Final Building, Energy & Certificate of Occupancy Checklist
Mandatory technical requirements and inspection checkpoints to guarantee passing municipal building inspections and avoiding re-inspection penalty fees.
📋 Critical Inspection Checkpoints
Interconnected hardwired alarms with battery backup inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every story.
Minimum 5.7 sq. ft. net clear opening (5.0 sq. ft. at grade), minimum 24-inch height, 20-inch width, sill height ≤ 44 inches.
Handrail height 34-38 inches; continuous graspable profile; guardrails minimum 36 inches high with 4-inch maximum baluster sphere gap.
All kitchen countertop, bathroom, laundry, outdoor, and garage outlets must trip properly under tester load.
Ground must slope away from foundation minimum 6 inches within the first 10 feet (5% fall).
❌ Top 4 Most Common Inspection Failures
- ❌ Non-functioning or non-interconnected smoke/CO detectors.
- ❌ Missing anti-tip bracket on kitchen cooking range.
- ❌ Handrails lacking continuous return to wall at top or bottom landing.
- ❌ Unsealed penetrations around exterior HVAC lines or electrical conduit.
💡 Re-Inspection Avoidance Protocol
Verify power and water are actively turned on for the inspector. Test every single GFCI outlet and ensure all appliances are installed and functional.
Need a Licensed Contractor or Code Expediter?
Work with certified professionals who guarantee code-compliant installations that pass municipal inspection on the first visit.