Required Inspections

This page provides detailed information about inspections required by Wake County Inspections & Permits and specifications for proper safety.

When to request an inspection

Temporary Pole

Construct to meet utility company standards and latest North Carolina edition of the National Electrical Code.

Footing Inspection

Request after zoning setbacks have been met, trenches are excavated, all grade stakes are installed, reinforcing steel and supports are in place and appropriately tied, all necessary forms are in place and braced, and before any concrete is placed. Soil and erosion regulations require a 10’ x 30’ x 6" sand or gravel driveway and devices installed to prevent migration of sedimentation from the disturbed area.

Note: Deck footings may be requested as a separate inspection or with other building trade request.

 

Foundation Inspection

Request after all foundation supports are installed and prior to backfilling. This inspection checks foundation supports, footing projections, vents, ground clearances, foundation drainage and foundation damp-proofing or waterproofing where required.

Note: Basement waterproofing installed should be left open for the purpose of inspection. Waterproofing may be requested as an additional inspection or viewed with other building trade inspections.

Under Slab Inspection: Habitable/Future Habitable Slabs or Slabs with Integral Footings

Request after all forms have been placed, concealed electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning facilities inspected, all gravel, reinforcing steel with supports tied and/or all welded wire fabric is installed, as required, and before any concrete is placed.

Exceptions: Inspection is not required for non-habitable spaces: driveway slabs, garage slabs (without integral footings), carport slabs, porch slabs, walks, etc.

Electrical Rough-In

Request when all wiring, boxes and panel boards have been installed and connections are made and ready for the finished product.

Plumbing Rough-In

Request when all parts of the concealed plumbing system, which can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures, are installed. This includes drainage, water supply, water test, vent piping and the necessary fixture supports.

Mechanical Rough-In

Request when all boots, gas piping and tests, mechanical ventilation, concealed ducts, and gas log inserts have been installed.

Framing Inspection

Request after all applicable electrical, plumbing and HVAC rough-in inspections have been approved, and all roof, wall, ceiling and floor framing is complete, with appropriate blocking, bracing and fire stopping in place, windows and doors set, and roof covered to provide a dried-in structure.

The following items should be in place and visible for inspection:

Pipes, chimneys and vents, flashing for roofs, chimneys and wall openings, insulation, baffles, all lintels required to be bolted to the framing for support shall not be covered by any exterior or interior wall or ceiling finish material before approval. Work may continue without approval for lintels that are not bolted and supported on masonry or concrete.

Insulation Inspection

Request after an approved building framing inspection, with all concealed insulation and vapor barriers in place but before any wall or ceiling covering is applied.

 

Electrical Final

Request when the wiring system and panels are complete.

 

Plumbing Final

Request when all plumbing systems are complete. The plumbing contractor may request water and sewer finals at or before the plumbing final. Water should be pressurized at the time of inspection.

Mechanical Final

Request when the mechanical system is complete, and all manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to and all gas piping has been tested.

Final Building Inspection

Request when all energy, life safety and structural elements are complete and landscaping drainage and address requirements are met. Seeding and mulching of any disturbed area is required.

Other Inspections

In addition to the inspections above, the Inspection Department may make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with this Code and General Statutes or Ordinances enforced by the Inspection Department.(G.S. 153A-360, 160A-420)