Real-world examples of building permit inspections: practical examples that actually happen on site

Before we talk about forms or code sections, let’s walk through situations you can actually imagine. These are the kinds of real examples inspectors see every single week.

Picture a small kitchen remodel in a 1970s house. The homeowner pulls a permit to remove a wall, add recessed lights, and move the sink. During the rough framing and electrical inspection, the inspector:

• Checks that the new beam replacing the wall is sized correctly and supported all the way down to a footing.
• Confirms the electrician used the right circuit size for the new outlets over the countertops.
• Looks for GFCI protection near the sink and AFCI protection for most of the kitchen circuits.

If the beam is undersized or the wiring is sloppy, the inspector fails the inspection, writes notes on the permit card, and the contractor fixes it before calling for a re‑inspection.

That’s a simple, real example of a building permit inspection in action. Now let’s walk through more practical examples, from small DIY jobs to big commercial projects.

Foundation and footing checks: early examples of building permit inspections

One of the best examples of building permit inspections that people underestimate is the footing and foundation inspection. It happens early, but it sets the tone for the entire project.

Imagine you’re adding a 200‑square‑foot deck to the back of a house. You’ve dug holes for the posts, and the inspector arrives before any concrete is poured. In this example of an inspection, they will typically:

• Measure the depth of the holes to confirm they reach below the local frost line (often 30–48 inches in many U.S. climates).
• Check the diameter of the holes against the approved plans.
• Look at the soil at the bottom to make sure it’s undisturbed and not loose fill.
• Verify any rebar or post anchors match the engineered drawings.

If you decided to “eyeball” the depth and only dug 18 inches because it was faster, the inspector will fail the inspection. Why? Shallow footings can heave and move in freezing weather, which can crack decks, additions, and even house foundations.

For a new house, this same type of inspection is more detailed. Inspectors may look at:

• Footing layout compared to the site plan.
• Steel reinforcement placement.
• Anchor bolt locations for the future sill plates.

These early inspections are some of the best examples of building permit inspections where catching a problem now saves a fortune later.

For a sense of how codes are developed and updated, see the International Code Council (ICC), which publishes the model International Building Code and International Residential Code used by many U.S. jurisdictions: https://www.iccsafe.org

Framing inspections: practical examples inside the walls

Framing inspections are where the structure starts to look like a building, and they offer some of the clearest examples of building permit inspections: practical examples you can walk through.

Take a simple one‑story addition. The framing inspection usually happens after the walls are up and the roof is framed, but before insulation. During this visit, inspectors often:

• Check that wall studs are spaced correctly (often 16 inches on center for many residential walls).
• Look at headers over windows and doors to confirm they match the plans.
• Confirm that joists and rafters are properly sized and not overspanned.
• Verify that hold‑downs, straps, and shear walls are installed where the plans call for them.

Here’s a real example: a contractor trims a shear wall to add a wider patio door, but forgets to update the plans or reinforce the wall. The inspector notices the missing shear panel during the framing inspection and fails it. The fix might involve adding new hold‑downs, re‑sheathing the wall, or revising the engineering.

On the flip side, one of the best examples of a smooth framing inspection is when the contractor:

• Has the approved plans on site.
• Leaves all structural connections visible.
• Pre‑labels any engineered components.

The inspector can walk through, compare framing to the plans, and sign off with minimal questions.

Rough electrical inspections: real examples of what fails and what passes

Electrical work is one of the most heavily inspected parts of a project, and it offers many real examples of building permit inspections that protect safety.

Imagine a basement finish project. The homeowner has hired an electrician, pulled an electrical permit, and now the inspector arrives for the rough electrical inspection before drywall goes up. In this example of an inspection, the inspector might:

• Check that cable is stapled properly and protected from physical damage.
• Verify that outlet spacing along walls meets code so there aren’t long stretches without receptacles.
• Confirm that bathroom and laundry areas have the right dedicated circuits.
• Test GFCI and AFCI breakers where required.

A very common failure example: the electrician installed junction boxes above the future drywall with no access panel. The inspector flags this because electrical junctions must remain accessible. The fix is to relocate or reconfigure the wiring so the box is reachable from a closet or unfinished space.

If you want to understand why inspectors are strict about this, look at guidance from safety organizations like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which highlight wiring issues as a major source of residential fires: https://www.nfpa.org

Plumbing and mechanical inspections: practical examples behind the fixtures

Plumbing and HVAC (mechanical) inspections give more examples of building permit inspections that most people never see—but they feel the consequences if something goes wrong.

Consider a bathroom remodel where you’re moving the toilet and shower. During the rough plumbing inspection, the inspector may:

• Check pipe sizes for drains and vents.
• Look at the slope of horizontal drain lines to prevent clogs.
• Confirm venting is adequate so traps don’t siphon dry.
• Require a water test or air test on the system (pipes filled with water or pressurized air to check for leaks).

A real‑world failure example: the contractor runs the shower drain with almost no slope because the joists are in the way. The inspector spots standing water in the pipe during inspection and requires re‑piping. Annoying? Yes. But it prevents years of slow drainage and potential backups.

For mechanical (HVAC) work, a practical example might be a new gas furnace and duct system. The mechanical inspector will often:

• Verify clearances to combustibles.
• Check venting and combustion air requirements.
• Confirm that ducts are sealed and supported correctly.
• Look at condensate drains for high‑efficiency units.

If a contractor vents a gas appliance into an attic instead of outside, the inspector will absolutely fail the inspection. That’s a life‑safety issue, not a minor detail.

For health and indoor air quality topics related to building systems, agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offer helpful background: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

Final inspections: examples of building permit inspections at the finish line

The final inspection is where everything comes together. It’s also one of the best examples of building permit inspections that homeowners actually witness.

Imagine a full house remodel. Walls are painted, cabinets are in, fixtures are installed, and the landscaping looks great. The inspector walks through with the approved plans and permit card in hand. In this practical example, they might:

• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Check that guardrails and handrails are the right height and spacing.
• Confirm that required egress windows open properly in bedrooms.
• Look for GFCI and AFCI protection at kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, and outdoor outlets.
• Verify that all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough trades) are signed off.

A common failure example at final inspection is surprisingly simple: missing address numbers visible from the street, missing handrails on a few exterior steps, or missing tempered glass where it’s required near doors or tubs.

The inspector may issue a conditional approval (sometimes called a temporary certificate of occupancy) if there are minor issues that don’t affect safety, or they may require corrections before anyone moves in.

For background on occupancy and safety concepts, see guidance from the U.S. Fire Administration: https://www.usfa.fema.gov

Special inspections and 2024–2025 trends: newer examples of building permit inspections

Not all inspections are done by the city inspector in a pickup truck. Larger or more complex projects often require special inspections by third‑party engineers or testing agencies. These provide more advanced examples of building permit inspections that have become more common in 2024–2025.

Some current trends and examples include:

Energy and insulation inspections
Many jurisdictions now require inspections focused on energy efficiency. Inspectors or energy raters may:

• Check insulation R‑values in walls, attics, and floors.
• Inspect air sealing at penetrations and around windows.
• Witness blower‑door tests to measure air leakage.

With updated energy codes being adopted across the U.S., these are growing examples of building permit inspections that didn’t exist in many areas 15–20 years ago.

Solar and battery system inspections
With the growth of rooftop solar and home battery systems, inspectors now regularly review:

• Roof attachment details and weatherproofing for solar racks.
• Electrical connections, disconnects, and labeling for PV systems.
• Battery enclosure ventilation and clearances.

These inspections combine structural, electrical, and sometimes fire‑safety concerns. They’re modern, practical examples of how permit inspections evolve as technology changes.

Accessibility and life safety inspections
For commercial buildings and multifamily housing, inspectors and specialists look at accessibility features and life‑safety systems. Practical examples include:

• Measuring door clear widths and ramp slopes.
• Checking grab bar placement in accessible restrooms.
• Testing fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting.

These inspections are guided by standards and laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Department of Justice maintains ADA resources and technical assistance: https://www.ada.gov

How to prepare: using these practical examples to pass your inspections

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of building permit inspections, let’s talk about how to use them to make your own project smoother.

One effective approach is to walk your project as if you’re the inspector the day before you call for an inspection. For example:

• Before a footing inspection, grab a tape measure and verify depth and diameter at several holes. Check that rebar is tied and chairs or spacers keep it off the soil.
• Before a framing inspection, compare the built framing to the approved plans. Look at headers, beams, and any notes about shear walls or straps.
• Before rough electrical and plumbing inspections, make sure everything that needs to be visible is not covered by insulation or drywall yet.

Another practical tip from the best examples of successful inspections: have documents ready. Keep on site:

• The approved plans with any revisions clearly marked.
• Truss or engineered lumber shop drawings, if applicable.
• Product approvals for windows, doors, or special hardware, if your jurisdiction asks for them.

Finally, recognize that inspectors are not your enemy. In many of the best examples of building permit inspections, the inspector ends up pointing out a problem that saves the owner money or avoids a safety hazard. You don’t have to agree with every comment, but staying professional, asking questions, and taking notes goes a long way.

FAQs: examples of common questions about building permit inspections

What are some typical examples of building permit inspections on a small home project?
On a small project like a deck, bathroom remodel, or basement finish, examples include footing inspections (before concrete), rough framing inspections (after framing but before drywall), rough electrical and plumbing inspections, and a final inspection to confirm everything is safe and matches the approved plans.

Can you give an example of something minor that still fails an inspection?
A very common example of a “minor” item that fails is missing GFCI protection at a kitchen or bathroom outlet, missing smoke alarms in bedrooms and hallways, or a handrail that’s slightly too low or too high. These seem small, but they relate directly to safety, so inspectors take them seriously.

Do all jurisdictions use the same examples of inspection stages?
Most U.S. jurisdictions follow similar stages—foundation, framing, rough trades, insulation/energy, and final—but the exact list and timing vary. Some cities add special inspections for energy codes, solar, or fire systems. Always check your local building department’s inspection checklist or website; many post sample schedules and examples of required inspections.

Are there examples of projects that don’t need building permit inspections at all?
Yes. Many areas exempt very small projects, like low fences, small sheds under a certain size, or simple cosmetic work such as painting and flooring. However, structural changes, new plumbing, new electrical circuits, and most additions almost always require permits and inspections. Your local building department’s website usually lists examples of work that does and does not require permits.

Where can I find official examples of inspection requirements for my area?
Start with your city or county building department website. Many provide inspection guides and checklists with examples of what inspectors look for. For background on how codes are created and updated, the International Code Council (ICC) is a good reference. For accessibility and safety requirements, the ADA and U.S. Fire Administration resources are helpful. When in doubt, call your local building department and ask for an inspection checklist for your specific permit type.

When you look at these real‑world examples of building permit inspections, practical examples stop feeling mysterious and start feeling like a predictable part of the building process. If you can picture what the inspector wants to see at each stage, you’re already halfway to a smooth approval.