ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Closed Wall Inspections

Bill:
As Harold indicated we perform CCO inspections on changes of occupancy for resi & commercial.
It consists of a visual inspection, basically looking for unsafe wiring that is "visable". I check electrical, and other inspectors check building, fire, plumbing, etc.
Any violations noted require repair, with the proper permits (homeowner allowed IF they live in house; commercial requires a lic. EC.
If the property passes the visuals they get a CCO (Continued Certificate of Occupancy)

As to "fished" work, we prefer to inspect it "rough" (before devices are installed) and final. But, sometimes it's only "Final".
I've had a few that needed the "sheetrock busters" but that is not a prevelant thing.
Most contractors, and owners understand the UCC rules.
John

Down here (over/up here?) it's been common for a long time for people to ignore permits and inspections until it's time to sell. This way they avoid paying taxes on these improvements and just get a 'survey' or 'closed wall' inspection when they have to. Some jurisdictions have been getting tough on this lately though. I have not seen any problems firsthand yet though, I do expect to see some eventually if they are serious about it.

Bill

the rough -in is required, before the walls are up here in mississippi

In NE our state electrical act says that the inspector will inspect the "rough in" with the walls open and who ever closes up the walls before the rough in will pay for the drywall to be removed for inspection and the reinstallation of the drywall. Those who try to play the game of going to court to hurry the job up get power removed untill the open wall inspection is done. All written into state law. Those who (anyone not just the sparky) wilfully violates the state electrical act can be charged with a class one misdemenor. Class one misdemenor has $1000.00 fine and/or 1 year in jail or both.

Now if only the DA would push it a little, a lot of generals/owners would quite screaming about the schedules so much.