The codes you will follow make sure your remodeling changes will help to ensure you and your structure are safe from things like electrocution and fire hazards, diseases, or pest infestation. In addition, they help to ensure your remodel will withstand the elements, particularly if you have added a room or wing.
What does the inspection look for?
An inspection is designed to make sure that everything is installed, wired, and functioning properly. With that in mind, you will need to do your research and find out certain things to make sure you never fail your inspection. For example, if you are finishing a basement, make sure you know the required number of outlets for the square footage in a room; you won't pass inspection if you don't have enough.
Before you begin remodeling, contact your city or county's Planning, Zoning, and Building Department or wherever you will schedule your inspection and ask them for information about guidelines for the various projects you will be doing.
The following are some of the most common inspection items checked in a home remodel, and what you should be particularly aware of as you prepare for the inspection. By knowing what will be covered in the inspection and making sure you adhere to the requirements, you can make sure you never fail an inspection:
Plumbing
If you have remodeled your kitchen, bathroom, or anything with running water, your plumbing will be inspected. The person doing the inspection will be looking at the supply lines and pipes and make sure they are not leaking and are fitted properly. He will also check the water pressure and drainage flow, and will check faucets, sinks, toilets, and showers to make sure they operate properly. Sump pumps will also be checked to make sure they are in working order.
Electrical
The electrical inspection will most likely include looking over exterior meters, as well as more complicated things such as fuse and breakers, the capacity of your wiring, grounding, wiring, and switches and outlets. In addition, the inspector will look for anything in the wiring that can be considered potentially hazardous.
Kitchen
Kitchen remodels are common. Your inspector will check to make sure the range and stove are connected and operating properly and that the required number of vents are in place. In addition, he will make sure the appliances are connected and running properly.
When using contractors
If you are not doing the work yourself, make sure you hire reputable contractors and service providers who are licensed and experienced. You should also make sure you get in writing a guarantee that the work will be redone if it does not pass inspection. Most remodeling professionals and contractors, electrician, plumbers, and so forth will already guarantee this, but double check to make sure. This way, you are not liable for the costs to redo to the work if your inspection fails.
The above tips are just a few things you can do to ensure you never fail an inspection.