International Residential Code Guidelines
The following guidelines reflects the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code. NOTE: This document is not intended to include all the code regulations and changes in the 2018 IRC. This list is provided to give you a list of the items normally checked by building inspector; it is not all-inclusive. Please use this list only as a guide; it does not replace the codes. It is the responsibility of the licensed contractors, owner builders and the subcontractors to insure that their work is in full compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.
Inspection Procedure
The following sequence of inspections is enforced by municipalities served. It is the responsibility of the contractor to request an inspection. We request at least a 24 hour notice for inspections. Please have your permit number, 9-1-1 Street Address and type of inspection when calling for an inspection. It is the responsibility of the contractor to provide access and means for inspections. Work should not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection unless approved by the Building Inspector or Building Official. No building shall be occupied until all inspections have been completed and approved and a certificate of occupancy has been issued.
- Footing Inspection: When the footing/foundation is complete, call to schedule an inspection before concrete is poured. Click here for more details regarding footing inspection.
- Under Slab Inspection: Plumbing test should be on the fittings exposed. This inspection can be done in conjunction with the footing inspection, but you must request it when scheduling your footer inspection. Call before pour so under slab inspections can be performed. Click here for more details regarding under slab inspection.
- Foundation Inspection: Click here for more details regarding the foundation inspection.
- Energy Inspection: Click here for more details regarding the energy inspection.
- Wallboard and Wall Covering Inspection: Click here for more details regarding the wallboard and wall covering inspection.
- Rough-In Inspection: This inspection is made prior to the installation of insulation or sheetrock. The house is dried-in, framing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical should be roughed-in at this time. Click here for a Rough-In Inspection Guidelines.
- Final Inspection: This inspection occurs prior to occupancy. The building is complete at this stage with all code issues addressed. If you have an emergency and need this C of O on the same date, please let your inspector know. Click here for more details regarding this inspection.
The following guidelines are based on the 2018 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) and are designed to provide a practical reference for those involved in residential construction. It is important to note that this document does not encompass every code regulation or update included in the 2018 IRC, and it should not be considered a replacement for the full code. Instead, the list highlights common items that are typically inspected by building officials during construction projects, giving builders, subcontractors, and owner-builders a clearer sense of what to expect. While the checklist is helpful, compliance with all applicable codes and local ordinances remains the responsibility of licensed professionals and individuals undertaking construction work. Each project may present unique challenges, and careful attention to detail is essential to ensure safety, structural integrity, and adherence to regulations. Just as in healthcare, where consulting reliable resources on Amlodipine dosage and side effects is critical to patient safety, following construction codes thoroughly protects both the occupants and the integrity of the building. Contractors are encouraged to cross-reference these guidelines with the official IRC, review updates regularly, and seek professional advice when uncertainties arise. Proper planning, accurate documentation, and systematic inspections can prevent costly errors, reduce delays, and avoid potential violations. The guidelines also reinforce the importance of understanding foundational concepts, such as framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, which are central to any residential project. By using this list as a guide, project teams can organize their workflow efficiently, prioritize critical tasks, and maintain quality control throughout construction. Subcontractors should coordinate closely with primary contractors to ensure that all aspects of the work meet code requirements. Additionally, homeowners taking an active role in construction should familiarize themselves with these guidelines to communicate effectively with builders and inspectors. While the checklist provides a structured approach, it is essential to remain flexible and responsive to site-specific conditions, unexpected challenges, and changes in local building regulations. Ultimately, the goal is to create safe, durable, and code-compliant homes while equipping professionals and owners with the knowledge and foresight needed to succeed. By treating these guidelines as a foundational reference rather than a comprehensive authority, builders can combine practical insight with regulatory compliance to achieve high-quality results.