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Versa-Code� New Construction Quality Control Kit

Full Series of Code Inspections Form

Introduction

This form is a checklist for defects in new construction in residential buildings. The items listed below are generally recognized as code items for residential construction, especially one and two family dwellings. Cross-references for similar items between different codes are referenced in brackets after the written code item.

The International Code Council� (ICC�) and related codes (e.g. International Residential Code (IRC�), Council of American Building Officials (CABO – the NFPA was a part of this also), Uniform Building Code� (UBC�)) are indicated in the formal bracketed sections (the first entry in the ICC sections is the IRC 2000� code section, the second entry is the 1995 CABO reference, while the third entry is the 1997 UBC� reference).

The National Fire Protection Association� (NFPA�) related codes are indicated in the rectangular bracketed sections. On plumbing and mechanical issues, the section listed applies to the Uniform Plumbing Code� and Uniform Mechanical Code�. On Electrical issues, the section listed applies to the National Electric Code�.

The following examples are given for further explanation:

Gas Furnace Electrical

         Central furnace not on individual circuit {3603.1; 4203.1}[422-12; 422-7]
         No fuse at disconnect unless thermally protected   {3303.3; NA}[430-32c1, rec’d]
         No 120V receptacle within 25 ft. on same level {3801.11; 4401.12}, [210-63*]
         No lighting switched at entry to equipment space {3803.4; 4403.3}[210-70c*]

The code sections listed in the formal brackets --{3603.1; 4203.1}-- represent the IRC provision, then the CABO provision respectively. If these brackets have a third entry or listing for a code section, it is the Uniform Building Code section, if applicable, as seen in the following line:

General Site Requirements

Approved plans/permit not available on site {106.3.1; 112/226.1; 196.4.2/108.2}

The code sections listed in the rectangular brackets -- [422-12; 422-7] -- represent the 2000 UMC provision, the ’97 (and then the ’94) provisions respectively. An “*” with only one code provision listed means that the same code provision applied to the earlier version(s) of the code (see above).

The following are relevant abbreviations for the form:

rec’d recommended for any one or more of the following reasons – local practice, accepted trade practice, recommendation to the consumer, etc.
< less than
> more than
= equal to
cons. conservation or energy principles
ex. exception
NA not applicable
Proh. prohibited
psc public service corporation or utility company requirement/recommendation
T precedes a table number found in the code
IS installation standard from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
AG G appendix of the IRC
o.c. on center

Preliminary Stage of Inspection

General/Foundation/Site

General Site Requirements
         Approved plans/permit not available on site {106.3.1; 112/226.1; 196.4.2/108.2}
          All permits not taken out (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical): except fences < or = to 6 ft., retaining walls < or = to 4 ft., sheds, painting {105.2}
          Special inspections not identified {109.2; 306.1; 1701.3}
General Building Issues
         Approved plans & permit or building card not on site {105.7}, [114.2]
         All inspection reports/drawings not on site {109.2; 113.1.5; 170.1}
         No energy conservation evaluation/report {1101.2}, [cons]
Retaining Walls
         > 48 in. of backfill/frontfill differential expected on retaining wall: engineering not provided {404.1.3; t404.1.1b;1609.2}
         > 4 ft. retaining wall or any size retaining wall with uphill load located above a 45� line from bottom of retaining wall (surcharge): no permit { 105.2; NA; 1611.6}
Temporary Power
         No temporary power {107.3},

Service Conductors

         No white tape/ paint at ends of black insulated neutral conductors {3307.1; 3907.1}[200-6b*]
         Wire size-< #8 Cu or < #6 Al unless only one branch circuit then branch circuit size OK {3503.2ex. 1 &2; 4102.1.3}[200-6b; 230-23b/230-31b]
         No Antioxidant grease at aluminum terminals or
         Aluminum to Copper wiring change: Non-CU/ALR connectors {3306.8; 3906.8}[110-14*/110-3b]
         < 18 in. of conductor at weatherhead {psc*}[psc*]
         Inadequate guy wire/support for temporary pole (incl. utility spec.) {3504.5; psc}[230-28; psc]
         Not all 125V 15-, 20-, & 30-amp receptacles GFCI protected {NA; 4402.3}[305-6a*]
         < 18 ft. above public (streets, alleyways, etc.) or parking areas     {3504.2.2; 4104.2.2}[230-24b; psc]
         < 12 ft. above residential property/driveways {3504.2.2; 4104.2.2}[230-24b; psc]
         < 10 ft. above pedestrian traffic {3504.2.2; 4104.2.2}[230-24b; psc]

Footings Stage of Inspection (pre-pour)

Footings:
         Seismic Categories D1&D2: < 3 in. clearance of rebar to soil or
                     < #4 (1/2 in.) vertical bar or > 4ft. on center {403.1.3}
                     < #4 (1/2 in.) bar in top and bottom of footing/wall {403.1.3.1,2; see t                   404.1.b; 1806.7.1}
                     < 8.75 in. from soil sidewall to rebar at side in l2 in. walls {T404.1.1(3)}
                     < 6.75 in. from soil sidewall to rebar at side in 10 in. walls {T404.1.1                   (4)}
                     < 5 in. from soil sidewall to rebar at side in 8 in. walls {T404.1.1(2)}
                     Monolithic footing: < one #5 (5/8in.) or two #4 (1/2 in.) bars in middle                   third of footing {403.1.3.2ex.}
         < 12 in. overlap at splice lap or engineered
         < 20 in. if 1/2 in. rebar {rec’d; rec’d; 1912.16.1}
         Bricks/etc. used instead of Adobies@ to raise rebar above soil {403.1.3; NA; 1907.7.1}
         Footings not on undisturbed soil {403.1; Fig. 403.1a}, [NA, NA]
       Wood foundation footings: basement with < 8 in. or crawlspace with < 6 in. stone, etc. footing
Site Slope/Grade
         > 1 in 10 slope to proposed bottom surface of footing: foundation not stepped (e.g. to satisfy frost line requirements) {403.1.5; 401.3.1.1; 1806.4}
         $1 in 3 slope near or on house lot:
                     Difference in elevation between flat spot/yard of uphill house                   compared with flat spot/yard of downhill house times one half, is greater                   than the distance from bottom of slope/hill to closest downhill house
                wall. {403.1.7; NA; fig.18-I-1}
                     Difference in elevation between flat spot/yard of uphill house                   compared with flat spot/yard of downhill house times one third, is greater                   than the distance from top of slope/hill to uphill house footing
General Site Requirements
         Top of foundation < l2 in.+ 1 inch in 50 inch grade above street gutter (unless bldg. inspector approves) {403.1.7.3; 401.3; 1806.5.5}
         < 3 ft. to property line without 1 hr. construction or with openings {302.1; 302.1/302.2; t-5a}

Foundation Forms Stage of Inspection

Foundations

Concrete Forms Issues

         Unsleeved/unarched pipe openings/pipes in forms or under footings {2603.5}; {3103.5}; {313.2}
         Top, sides and end of proposed wood beam to rest on block/concrete with < 1/2 in. air space to concrete (but can rest bottom face of board on concrete). {323.1(4); 322.1.4; 2306.6}
Access Openings
         Mechanical equipment in crawlspace: Less than 22 in. x 30 in. {1305.1.4}
         No mechanical equipment in crawlspace: Less than l8 in. x 24 in. {408.3; 409.2; 2306.3}
         Vents < 3 ft. of property line {302.2ex.2; NA; t-5a}
         Vent openings not within 3 ft. of each corner {408.1}