CALGreen checklists, and WUI requirements in hillside zones.
• Key inspections: Existing slab moisture test or vapor barrier retrofit; framing reinforcement at new openings; fire separation details; blower door and duct testing; dedicated circuits for kitchen/laundry; tempered glazing near doors.
• Typical cost adds: HERS + energy docs $600–$1,200; special fire-resistant vents $400–$800 more than standard.

Coastal Carolina elevated home on pilings

• Special inspections: Pile driving logs and cut-offs to verify embedment; uplift connections through the floor system; flood vents.
• Common fails: Stair rise/run on long exterior stairs; mechanical units too low relative to BFE; missing corrosion-resistant fasteners in marine environment.
• Tip: Keep a floodplain binder with the preliminary, mid-construction, and final elevation certificates ready for the inspector and lender.

Small commercial tenant improvement (TI)

• Extra layers: Fire alarm and sprinkler modifications with separate permits and inspections; ADA path of travel and restroom clearances; mechanical ventilation and balancing report.
• Sequence: Demo inspection → rough framing/MEP with fire-stopping → lath/drywall with rated assembly inspections → ceiling grid rough (before tiles) → finals including fire alarm/sprinkler acceptance tests.
• Budget for: Special inspection on any new steel framing or anchors; test and balance report ($800–$2,500). Miss either and you won’t get a CO.

Owner-builder vs. GC: who handles what

If you’re running your own job:

• You schedule inspections and make sure work is ready and exposed.
• You keep the plan set on site and post correction notices.
• You coordinate trades for quick fixes.
• You track correction lists and upload documents (energy certs, engineer letters, special inspection reports).

If you’re hiring a GC:

• Make inspection performance part of the contract. Set targets like “no more than one fail per phase” and require weekly status updates.
• Require photo documentation of covered work (anchors, flashing, insulation).
• Confirm who pays reinspection fees.

Documentation that speeds approvals

Keep a jobsite binder (and a cloud folder) with:

• Stamped approved plans and revisions.
• Permit card and inspection history.
• Special inspection Statement and all reports.
• Engineer letters (truss layouts, repair details, observation).
• Energy compliance docs, blower door/duct tests, insulation certificate.
• Termite treatment certificates and radon test (if required).
• Backflow test reports, elevation certificates, septic/well approvals.
• Equipment startup sheets and manuals (HVAC, water heater), and balancing reports.

When the inspector asks, you don’t want to be making phone calls—you want to hand them the paper.

Practical pre-inspection checklists

Pre-pour foundation:

• Rebar size/spacing and lap lengths tagged and photographed
• Chairs in place; rebar off soil; PT tendons tied, caps on
• UFER ground and bonding wire stubbed
• Vapor barrier intact, seams taped, penetrations sealed
• Under-slab plumbing/electrical pressure tests in place
• Termite pretreat certificate on site
• Elevation benchmarks set and checked

Rough framing/MEP:

• Shear schedule posted; nail patterns checked
• Fire blocking/draft stopping complete
• Shower pan flood test filled 24 hours; DWV test pressurized
• Nail plates at all shallow penetrations
• Window and door flashings installed correctly
• Bath fans and range hood ducted to exterior
• Electrical panel labeled; circuits identified

Insulation/energy:

• All top plates sealed; can lights ICAT; baffles at every rafter bay
• Insulation depth rulers installed; certificate filled out
• Attic/garage foam ignition barrier if needed
• Blower door scheduled; duct boots sealed

Final:

• Address numbers installed; site clean and graded away from house
• Guardrails/handrails correct; stair geometry verified
• Smoke/CO detectors present and functioning
• Water heater T&P discharge correct; pans/straps installed
• GFCI/AFCI devices installed and tested
• Exterior outlets with in-use covers; all penetrations sealed
• Backflow devices tested; irrigation finalized
• Appliance manuals and startup sheets available

How long do inspections take?

• Booking: Next-day is common, but busy seasons can push to 48–72 hours.
• On-site: 15–60 minutes for typical residential inspections, more for large or complex checks.
• Reinspection: Usually available next day; some cities batch reinspections and add 1–2 days.

Plan buffer time:

• I add one day of float after each major inspection phase. It’s cheap insurance.

Communicating with inspectors (field-tested advice)

• Be prepared but flexible: Inspectors work from codes and local amendments; interpretations can vary. If you get a correction, ask for the reference, then ask, “If we correct it this way, will that satisfy the intent?”
• Don’t argue on the driveway: If you strongly disagree, finish the visit respectfully, then send a concise email with the code citation and drawings. You’ll often get a fair resolution.
• Show your work: Photos of concealed anchors, pre-cover flashing, or compaction tests go a long way.

Environmental and safety inspections

While OSHA isn’t the building inspector, safety practices can slow or stop work if egregious. Also check:

• SWPPP (stormwater pollution prevention plan): Many sites require BMP inspections and logs; fines for violations can be steep.
• Asbestos/lead surveys for renovations in older buildings: Some jurisdictions won’t issue demo permits without them.

After the CO: warranties and 11-month checks

Post-occupancy items that trace back to best practices during inspection phases:

• HVAC performance and balancing: Keep TAB reports. If a room is stuffy, that report lets you adjust.
• Moisture management: Keep records and photos of flashing and WRB details in case of future leaks.
• Warranty walkthrough at 11 months: Tighten loose rails, check GFCIs, verify grading hasn’t settled toward the house. Keep the inspector’s final corrections list handy; it often predicts future weak points.

Final thoughts from the field

Inspections aren’t the enemy of speed—they’re the framework for predictable progress. The projects that sail through approvals have three things in common:

• They front-load planning, with clear inspection milestones on the schedule.
• They verify the work themselves before the inspector arrives, using checklists and photos.
• They treat inspectors as partners in risk management, not as obstacles to outsmart.

If you run your build that way, the sign-offs become a rhythm. You’ll spend less money on rework, keep subs lined up, and hand over a project that performs the way it should—on paper and in real life.