Preparing For Home Remodel Inspections
During and after a remodeling project, your professional construction work must be inspected to ensure it meets safety codes and building regulations. Prepare for these inspections when you follow several tips.
Understand What a Home Inspector Looks For
Home inspectors must ensure that remodeling projects follow applicable local building codes and regulations. During an inspection, the professional will check the home’s foundation, electrical wiring, plumbing, and other projects you complete.
When to Plan Home Inspections
Ideally, you’ll schedule remodeling projects in phases. Apply for applicable permits and schedule required inspections at each of these phases. This way, you know that all the work you complete is done right and meets local codes, and you can stay on track with your remodeling project.
Include Inspections in your Contract
Postpone an inspection of your remodel projects until the job is finished, and you could face a costly re-do that affects the project’s timeline. You could then be sued for breach of contract. For these reasons, include inspections in your contract.
The contract should include information about when the inspector will check your work and what you will do if the work doesn’t pass inspection. Even though your contractor liability insurance will cover a lawsuit, consider taking responsibility to fix any problems the inspector finds. This action gives your clients peace of mind, protects your professional reputation and supports your business success.
You can also include inspections in your payment schedule. In most cases, remodel projects are planned and paid for in phases. Therefore, you can agree that you will not be paid for a phase until the work you’ve done so far passes inspection.
What Happens During an Inspection
An inspector will visit the worksite and carefully check the remodeling progress you’ve made so far. The homeowner can choose to be present for the inspections if he or she wishes.
The inspector will give the work you’ve done a pass or fail grade. If you passed, you can continue working on the project. If you failed, you will receive a list of building codes you must meet. Complete the work, then schedule another inspection to have the work approved before you proceed.
After the Inspection
The inspector should file completed permits with your town’s building department. You’ll want to get copies of the permits and approved inspection reports. Give these documents to the homeowner for his or her records.
Hire Quality Inspectors
Be sure the inspectors you hire are licensed. They should also be familiar with remodeling inspections. You can interview inspectors or hire one based on word-of-mouth recommendations from other contractors.
Home inspections on remodeling projects verify that you’ve done the work properly. Utilize these tips as you operate your construction business.