Inspections

Types & Sequences of Inspections

T-Pole

Buildings must have temporary electrical power during construction.

Ground Plumbing / Water Line

Call 281.336.6293 for inspection prior to back filling. The pipes must have a water test on them with 10-foot head pressure. Water lines are only allowed from the tap to the building with pressure gauge (60 PSIG).

Slab

Prior to concrete being poured, the moisture barrier must be sealed, tub buckets in place, mastic on pipes, cables or rebar set, and wire mesh and anchor bolts must be in place. The string line needs to be across forms to show the intended thickness of concrete. If you are in a flood zone, you must provide a FEMA elevation certificate, verified by a surveyor, with sections C, D, and E completed. 

Water / Sewer Lines 

Sewer pipes must have water in them with 10-foot head pressure.

Framing & Windstorm / Hurricane Reinforcement

Structures must be framed and braced only - no decking or sheathing. Wind bracing and strapping needs to be completed.

Cover Up

All wiring, plumbing, and HVAC components are roughed in. Doors and windows are set, roofing completed, and structure dried in. The plumbing (water and sewer) must have water test, and the gas pipes must have an air test ready (20 PSIG or 12 inches of mercury).

Brick Tie / Stucco Lath

Buildings are weathered-in, with ties nailed 16 inches on center horizontally and vertically.

Final Gas / Final Electric

All electrical work is completed and trimmed to permanent power. Gas lines must have an air test (3 PSIG or 6 inches of mercury).

Concrete Flatwork

This includes driveways, sidewalks, decks, etc. This occurs after forms and expansion joints are up, and reinforcing is indicated, but before concrete is poured.

Pool Concrete

After excavation and before concrete or gunite is in place, reinforcing needs to be in place.

Note: Pool excavation needs to remain clear of the building's foundation load bearing area, and the swimming pool water line has to be at least 5 feet from any property line.

Pool Plumbing & Electrical

This inspection is before cover-up, but after the plumbing is installed and connected and the grounding loop is attached to reinforcing steel.

Pool Deck

This is done after forms and expansion joints are complete, and all in-deck electrical and plumbing is finished.

Final Pool

This is done after all pool construction and mechanical work is completed, and pool fences and self-closing gates are installed.

Final Occupancy

Before final occupancy, the structure must be completely finished and ready to be occupied. A plot plan, showing as-built site utilities must be completed for the Building Department's records. Landscaping must be in place. No occupancy is permitted until the final inspection has been completed. The permanent address number must be on structure.

Note: For commercial finals, the Office of the Fire Marshal will also have to conduct inspections. The Building Department cannot schedule for that office.