Residential Required Inspections

The following inspections are typically required for new single-family dwellings. Not all inspections are required for remodels, additions, and other projects. If you have questions as to which inspections are required for your project, consult with the Spartanburg County Building Codes Staff.

1. Footings and Slabs (Includes Footings for Post)
Footing and slab inspections are made after excavation, any forms are erected, and placement of reinforcing steel (If required) is in place, and grade pins are installed. Footing and slab inspections are made prior to placement of concrete. Vapor barrier for slabs should be in place.

2. Foundation Walls and/or Grade Beam Steel Reinforcement 
Masonry and concrete foundation wall inspections are made after all masonry units and steel reinforcement (If Required) are in place. Grade beam/poured wall inspections are made after all forms are erected and reinforcing steel is in place and prior to the placement of concrete. Backfill should not be placed against foundation wall until inspection has passed. Foundation inspections should be done prior to framing.  (Foundation walls that not constructed from designs outlined in the International Residential Code must have a third party design)

3. Under Slab Plumbing/Electrical/ Gas
Under slab plumbing and pressure test inspection is made prior to back-filling and pouring of the concrete slab. Drain-waste vents require a 5 ft. water stack test or 5 psi air test.

Underground electrical inspections are to be made prior to the placement of concrete or back-filling with dirt. See table 300.5 of the 2014 NEC for burial depth.

Underground gas piping and pressure test are made prior to back filling or placement of concrete. Gas piping requires a minimum 10-psi air test for 15 minutes. Minimum coverage of earth for trenches is 12 inches. Nonmetallic gas piping requires an 18-gauge tracer wire installed adjacent to the pipe that extends above grade at each end. All underground gas piping must be inspected and tested.

4. Rough-In Inspections (Framing, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing)

Note: All rough-in inspections shall be complete, scheduled and inspected at the same time. All previously required inspections must be signed off prior to scheduling rough-in inspections.

A. Rough Framing
The rough framing inspection is made after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, continuous load path columns, blocking, and wind bracing is in place. Engineered design and layout for manufacturer’s structural components such as trusses or wood “I” joist must be on site at the time of the inspection. If engineered trusses are used, provide the original truss engineered signed and sealed sheets (these are typically delivered with the trusses).

B. House Wrap Inspection
The house wrap inspection is made after water resistant barrier and windows have been installed and before exterior veneer or other siding is installed.

C. Rough Electrical
The rough electrical inspection is made prior to covering or concealing walls, ceilings, and floors. This inspection includes placement of all wiring, outlet boxes, and feeders entering into panel(s). All grounding conductors shall be made up in boxes.

D. Rough Plumbing
The rough plumbing inspection is made prior to covering or conceling walls, ceilings, and floors. This inspection includes drain-waste and vent lines, vent(s), and water supply lines. DWV plumbing requires a 5 psi air test or 10 ft water stack test. Water supply piping requires a minimum 50 psi air test or must be under normal operating conditions.

E. Rough Mechanical
The rough HVAC inspection is made prior to covering or concealing walls, ceilings, and floors. This inspection includes the placement and installation of supply boots and return air, bath exhaust fans, dryer vents, gas fire place inserts, gas fired appliance vents, supply and return ductwork (attics), HVAC line sets and condensate drains, and installation of all gas piping.

F. Insulation Inspection
This inspection is made after all rough-in inspections have passed. The insulation inspection is to be made when insulation has been installed but prior to covering or concealing walls, ceilings, floors.

5. Permanent Power Release 
The permanent power release inspection is made after all rough-in inspections and the insulation inspection has passed. The meter base and main panel must be installed with at least one branch circuit made up. Two ground rods are required spaced at least 6ft apart.

6. Gas Release
The gas meter release inspection is made after sheetrock or wall coverings are in place. A minimum 10 psi air test on gas lines. All gas appliance must be in place and vented except stove/range, dryer, and water heater if in garage (water heater vent must be in place). All other gas outlets must have shut off valves and capped or plugged.   Gas line must be bonded to electrical panel.

 7. Final Inspection
The final building inspection occurs when the project is fully complete, and all previously required inspections have been signed off.

A. Final Framing
The final framing inspection requires all rooms and areas to be complete in every safety aspect, including handrails, guardrails, landings, fire separation walls, tempered glass (where required), and door and egress requirements.

B. Electrical
The final electrical inspection requires all fixtures and service panel to be complete. All cover plates installed, all devices and lighting functional, circuit breakers in panel labeled, and all circuits energized.

C. Plumbing
The final plumbing inspection requires that all fixtures be set and operational including water heater.

D. Mechanical
The final mechanical requires that all heating and cooling equipment and required ventilation be in place and operational. Registers and grilles must be in place at this time. Kitchen ranges must be set and anti- tilt installed.

E. Exterior and Finished Grade
All exterior roof and wall covering/veneers (Vinyl, masonry, fiber cement siding, etc...), are required to be in place. The finished grade is required to be complete and allow for positive drainage away from structure. 4 inch street address numbers shall be posted on structure and at street if more than 50 ft from roadway.

Certificate of Occupancy
Certificates of occupancy are issued only for new dwellings. A certificate of occupancy is not issued for addition or remodel projects. Certificates of occupancy may be obtained the next business day after the final inspection has been approved.

Residential Required Inspections (printable version)