Inspecting the Project

Get it inspected before you release any funds

Introduction
About Inspections
Build Inspections
Working w/ Inspector
What Inspected
navigate

introduction

It is highly recommended that you hire your own inspector to review the work completed as based on your remodeling specs. The inspector will check for completeness and quality of work.

Page Topics:

about project inspections
about build (construction) inspections
finding - working with your inspector
what will be inspected
contractor evaluation form
selecting contractor checklist

First Topic: Start w/ Proper Planning

project inspections

About Project Inspections

Project Inspections

Depending on your jurisdiction and the financing terms arranged with your lender, there may two mandatory inspection teams that will visit your site during the course of the construction project.

This is generally required for very large remodeling projects such as expanding the house our re-doing the entire inside.

County and Local Inspectors

all major construction will need to pass certain building codes. We discussed these building codes in spec planning.
county officials will send inspectors to review the work and certify the work.
county inspectors work in your favor ensuring that the work is done properly — so ask questions if needed
if the work fails inspection, the work will need to be corrected and a follow up inspection will take place usually at an additional re-inspection fee
inspections will usually occur at the end of a remodeling construction phase — example, after complete wiring
find out with the county or your builder when these inspections will take place — you will want to be present
sub-contractors will generally arrange their own inspections — find out when
note that county inspections DO NOT check for quality — they only inspect to see if the work meets building codes

About building codes:
b4ubuild.com/links/codes.shtml
Building codes:
codecheck.com
Lookup county and city governments for building code information:
statelocalgov.net

Financial Institution Inspections

if your remodeling project requires bank financing that exceeds the LTV value of your existing home, the lender may require inspection during phases of the remodeling construction
your lender will generally make inspections at end of each construction phase to see if the money is being used as intended, for the projects that were scheduled, and at the amount that was approved in the construction plan
bank inspectors are not construction inspectors — they come to view the completion of work, take some pictures, and confirm that the funds were properly used
bank inspectors DO NOT check for quality or whether the project has been done right

About Build (Construction) Inspections

Having your remodeling construction thoroughly inspected by an independent inspector prior to making any payments

The sub-contractor is under contract to deliver the framing, plumbing, heating, electrical, etc. as specified in the construction contract.

The question for you is whether the work has been done properly. You may never know until after you paid the contractor.

Money Rules

Understand this rule: he that holds the money dictates the terms.

Never pay a contractor until you have inspected the work to contract specifications. Once that money leaves your hand, you have lessen your negotiating power with the sub-contractor.

Note:
the sub-contractor is required to deliver a product as specified in the construction contract. Just because you don't like the "color" for example, does not give you the right to withhold payment.

It is important that you discuss the project plan with the sub-contractor prior to services delivered. Avoid any misunderstandings or surprises.

Building Code vs. Quality Work

In some jurisdictions, county inspectors may check the sub-contractor work as it relates to building codes, not the quality of work.

You will need to hire an independent inspector to review the quality of work. These inspectors will check the quality of the work and determine whether the work has been completed as specified and agreed to in the construction plan and contract.

Any work that fails inspection must be written up by the inspector. The inspector must state reasons for failure as it relates to the construction plan and contract.

This inspection report can be used to negotiate re-work prior to payment.

Finding and Working with an Inspector

We have partnered with Home Advisor to bring you the nation's premier network of "customer-rated" home inspectors.

use this quick search to find customer-rated home inspectors from your area.
	find a home inspector

Other Places to Look:

Ask your builder, county officials, real estate agent, attorney or lender to recommend a good construction inspector.

Look for inspectors who are members of professional affiliations such as the Association of Construction Inspectors.

The ACI sets the standards for construction inspections and requires its members to abide by a code of ethics and standards.

Specialized Inspestors

Most inspecting companies will have Specification Inspectors, individuals who are specialized in a particular phase of the inspection.

It is unlikely that you will work with the same inspector throughout all phases of the construction project.

The cost for the inspection will vary by region and the size of the construction. You should accompany the inspector to ask questions and describe the work as it relates to the construction plan.

Provide the inspector (or inspection company) a copy of the project specification plan. Discuss with them your vision of the remodeling project.