Making sure your remodel is up to code
If you are not doing the work yourself, make sure you get, in writing in your contract, 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 and make sure it is up to code.
Why do I need a remodel inspection?
All new homes and most home remodels require an inspection to make sure it is up to code. This is important because it guarantees the overall health and safety of your occupants and those surrounding you.
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 your home remodel is up to code, meaning that everything is installed, wired, and functioning properly. This is for your own safety as well as those who will be buying the home after you.
With that in mind, you will need to do your research and find out certain things to make sure your remodel is up to code. 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.
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:
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.
Making sure your remodel is up to code
After getting your building permit and having the inspection, make sure you know what guidelines you need to be following to make sure your remodel is up to code. 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.
Making sure your remodel is up to code the first time around is crucial during a remodel. It will save you a lot of money and work in the long run.
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