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Inspection Requirements
Required Building Inspections for Single Family Residences, Duplexes, and Townhouses:
Building Inspections
- Footing:
- Footings must be free of standing water, loose dirt and debris.
- The ground in which the footings have been excavated must be of appropriate depth and bearing strength - either checked using soil probe by the Inspector or have been tested by an engineering firm.
- If footings are not passed on the first inspection, they must be re-inspected after corrective actions are taken and before placing concrete.
- Foundation Inspection:
- If a closed or sealed crawlspace is intended, this should be indicated on the job site plans.
- Interior grading of crawlspace is complete and the drain to daylight is installed.
- Exterior waterproofing and perimeter drainage has been installed.
- Slab Inspection:
- Strings are required to be placed from corner to corner to show slab thickness.
- Vapor barriers and insulation have been installed.
- If it is a monolithic slab, see requirements for footings above.
- Framing:
- A) Open Floor: (Courtesy Inspection).
- Inspected before sub flooring is installed.
- Floor framing to the foundation is complete, including all shims and squash blocking.
- B) Sheathing Inspection: (Courtesy Inspection).
- Inspected before house wrap or sheathing joint tape is applied.
- Exterior sheathing is complete with required nailing around the perimeter and in the field of the sheathing. Portal Framing will also be inspected.
- Concealed insulation at bathtubs, fireplaces etc. has been installed.
- C) Full Framing:
- Foundation Survey is required at this time.
- All trade work (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) has been completed.
- Preinsulation - insulation baffles installed, chases and concealed areas insulated, insulation installed behind electrical boxes on exterior walls.
- A) Open Floor: (Courtesy Inspection).
- Insulation:
- If spray foam insulation is used, the installers' certification letter must be provided.
- All required air barriers have been installed.
- Final inspection:
- Impervious Survey and Sealed Soil Engineering (if required) are due at this time.
- Concrete tickets and termite treatment report are due.
Electrical Inspections
- Service Pole: temporary connection for construction use only
- Rough-In: after all wiring is in place and prior to covering with insulation or Sheetrock
- Floor Heat: after the wiring has been installed and before tile is installed
- Final: after all wiring is complete and ready for occupancy
Plumbing Inspections
- Slab: prior to pouring concrete
- Rough-In: after all plumbing is in place and prior to covering with insulation or Sheetrock
- Sewer: after connection is made to city system and prior to covering ditch
- Final: after all plumbing is complete
Mechanical Inspections
- Rough-In: after mechanical equipment is installed and prior to covering any ducts with insulation or Sheetrock
- Final: after all mechanical equipment is installed
- Duct Leakage Test: if needed per Energy Code
In addition to the specific items listed above, all requirements of the 2012 North Carolina Residential Code and Administrative Code will be enforced.
Contact Us
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City-County Inspections Department
101 City Hall Plaza
Durham, NC 27701Phone: 919-560-4144
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200