Home Remodeling Inspection

Project Inspections

Depending on your jurisdiction, there may two
mandatory inspection teams.

1. County and Local Inspectors
   
   
   • all major construction will need to pass certain building codes.
     
     
   • county officials will send inspectors to review the work and certify the work.
     
     
   • county inspectors work in your favor ensuring that the work is done properly — so ask questions if needed
     
     
   • if the work fails inspection, the work will need to be corrected and a follow up inspection will take place usually at an additional re-inspection fee
     
     
   • inspections will usually occur at the end of a remodeling construction phase — example, after complete wiring
     
     
   • find out with the county or your builder when these inspections will take place — you will want to be present
     
     
   • sub-contractors will generally arrange their own inspections — find out when
     
     
   • note that county inspections DO NOT check for quality — they only inspect to see if the work meets building codes
     
     
     Information about building codes:
     http://www.b4ubuild.com/links/codes.shtml
     building codes:
     http://www.codecheck.com/
     
     Lookup county and city governments for building code information:
     http://www.statelocalgov.net
     
     
     
2. Financial Institution Inspections
   
   
   • if your remodeling project requires bank financing that exceeds the LTV value of your existing home, the lender may require inspection during phases of the remodeling construction
     
     
   • your lender will generally make inspections at end of each construction phase to see if the money is being used as intended, for the projects that were scheduled, and at the amount that was approved in the construction plan
     
     
   • bank inspectors are not construction inspectors — they come to view the completion of work, take some pictures, and confirm that the funds were properly used
     
     
   • bank inspectors DO NOT check for quality or whether the project has been done right

Construction Inspections

Having your home improvement construction thoroughly inspected by an independent inspector prior to making any payments

• The sub-contractor is under contract to deliver the framing, plumbing, heating, electrical, etc. as specified in the construction contract.
  
  The question for you is whether the work has been done properly. You may never know until after you paid the contractor.
  
  
  
• Understand this rule: he that holds the money dictates the terms.
  
  Never pay a contractor until you have inspected the work to contract specifications. Once that money leaves your hand, you have lessen your negotiating power with the sub-contractor.
  
  Note: the sub-contractor is required to deliver a product as specified in the construction contract. Just because you don't like the "color" for example, gives you the right to withhold payment.
  
  It is important that you discuss the project plan with the sub-contractor prior to services delivered. Avoid any misunderstandings or surprises.
  
  
  
• In some jurisdictions, county inspectors may check the sub-contractor work as it relates to building codes, not the quality of work.
  
  You will need to hire an independent inspector to review the quality of work. These inspectors will check the quality of the work and determine whether the work has been completed as specified and agreed to in the construction plan and contract.
  
  Any work that fails inspection must be written up by the inspector. The inspector must state reasons for failure as it relates to the construction plan and contract.
  
  This inspection report can be used to negotiate re-work prior to payment.
  
  For more information on construction inspection:
  http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos004.htm

Finding / Working with Your Inspector

or use the local Yellow Pages to search architects:
search yellow pages for home architect

Other Places to Look:

• Ask your builder, county officials, real estate agent, attorney or lender to recommend a good construction inspector.
  
  Look for inspectors who are members of professional affiliations such as the Association of Construction Inspectors.
  
  The ACI sets the standards for construction inspections and requires its members to abide by a code of ethics and standards.
  
  Associations of Construction Inspectors:
  http://www.iami.org/
  
  
  

• Most inspecting companies will have Specification Inspectors, individuals who are specialized in a particular phase of the inspection.
  
  It is unlikely that you will work with the same inspector throughout all phases of the construction project.
  
  The cost for the inspection will vary by region and the size of the construction. You should accompany the inspector to ask questions and describe the work as it relates to the construction plan.
  
  Provide the inspector (or inspection company) a copy of the project specification plan. Discuss with them your vision of the remodeling project.
  
  The Inspection will assess the quality and condition of the following construction phase (as defined in your project specification plan):