Superintendent's Rough Inspection Checklist

Responsibility:

  • The Superintendent is responsible for conducting and documenting the rough internal inspection.

  • The Superintendent will coordinate with subcontractors to address any deficiencies.

Objective:
To ensure all construction elements are compliant with the building codes and project specifications before the official county or city inspection.

Timing:
The rough internal inspection should be conducted when the following conditions are met:

  1. Framing Completed: All structural framing is finished.

  2. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems Installed: All rough-ins for HVAC, electrical wiring, and plumbing are in place.

  3. Before Insulation: This inspection should be done before insulation and drywall are installed.

Procedure:

  1. Preparation:

    • Ensure all relevant plans, permits, and checklists are available on site.

    • Confirm that all subcontractors have completed their respective rough-in tasks

      Job Site and General Inspection

  • Job site safety, cleanliness, and compliance with construction plans.

  • Adherence to California Building Codes and local ordinances.

  • Installation of firewalls as per California Building Code.

  • Use of fire-resistance-rated construction materials per plans.

  • Correct installation of fire stops in penetrations.

Electrical Systems Inspection

  • General Requirements:

    • Receptacle outlet accessibility in every room, hallway, and stairway within 12 inches of any wall space (CEC 210.52(A)(1)).

    • Outlet spacing along walls exceeding 6 feet should be no more than 6 feet from a receptacle outlet (CEC 210.52(A)(1)).

  • Specific Locations for Outlets:

    • Kitchen countertops (one every 4 feet of usable countertop length, minimum of two) (CEC 210.52(C)(1)).

    • Bathrooms (near the sink and one for general use) (CEC 210.52(D)(1)).

    • Garages (one on each wall) (CEC 210.52(G)(1)).

    • Laundry rooms (at least one) (CEC 210.52(H)(1)).

    • Readily accessible appliance locations.

  • GFCI and AFCI Protection:

    • Bathrooms, garages, kitchens, outdoors (CEC 210.8).

  • Outlet and switch placement avoiding trim/casing conflicts.

  • Proper grounding and secure mounting of electrical boxes.

  • Review and ensure metal plates are set as required.

  • Conduit and Wiring Installation per code.

  • Box Installation as per code.

  • Circuit Breaker Installation and labeling.

  • Grounding System as per code.

  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors per code.

  • LED and Light Fixtures set per plans and aligned.

  • Cabinet Lighting Hardwire per plans

  • Smoke detector wiring per plans

Plumbing Systems Inspection

  • Water Supply and Distribution:

    • Minimum water pressure at fixtures (CPC Chapter 6).

    • Backflow prevention devices (CPC Chapter 8).

    • Hot and cold water supply to fixtures (CPC Chapter 4).

  • Drainage and Venting:

    • Drain pipes sized and vented (CPC Chapters 7 & 9).

    • Traps below each fixture (CPC Chapter 10).

  • Specific Fixtures:

    • Water closets, showers, bathtubs, kitchen sinks as per code.

    • Gas piping for appliances per CPC Chapter 12.

  • Leak tests on all pipe connections.

  • Accessibility of shut-off valves.

  • Plumbing venting as per code.

  • Review metal plates set as required.

  • Fixture mounting, especially critical for shower finishes and stone.

  • Shutoff Valves and Clean outs as required.

  • Backflow Prevention, particularly in irrigation systems.

  • Make sure all pipes are tight secured with straps or bracing any loose pipes will fail inspection

  • Are vent lines and gas lines on test mode 

  • Is Custom Shower Pan on test mode Fiberglass, inserts, tubs not needed. 

HVAC Systems Inspection

  • Ductwork installation per plans and code.

  • Venting for exhaust systems, including kitchen and bathrooms.

    • Verify the type of fan in bathrooms being installed make sure ducts are per specs

    • Verify Range hood type and make sure venting requirements are met per hood type. Make sure any proper elbows or items are ordered if venting is direct vent or custom.

  • Bathroom Fans set per plans and owner specifications.

  • Check all Venting is Secured with straps( Bathroom Venting Must be strapped)

Structural and Framing Inspection

  • Integrity of framing, especially notches requiring support.

  • Window and door frames per plans.

  • Rough Openings for doors and windows per plans.

  • Adequate backing for drywall and cabinetry installations.

  • Backing for bathroom fixtures or accessories.
    Backing for all drywall on edges corners etc. as needed


Kitchen and Appliances Inspection

  • Voltage and gas connections per appliance requirements.

  • Range Supply Line set to required Gas or Electrical Per Plans.

  • Refrigerator, sink, faucet supply lines as per cabinet plans.

  • Appropriate venting for kitchen appliances.

  • Venting type for range per plans or specifications.

Interior Finishes Inspection

  • Rough openings for cabinetry, fixtures, appliances.

  • Floor underlayment installation per code.

  • Is the Proper backing in place for cabinets shelving any custom items going on the wall

Code Compliance and Safety

  • Fire-blocking, draft-stopping per code.

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector prewire placement.

California Specific Regulations

  • Seismic safety measures and tie-downs.

  • Hurricane clips, bracing straps at windows per plans.

  • Water conservation and energy efficiency measures.

  • Indoor air quality and ventilation per plans.

Exterior Inspection

  • Wall sheathing, vapor barriers, siding.

  • Window and door flashing, roof installation.

  • Water test for window leaks.

  • Proper pan flashing at doors.

  • Flashing at roof edges and fireplaces.

Accessibility (If Required)

  • Compliance with ADA and California accessibility standards If applicable.

  • Sink heights and other commercial features If applicable.

Additional Checks

  • Insulation type and installation

    • Check Plans For wall requirements

    • Check ceiling for Ceiling requirements 

    • Check subfloor if required per plans

Additional Checks Continued

  • Paint, tiles, finishes per client’s choices.

Common Failed Rough Inspection Points (California)

  • Verify all hot water lines are insulated.

  • Electrical Issues: This is one of the most common reasons for a rough-in inspection failure. It can include improper wiring, incorrect spacing of outlets, not adhering to the required electrical codes, or using non-compliant materials.

  • Plumbing Violations: Plumbing issues such as improper slope of drain pipes, incorrect pipe sizes, or poor soldering can lead to failures. Additionally, not adhering to the specific codes for venting and pipe spacing can also be problematic.

  • Framing Errors: Structural issues like improper spacing of studs, inadequate securing of framing elements, or using damaged lumber can cause a rough-in inspection to fail. The structural integrity of the building is paramount, and any deviations from the code can be a significant issue.

  • HVAC System Non-Compliance: Improper installation of HVAC systems, including ductwork and venting, can lead to failures. This also includes not following specific energy efficiency requirements that California mandates.

  • Insulation Mistakes: Not installing insulation according to the required R-values, or failing to properly insulate areas like walls, attics, and crawl spaces can be a reason for inspection failure.

  • Fire Safety Violations: Not adhering to fire safety codes, such as improper installation of fire-blocking materials or not providing adequate egress windows in bedrooms, can result in a failed inspection.

  • Non-Compliance with Earthquake Safety Standards: In California, adherence to earthquake safety standards is crucial. This includes proper anchoring of the structure to the foundation and the use of seismic straps for water heaters and other appliances.

  • Lack of Proper Documentation or Permits: Failing to provide the necessary documentation or permits for the work being inspected can also lead to a failed inspection.

  • Accessibility Issues: Not complying with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and other accessibility requirements, especially in public or commercial buildings, can be a cause for failure.

Workmanship Quality: Poor workmanship, even if the materials and design comply with codes, can lead to a failed inspection. This includes issues like uneven joist spacing, improper nailing, or substandard joint connections