Skip to main content Skip to footer

Single Family Dwelling Inspection Checklist

2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING INSPECTION OUTLINE

Updated 07/21

Printable PDF

This outline is not intended as an inspections checklist. The purpose of the outline is to give the general parameters of the items requiring inspections at each phase of construction.

Dwelling: Any building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended, or designed to be built, used, rented leases, let or hired out to be occupied, or that are occupied for living purposes.

UNDER SLAB PLUMBING & BUILDING SET BACKS
1. The building permit shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project. IRC R105.7
2. One set of construction documents (approved and stamped “reviewed for code compliance”) shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building official. IRC R106.3.1
3. DWV: IPC 2018-312.2
   a. Water test filled with water to a point no less than 10 feet above the highest fitting connection in that section, or to the highest point in the completed system, for not less than 15 minutes. IPC 2018-312.2
4. Any plumbing pipe passing through foundation wall must have relieving arch or a pipe sleeve built in. Sleeve must be no smaller than two pipe sizes greater than the pipe itself. IRC P2603.4
5. Minimum ¼” OR 1/8” depending on pipe size, slope forward the sewer line on DWV system. Check for minimum depth from grade. < water pipes shall be installed no less than 12 inches deep and no less than 6 inches below frost line. IRC P2603.5 & IRC P3004
6. Check all DWV and water piping for size. Maximum of 3 water closets on a three inch line. Sinks/ dishwashers require 2 inch waste line. IRC P3005.3
7. Check for proper location and size of cleanouts. Cleanouts not required for bathroom wash basins. (may want to mark locations on plan) IRC P3005.2
8. Check for proper support of ground plumbing. Firm bed, proper alignment, bedding material free of rocks etc. IRC P2605.1 Please reference IRC P2605.1 for piping support
9. Check for proper trap sizes. IRC P3201.7
10. Check for use of appropriate materials IRC P2609
11. Check that footings are not undermined or weakened to a point of causing concern for stability. No piping
should be run parallel or under the footing within the zone of force. IRC P2604.4
12. All underground water piping must be pressure tested IRC P2503.7
13. Check for backwater valve requirement. If one is required, the DWV served should be on its own system. IRC
P3008.1-P3008.4
14. Check that trap primers are provided for floor drains which do not have a reliable regular water supply. IRC P3201.2.1
15. Check preliminary building setbacks andlocate approved property pins.
16. Check placement of backfill material. If shallow foundations will bear on compacted fill material, notify
contractor a compaction report will be needed prior to foundation inspection. IBC 1804.3- 1804.6
17. Verify that under slab kitchen range ducts are approved materials and properly installed. IRC M 1601.1.2
18. Verify that under slab natural gas piping materials and installation are approved. IRC G 2415.14 (404.14)

FOUNDATION
1. Review job inspection card, plot plan and approved building plans on the job site. Verify that a compaction report, if required, has been submitted and that fill material has been compacted to 90% of maximum density. IBC J107.5
2. Check that the building setbacks from property lines and adjacent slopes, pad and finished floor elevations, and drainage are per plan.
3. Check for footing size, depth below undisturbed soil, compaction and interior bearing footing requirements. IRC R401 R403 & R 403.1
4. Footings must be free of loose dirt, organic materials and debris.
5. Reinforcing steel size, placement, lap splice, clearances from earth, free of loose rust, scale, oil, dirt, etc. IRC R 403.1.3.5
6. Hold down type and locations properly indicated, with proper bolt sizes, at time of inspection. IRC R 403.1.6.1
7. Approved grounding system IRC E3607
8. Check fire place location, footing size and steel masonry only. IRC R1003
9. Check pier footing requirements and locations. IRC R404.1.5.3
10. Check for under slab vapor barrier, sand and wire mesh requirements. IRC R 506.2.3 & Exceptions 1-4
11. Check for proper slab thickness, which may require installing string lines across the forms. Verify that the slab supporting material has been reasonably compacted and no loose material is present. IRC R 506

ROOF NAILING
1. Review the approved roof framing plans and truss layout and plans on the job site. Verify the proper trusses have been installed. Verify truss construction, instillation and bracing are per plans. IRC R 802.10
2. Verify that conventional roof framing members are of the proper grade, species,size and length. Verify properly installed and braced. IRC R802
3. Check under roof sheathing for proper installation IRC R802
4. Check the plans for the roof nailing schedule. Check that edge, boundary and field nailing and shear transfer
elements are per the plans. IRC R602.3(1) & R602.3(2)
5. Check that nail heads are generally flush with the sheathing. IRC R602.3
6. Check the plans for any strap requirements where conventional framing connects to truss areas of the roof, Verify the proper size and installation. Plan prescriptive.
7. Check the roof sheathing to insure the proper material, panel index, required clips, sheathing spacing etc. have been provided. IRC R803.1
8. Verify all roof sheathing spans a minimum of three supports (two bays) IRC Table R503.2..1.1 (1)b
9. Check that no roof structural elements has severely reduced strength as a result of the installation of rakes, look outs, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems etc. IRC R802. & provisions of section R502.8.1

SHEAR PANEL
1. Review the approved set of plans on the job site for shear panel and braced panel requirements and locations.
2. Verify that the shear panels and braced panels are properly sized and located. IRC R602.10.1.1
3. Check each shear panel and braced panels for correct materials, nailing, size etc. IRC R602.3
4. Verify all hardware is installed per plan and the manufacturer’s instillation instructions, including foundation
bolts. IRC R 602.3
5. Check double top plate splices for proper laps and nailing. IRC 602.3.2
6. Check that plumbing and electrical installed in the exterior walls are protected from damage and freezing where necessary. IRC R602.6(1)
7. Verify that windows and exterior doors are properly sized and flashed. IRC 703.4 & IRC R310.2
8. Check the interior side of shear panels and braced panels for shiners and the correct size and number of framing elements. IRC R602.3
9. Verify that interior and exterior panels have been or will be installed per plan or minimum code requirements. IRC R602
10. Verify that the grade and species of lumber is per the plan and/or minimum code. Bottom plate treated of other approval number. IRC R502.1, R602.1, R802.1
11. Check the size and location of the roof drains and scuppers. IRC R903.4

ROUGH ELECTRICAL
1. Check that all kitchen appliance circuits are wired with #12 wire. Includes: kitchen, pantry, breakfast area, dining area or similar area of dwelling. IRC E E3703.2
   a. Minimum circuit ampacity: 20 amps.
   b. Check that the kitchen countertops are served by two small appliance branch circuits (20amp).
   c. See exception IRC E3703.2
2. Check the location and wiring of laundry, exterior, garage, basement, hallway, and bathroom outlet receptacle boxes. IRC E3703
3. Check for and adequate number and location of switch, lighting and receptacle outlets in habitable rooms and that they are per plan and/or minimum code requirements. IRC E3901
   a. Kitchen countertop spaces every 4 feet & 2 feet from edges
   b. Habitable room wall spaces every 12 feet
4. Check the ground and metallic pipe bonding. IRC E3608.1.1
5. Check the receptacle boxes in fire walls for fire resistance listing. IRC R302.5
6. Check electrical panel ground rod and wire size for adequacy IRC R3608
   a. Verify the clamp is listed for use
7. Check that metallic boxes are properly bonded. IRC E3609
8. Check that all conduits and cables are properly strapped and supported. IRC E3802.6
9. Check the cable chase in the garage for proper protection of the NMC cable IRC E3802
10. Check the location of the lighting and outlet receptacle boxes at ceiling(floor) access openings to HVAC IRC E3901.12 & E3903.4
11. Check the wirings and location of the smoke alarm receptacle boxes. All alarms must be wired together. IRC R314
12. Check the A/C circuit for proper wire size and disconnect location. IRC E3702.11/.12
13. Check sub panels for the isolated neutral and proper bonding to the main panel. IRC E3905
14. Check that all openings in boxes and panels are properly closed. IRC E3905
15. Check that wiring to a water heater is properly sized. Per manufacturer installation
16. Check the attachment of approved boxes, or other adequate support, for ceiling fans. IRC E3905.8, E4004
17. Check for island and peninsula cabinet receptacle boxes IRC E3901.1, E3905.1
18. Check that lights in closets and storage spaces are properly located. IRC E4003.12

ROUGH PLUMBING
1. Check that vent flashing is in place. IRC R903
2. DWV systems shall be tested on completion of rough piping installation by water or air with no evidence of leakage. IRC P2503.5.1 (other than plastic air)
3. Check access to fixtures with concealed slip joint connections (bathtubs) IRC P2704
4. Fill shower pan with water and check for leaks. Shower interior minimum 900sq. in (30”X30”). IRC 2708.1
5. Check the water line sizing; pressure tests for leaks. IRC P2903-P2903.3.1
6. Verify closet rings are properly installed. IRC P2712
7. Verify horizontal DWV piping slopes 1/4” per foot towards the drain. IRC P3002.3.1
8. Check for proper sizing and installation of island sink and wet venting. IRC P3112
9. Check cleanouts for location, size, and access. IRC P3005.2
10. Check for proper fixture supports and backing that all holes in the slab are sealed. IRC P2603.4, P2604, P2605
11. Verify that only approved materials have been installed IRC P2609.1 & P2609.2
12. Check heights and location of vent termination above the roof. Minimum six inches above the roof. IRC P3103.1.1
13. Verify vents are properly sized for each fixture and the sewer line. IRC P3113.1
14. Review water pipe sizing attachment and support. IRC P2903.7
15. Verify voids around piping passing through concrete floors on the ground are appropriately sealed. IRC P2603.3
ROUGH GAS PIPING
1. Check gas piping size, material, location and support. IRC G2413
2. Check underground installation for depth of burial, isolation fittings and tracer wire. IRC G2415.6 (404.6),
G2415.10 (404.11), G2415.12 (404.12).
3. Check the fire place log lighter valve direction and support. Per manufacturer listing IRC G2433.1 (603.1)
4. Check for installation of drip legs when required by appliance listing. Must be accessible. IFGC 408.2
5. Verify the pipe is properly pressure tested. IRC G2417.1 (406.1), G2417.1.4 (406.1.4)

ROUGH HVAC
1. Check duct support and, for flexible duct, sag and attachment to outlets per code or listing. IRC 1601.3 through 1601.4
2. Verify combustion air duct size, location and proper termination. IRC G2407.5 (304.5) through G2407.12 (304.12)
3. Check gas appliance vent size, clearance from combustibles and termination. IRC M802
4. Verify the FAU supply and return air ducts are properly sized, located, fastened and insulated. IRC M 1601.1 through M1602.3, N1103.3
5. Verify ducts penetrating fire wall have been properly installed and are of approves materials. IRC R309.1
6. Verify that FAU attic installations have proper clearances from combustibles and that access is provided as required in the code. IRC M1305.1.2 M1306.1
7. Verify that rooftop units are properly installed. IRC M1401.4 & M1305.1
8. Check condensate lines and overflow drains for proper size, material and termination. IRC M 1411.3
9. Check the location and installation of vent fans and ducts, per approved plans. IRC M1804.2
10. Check clothes dryer vents for proper installation and termination. IMC G2439
11. Verify that kitchen hood and range exhaust ducts are properly installed. IRC M1503.1, M1802.1
12. Verify that fire places have been installed per the manufactures installation instructions, including combustion air requirements. IRC M1414.1
13. Review appliance listing requirements and verify all appliances have been installed per their listing or minimum code requirements. IRC M 1302.1 & M1303.1

FRAMING
1. Review the approved set of plans on the job site. IRC R105.7, R104.4
2. Verify that the trusses are installed per approved plans, if not already reviewed. IRC R802.10
3. Check for proper materials per the approved plans. Verify that all lumber is identified by grade and species. IRC R602
4. Check bottom plates for full bearing on the foundation, treated wood per the code, bolt spacing etc. IRC R602.3.4
5. Check floor joists, girders, and beams for size, spacing, span, bearing, rim joist continuity, double joints under bearing walls and partitions. IRC R802
6. Check stair framing for proper size material, rise, run and head clearance. IRC R 311.7
7. Verify all cutting and notching of framing members is per code or support is provided in an approved manner. IRC R602.6
8. Verify that finger joined framing members are properly installed. IRC R602.1.2
9. Verify fire stopping is of approved materials in required locations, including at ceiling and floor levels, and ten(10) foot concealed space, behind cabinets, at furred ceilings, stairways, penetrations of vents, pipes, etc. IRC R602.8 R302.11
10. Verify that all ceilings are of proper heights. IRC R305.1
11. Verify the attic access is properly located and sized. IRC R 807.1
12. Check attic ventilation for proper size and location. Per plans
13. Verify that all hold downs and foundation bolts are properly installed and nuts are tight. Verify that, where used, shot pins are approved and spaced properly. Per approved plans, IRC R403.1.6 R602.11
14. Verify that laminated beams have been properly installed, certified and are identified by an approved stamp. IRC R502.1.6
15. Factory built fire place and chimney framing per listing. IRC R 1005.1, 1005.4
16. Check double top plate for continuity. IRC R602.3.2
17. An inspection for sealing all openings in wall top plates will be conducted at the combination inspection, prior to insulation.

INSULATION
1. Must have an approved set of construction documents on site. IRC N1101.5 (103.2) IRC R105.7
2. Wall batt insulation will be inspected for proper installation and application prior to drywall. IRC R1102
3. Spray foam roof inspection will be conducted prior to the drywall inspection.
Depth markers will be required indication inches of depth and have a minimum of 1 inch the markers
will be installed one for every 300 square feet in area and will face the attic access opening.
4. Ceiling batt or blown-in insulation inspection will be conducted at the time of the final inspection. IRC N1102
   a. Attic access entry will need to be open and a ladder provided for the inspection.
   b. Depth markers will be required indication inches of depth and have a minimum of 1 inch numbers.
      i. The markers will be installed one for every 300 square feet in area and will face the attic access opening.

WALLBOARD
1. Verify that the proper number, spacing and size of fasteners have been used. IRC R702.3 Table R702.3.5
2. Verify that water resistant dry wall has been used as backing for tile, etc. in bathrooms. IRC R702.3.7
3. Verify that separation with drywall has been used on the garage side of the occupancy between the dwelling and the garage. IRC R302.6
   a. Mohave county ordinance 2020-04: Table R302.6 Dwelling/Garage separation: Change separation from residences and attics from ½ inch to 5/8 inch Type X Gypsum Wallboard.
4. Check to insure there are no gaps in the garage to occupancy separation & that it is sealed properly. The wall goes to the roof sheathing, or the ceiling is sealed. IRC Table R302.1(1)

EXTERIOR WALL COVERINGS
1. Weather resistive barrier installed. Two layers over wood sheathing with stucco. IRC R703.7.3
2. Exterior Lath properly installed. IRC R703.7.1
   a. Exception: Lath is not required over masonry, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete or stone substrates prepared in accordance with ASTM C1063.
3. Weep screed minimum attachment flange of 3 ½ inches at or below bottom plate line on stud walls placed 4 inches above earth and 2 inches above pavement. Weather resistant barrier shall lap flange, and exterior lath shall cover and terminate on the attachment flange. IRC R703.7.2.1 ASTM C926
4. Wood, plywood, hardboard siding installed properly with corrosion resistant fasteners. IRC Table R703.3(1)
5. Exterior veneer installed properly. IRC R 703.8.2, R703.8
6. Vinyl siding properly installed. IRC R703.11,

FINAL AGENCY APPROVALS NEEDED
1. Environmental Health
2. Flood Control

FINAL EXTERIOR
1. House numbers or address plainly visible from the street or road. IRC R 319
2. Electrical service completed, breakers identified. IRC E3606.4
3. Electrical service properly grounded. IRC E3607
4. Landings provided at all doors. IRC R 311.3
5. A/C Compressor unit:
a. Properly located, attached to the pad (where applicable) and sized per plan. IRC M1401, E4101.2
b. Disconnect properly located, fused correctly and properly wired. IRC E4101.5
c. Condensate line properly terminated. IRC M 1411.3
6. Sewer clean out to grade, accessible, caps removable and protected from damage. IRC P3005.2
7. All water piping subject to freezing shall have adequate protection from freezing. IRC P2603.5
8. Water heater T&P valve drain line properly terminate IRC P2804.6.1
9. Non-removable vacuum breakers on all hose bibs. IRC P2902.4
10. Anti-syphoning valves properly installed and located on the lawn sprinkler system. IRC P2902.5.4
11. Exterior electrical receptacles GFCI and weather proof. IRC E3902.
12. Exterior lighting located at all exterior doors. IRC E3903.3
13. All windows intact. IRC R609.1
14. Glazing within 24 inches of doors is safety glazing. IRC R308.4.2
15. Clothes dryer vent properly terminated. IRC M1502
16. Exterior siding penetrations properly sealed and flashed IRC R703.2
17. Plastic vent pipe and water pipe where exposed to sunlight properly protected.
18. Flashing and counter flashing properly installed on roof at penetrations, intersections and edges. IRC R903.2
19. Flue vents and chimneys properly terminated at proper height. IRC R1003.9
20. Attic eave and gable vents not blocked. IRC R806.3
21. Exterior electrical receptacles at front and back of dwelling. IRC E901.7

FINAL ATTACHED GARAGE
1. Fire protection completed, penetrations of metal not less than 26 gauge with no duct openings in the garage. Attic access opening wrapped and closed with tight fittings 5/8” type X gyp board. IRC R302.5.2
   a. Verify that separation with drywall has been used on the garage side of the occupancy between the dwelling and the garage. IRC R302.6
   b. Mohave county ordinance 2020-04: Table R302.6 Dwelling/Garage separation: Change separation from residences and attics from ½ inch to 5/8 inch Type X Gypsum Wallboard.
2. Door between house and garage of approved materials properly installed. IRC R302.5.1
3. FAU & water heater properly installed. IRC M1307
4. FAU & water heather vents of proper type with appropriate clearances to combustibles. IRC M1306.1
5. Water heater and FAU sized per plan. IRC M1401.3
6. T&P valve operational and properly plumbed, terminates in an approval location. IRC P2804.6.1
7. Minimum of one 20 amp branch circuit shall be provided for receptacles located in the laundry area, and shall serve only that area. IRC E3703.3
8. Undedicated accessible receptacles on GFCI. IRC E3902
9. Clothes dryer moisture exhaust duct properly vented to the exterior. IRC M1502.2
10. Clothes dryer exhaust duct minimum 4” diameter and of approved length. IRC M 1502.4
11. Appliances subject to physical damage are suitably guarded. IRC M 1307.3.1

FINAL INTERIOR
1. Dishwasher air gap device properly installed. IRC P2717.1 ASME A112.1.3 or A112.1.2
2. Plumbing fixture traps not leaking, hot water faucet located on the left, water supply valve properly installed. IRC P2503.5.2
3. Kitchen range oven anti-tip device installed by the listing and manufacturers instruction. M1901.2
4. Garbage disposal, dishwasher, and trash compactors properly installed and grounded. IRC P2717.2
5. Attic access accessible. IRC R807.1
6. Smoke detectors installed and audible in all rooms. IRC R314.1
7. Bathroom and kitchen receptacles on GFCI. IRC E3902.1 & E3902.6
8. Bathroom receptacles minimum of one 20 amp circuit be provided to supply bathroom receptacle outlets. Such circuits shall have no other outlets. IRC E3703.4
9. Bathroom receptacle adjacent to each basin location. IRC E3901.6
10. Arc-fault protection of all outlets in bedrooms. IRC E3902.16
11. Switched outlet or light in each habitable room. IRC E3903.2
12. All electrical receptacles properly wired. All installed switched, lights, fans and appliances properly functioning. IRC
E3801
13. Shower enclosure minimum 900 sq. in (30”x30”). Enclosure extends 70” above drain. Door safety glazed. Hinged
shower doors shall open outward. IRC P2708.1
14. Plumbing cleanouts accessible and covered. IRC P3005.2
15. Guard rails and hand rails properly installed. IRC R312.1
16. Combustion air provided to water heather and/or FAU within an enclosure, interior space or attic. IRC M1701.1
17. Combustion air provided to fire place per listing requirements. IRC M 1701.1
18. Water closets shall conforms to the water consumption requirements of section P2903.1. Water closets that permit backflow of the contents of the bowl into the flush tank shall be prohibited. IRC P2712.1
19. A minimum of one 20 amp-rated branch circuit be provided for receptacles located in the laundry area. IRC E3703.3
20. When Main pressure exceeds 80 PSI, an approved pressure reducing valve shall be installed on the domestic water branch main or riser at the connection to the water service pipe. IRC P2903.3.1

This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.