Construction projects must adhere to many codes and regulations. While some regulations are federal, many change depending on the municipality where the project is being done. Before a construction project can be completed, it must pass a building inspection.
Building inspections vary, but they’re part of the construction process for commercial, residential and industrial projects. What is a building inspection, when does it happen and what does it cover? We explain everything you need to know.
What Is a Building Inspection?
A building inspection is a review of the work done on a construction project by a building inspector, who is employed by the city, township or county in which the project is located. The building inspector will review the job site to ensure it complies with safety regulations and building codes. It’s a comprehensive assessment of the building’s structural integrity, safety and compliance with local building codes and regulations.
The building inspector is usually certified in one or more of the professional building disciplines to have the skills and knowledge needed to judge whether a building meets code requirements. There are different certifications for residential and commercial building inspectors, as well as inspectors who focus on plumbing, electrical or mechanical project aspects.
It’s crucial to pass building inspection to deliver the project successfully. General contractors must convey to their crew and subcontractors the code requirements for every aspect of the job to ensure the work passes inspection. This must be all planned. Not doing so risks having to bring the work up to code, sometimes razing structures and rebuilding them, which will delay the schedule and add costs that will negatively affect the project’s profit margin.
The building inspection examines the condition of the property and structure to determine if it’s sound and meets legal requirements. The building inspector will check on the stability and compliance with the safety regulations of the building. This includes the following.
There are many different types of building inspections. Almost every phase and feature of the building has specific requirements. From inspections of masonry pre-grout, wall drainage piping and the roof system to all frame and rough, insulation and the final inspection, the list of building inspections is long and varied. Rather than go into detail, here are some of the larger, more comprehensive types of building inspections one finds on a construction job site.
Evaluates the building and/or property used for commercial purposes and is intended to drive profit from operations or rental income. Commercial construction can include cafes, retail stores, warehouses, factories, office buildings, multi-family and single-family residential units, restaurants, etc. A commercial building inspection seeks to discover any issues with the property. They tend to occur at the start and end of a tenancy or during the buying or selling of the property.
A qualified inspector will assess the property’s condition. This pre-purchase building inspection covers a range of areas, from roofs to walls. It identifies faults and informs the potential buyer as to whether they can be repaired and, if so, what the cost for those repairs would be.
A structural engineer executes the visual inspection to confirm the structural integrity of the building’s weight-bearing elements, such as its framing, foundation, beams, columns, posts or trusses. A structural building inspection is done when a building or property owner is questioning how sound their structure is or when an element of the building requires examination.
A building safety inspection is an on-site walk-through that identifies hazards to occupants and personnel. It then offers remedial action to resolve these issues. There’s also a review of safety equipment on site, such as emergency eyewash, shower, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, etc., to ensure it’s in proper working order.
A pre-sale home inspection is a detailed examination of a home’s condition. It is completed before the home is listed for sale on the market.
The pre-sale inspection process involves qualified home inspectors doing a walkthrough. And hands-on evaluation of the interior and exterior of the home. This way, the inspectors identify any issues, defects, or needed repairs in the home’s major systems and structure.
During the inspection, the home inspector will carefully examine different areas of your home. Including roof and attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and interior. They’ll assess the elements like the basement, foundation, and structural components.
Exterior elements are also covered, such as siding, decks, porches, pools, hot tubs, and drainage. The kitchen and its appliances, bathrooms, and fixtures – nothing can go unnoticed by your inspectors’ eyes.
They will also test your home’s systems for good physical and working conditions. This may include plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Also, check your place’s insulation, ventilation, and energy efficiency.
The Pre-Sale Inspection Checklist
When getting a home inspection before selling, there are several major areas that are considered through the pre-sale inspection checklist. Knowing what aspects of the home will be under strict examination will help sellers prepare for it. Let’s go through each element of the pre-sale inspection checklist.
Before you buy a property, it’s always a good idea to understand the condition of the building. If the building is old or there are issues that could be potentially costly, a condition report can provide an impartial, third-party view of the current state of repairs and maintenance at a property.
As a prospective owner, a property condition assessment offers benefits that can help you now and in the future. Some of these benefits include:
What is in a condition report?
The Chartered Surveyor who writes the report should have a thorough knowledge of building regulations, energy efficiency, safety issues and other property-related matters. This will enable them to write a clear, concise report on the condition of the property.
The report should include a breakdown of the state of the fixtures and fittings, such as the plumbing and electrics. This should be done by assessing the condition of the items, not by testing them. You will receive two copies of the report from the surveyor: one for you and one for the other party involved in the transaction.
To ensure that everything is running to perfection and meets the standards we demand, we make our own pre-handover inspection. This will include testing all your appliances, running the heating and hot water systems and testing the plumbing and the power. We will also check all the finishing work including paint work, doors, tiling, door handles, window latches and all those little details which will make living in your new home a pleasure.
We check inside of every kitchen unit, cupboard and wardrobe, the loft space, garage and all other areas to ensure your house is 100% clean and ready for occupation.
The pre handover inspection report is a comprehensive and detailed report that covers the whole house, where accessible and includes items like:
The Overall Quality Of The Finishes, I.e. Paintwork, Plastering, Tiling
Examine Wet Areas For Cracks And Leaks
Fixtures And Fittings
Roof Cover (Where Possible)
Roof Frame, Insulation And Sarking
Building Work, Brickwork And Cladding
Walls, Internal And External
Switches And Power Points
Ceilings
House Flooring
Doors And Frames, Internal And External
Windows And Frames, Internal And External
Patios, Balconies And Stairs
Cabinets And Wardrobes
Fences And Out Buildings
Termite Protection Barriers
By conducting a thorough practical completion inspection during the home building process, home owners can ensure that the property is in the agreed-upon industry standards and that all necessary repairs and maintenance have been completed.
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