Step
7: Inspection
Building
Inspectors conduct inspections at various stages of construction, and
keep records on file for future reference. Beyond the immediate role of
ensuring safe construction, these inspection records provide
verification of no longer visible building elements located within a
building or structure. Lending institutions, appraisers, lawyers and
others can then rely upon these files in determining the value of a
building.
How to Request an Inspection
To request an inspection call our
Building Inspection Request Line.
Before requesting an inspection, all property corners must be clearly
marked. To speak directly with a building inspector, please call between
7 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday.
What the Inspector
Will Check During the Final Residential Building Inspection
To see a checklist
for the final residential building inspection,
click here.
When to Request Inspections
-
Footing and Setback Inspections:
Excavation for footings should be complete, and all required
reinforcing steel should be in place. Any required forms and all
bedding materials for an all-weather wood foundation system should
be in place.
- Foundation Wall Inspection:
Request this inspection after all forms and required reinforcement,
foundation vents and access openings are properly installed, but
before concrete placement.
- Concrete Slab Inspection: Request
this inspection after all in-slab building service equipment,
conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment are in
place, but before concrete placement. Please note: this inspection
is required only if any of the above in- or under- slab items were
installed.
- Shear Wall Nailing Inspection:
Request this inspection after all framing members have been
installed in the area where shear wall panels or lateral restraint
panels have been specified by a private engineer or by Thurston
County. Required hold-downs and strapping must be in place and all
nailing completed. No covering (installing siding, insulation,
wallboard, etc.) may begin until this inspection is done.
- Electrical Inspection: All
electrical wiring and hardware must be approved for cover and
service by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Electrical Inspection Division. You should request this inspection
by calling (360) 902-5799. Your Electrical Inspection must be
approved before requesting a Framing Inspection.
- Plumbing Rough-In Inspection:
Request this inspection after all drain, waste, vent and water
supply piping is installed and during water or air pressure testing.
This inspection may be approved before or at the same time as the
Framing Inspection.
- Mechanical Rough-In Inspection:
Request this inspection after all mechanical equipment and ducting
(including bath fans, range hood – if ducted, gas piping and wood
stove chimney(s) are installed and during air pressure testing of
the gas pipes. This inspection may be approved before or at the same
time as the Framing Inspection.
- Propane Tank Inspection:
Request this inspection if you have installed a propane tank that is
500 gallons or more (no permit is required for propane tanks that
are less than 500 gallons). This
inspection may be approved during the mechanical rough-in
inspection.
- Framing Inspection: Request
this inspection after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, windows,
chimneys, exterior siding and bracing are in place; all plumbing,
mechanical and electrical are approved for cover; and energy code
caulking and sealing are done.
- Insulation Inspection:
Request this inspection after all concealed areas (walls, cathedral
ceilings, etc.) are insulated, but before covering. Accessible
attics and under-floor areas will be inspected during the Final
Inspection.
- Gypsum Board Inspection:
Request this inspection after all interior and exterior gypsum board
is in place, but before plastering is done or gypsum board joints
and fasteners are taped and finished. This is not required if it is
a braced wall.
- Final Electrical Inspection:
After all electrical trim and appliances are installed, call the
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries at (360)902-5242
for a Final Electrical.
- Final Access Inspection:
When your driveway is installed, call Thurston County Development
Review/Public Works at (360) 867-2050 for a final inspection.
- Final Inspection: Request
this inspection after the grading is done, the septic as-built
drawing is approved, and the home is ready for occupancy. The
address that is clearly legible from the road should be posted.
Certificate of Final Approval
When all required inspections have been completed and approved, you
will receive a Certificate of Final Inspection. Your new home is now
ready for occupancy. Ask the building inspector approving the final
inspection of your home to give you the County copy of your approved
Building Plans. Please keep these plans, your Certificate of Final
Inspection, your permit card and other permit and construction documents
in a safe place for future reference. If you decide to remodel or build
an addition onto your home, these documents will serve as a record of
what was constructed on your site and as a useful reference for your
designer or builder. CONGRATULATIONS!
Contact Us
Thurston County Permit Assistance Center, 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW,
Olympia, WA 98502-6045.
Phone: (360) 786-5490. TDD line: (360) 754-2933. E-mail:
permit@co.thurston.wa.us.
