First City Inspection

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I will be going through my first city inspection in a couple weeks, what I should be prepared for? The city where I own the home doesn't have a check list or sheet to give me before the inspection. So I am just wondering from your experiences what things should I be prepared for and what things should I do prior to inspection to help me pass?

Also, my friend just told me in a nearby city if they find electrical violations they will force you to fix them with a permit and licensed electrician contractor ($$$). They also force you to have interconnected smoke detectors.

[Tom C]

Here is what my city requires..

Utilities must be on, including working furnace.

Smoke detectors on each floor. Some places require they be tied together. In this case you can buy $50 ones at Home Depot that all go off at the same time, but are not hardwired together.

Broken/cracked windows must be fixed or at least caulked with silicone.

Windows must be able to stay up on their own. Can use butter fly's in place of ropes.

Locks on windows.

Handrails on 4 steps or more

Railings on any porch or deck above 30".

Electrical systems.. If you have 3 prong outlets, must be grounded, will test. No loose wires, uncovered boxes, loose light fixtures, cracked plates. Must have at least one plug in each room. If no light in ceiling, then one plug must be controlled by a switch. GFCI's on any outlet within 42" of a water source.

Water heater, pressure relief valve with tube, 6" off floor. Can use PVC. Make sure your vent pipe if gas is at a 90 degree angle.

No plumbing leaks, even a drip..

Everything must be clean, including the yard.

Door locks, strike plates. No cracked jams.

No Holes in walls or ceilings.

No flaking or peeling paint, interior and exterior

Good steps.

No tripping hazards.

Rain gutters must work and drain away from the house. Not into foundation drain lines.

Lastly, no slow drains..

Good luck.. Let us know how it turns out.