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Inspections are conducted on any residential project that requires a permit. Having work inspected lets everyone know that the work has been done safely and correctly.
Service Hours
- Monday:
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8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Tuesday:
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8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Wednesday:
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8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Thursday:
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8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Friday:
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8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Saturday:
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Closed
- Sunday:
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Closed
When to Request an Inspection
This guide explains when to request each inspection and what must be ready before an inspector arrives. Following these steps can help prevent delays and keep the project moving smoothly.
Temporary Pole - Construct to meet utility company standards and the 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. The building official shall determine whether to require a soil test to determine the soil’s characteristics at a particular location. This test shall be done by an approved agency using an approved method. Note: Deck footings may be requested as a separate inspection or with other building trade requests.
Foundation and Crawl Space - Foundation and crawl space inspections shall be made after all foundation supports are installed.
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, tests, mechanical ventilation, concealed ducts, and gas log inserts have been installed. Note: Plumbing, mechanical, and electrical components installed underground should be considered as rough-in inspections and may be inspected at any point during construction before covering.
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, and 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 after all applicable electrical, plumbing, and HVAC Final inspections have been approved, and all energy, life safety, and structural elements are complete and grade away from the dwelling.
Storm Damage
We often know when a storm is coming, but we can't predict the damage that may happen to our personal property. Check the After the Storm FAQ for important information on what to do if your property is damaged during a storm event.
Emergencies
Should an emergency happen on your property and emergency services are called to the scene, the on-site official will contact the proper City of Raleigh staff in order to assess the situation.