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Versa-Codeä 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 CouncilÒ (ICCÒ) and related codes (e.g. International Residential Code (IRCÒ), Council of American Building Officials (CABO – the NFPA was a part of this also), Uniform Building CodeÒ (UBCÒ)) are indicated in the formal bracketed sections (the first entry in the ICC sections is the IRC 2000Ô code section, the second entry is the 1995 CABO reference, while the third entry is the 1997 UBCÒ reference).

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

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 45º 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}