What is the definition of a rough inspection?

[al hildenbrand]

an underground conduit run would need to have conductor pulled in it at the rough inspection.

How do they inspect lines that were plowed in or horizontally bored without being there at installation, and even then you can't always verify how deep the line may be below the surface

Again, the OP is about residential remodel / new wiring, as, for that matter, is the State of Minnesota handout. I've never had to get an underground plowed or bored conduit installation approved inside a dwelling, so I'd have to check with my inspector first to see how he wants it handled.

 

[kwired]

You are asking about commercial. The opening post is about residential.

Here, you pay for every single inspection trip. If the scale of the commercial work warrants a wall close inspection, sure.

That possibly makes a huge difference. If they collect for every single trip the AHJ may not be so likely to tell you to go ahead and cover something up - or even to send them a picture of something, their department needs or wants the fees collected for every trip.

As the contractor you should know when you definitely will need those multiple inspection trips and plan and bid accordingly if there will be extra cost involved.

 

[mjf]

I'd make up ALL my boxes and I'd do whats necessary to install new work cans. Then I'd call for my rough-in.

Run into ceilings like you described all the time. Always big time fun!!

 

[tadavidson]

I recently did a small custom home for the owner/GC. He had 12 inch base trim and wanted the boxes set to the 1/8" of the plan. Most broke out between studs, also he wanted them horizontal but, didn't want to splurge the extra dollar each for the boxes that are made horizontal. So, I did the same as you. I just put the wires into the stud space and later after the molding installation (where I insisted the molding man to cut the cutout for old work boxes) I put my boxes in and made them up. The inspector wasn't over joyed but did allow it. I don't know if I will ever do it that way again.

 

[tadavidson]

In MA, the law simply reads: "Electrical installations shall not be concealed or covered from view until inspected by the inspector of wires within and not more than 24 hours for exterior excavations nor more than72 hours for interior installations after proper notice to the inspector". So there is no definition of "rough inspection". Best practice IMO would be to consult the inspector prior to requesting inspection to see what exactly he will want to see. What I may want to see may be drastically different from the guy in the town next door. Personally I don't need to see your grounds made up or the boxes without the devices in old work.

I recently did a job in a nearby city in which I have never performed a job that required an inspection. Knowing that each jurisdiction "want" differing things, I called the Building official and request a phone call to go over "exactly what they wanted". He never called. I did the "rough" work and called the number for inspection. You get a recording that says. "I am in the office from 730 till 800 and 430 until 5 for messages. If you want an inspection leave the number, address.....and the inspection will occur within 16 business hours, If you want to be present during the inspection please speak to me in person". I was "hit" four different times which resulted in 4 phone calls to the answering machine and never got a recall. I each time did the best I could to address his "issues" and recalled for the follow up inspection. Did I say this was Macon, Ga.

 

[kwired]

I recently did a small custom home for the owner/GC. He had 12 inch base trim and wanted the boxes set to the 1/8" of the plan. Most broke out between studs, also he wanted them horizontal but, didn't want to splurge the extra dollar each for the boxes that are made horizontal. So, I did the same as you. I just put the wires into the stud space and later after the molding installation (where I insisted the molding man to cut the cutout for old work boxes) I put my boxes in and made them up. The inspector wasn't over joyed but did allow it. I don't know if I will ever do it that way again.

Didn't want to spend an extra dollar on the horizontal box but the old work boxes were fine even though they were likely about as much?

I recently did a job in a nearby city in which I have never performed a job that required an inspection. Knowing that each jurisdiction "want" differing things, I called the Building official and request a phone call to go over "exactly what they wanted". He never called. I did the "rough" work and called the number for inspection. You get a recording that says. "I am in the office from 730 till 800 and 430 until 5 for messages. If you want an inspection leave the number, address.....and the inspection will occur within 16 business hours, If you want to be present during the inspection please speak to me in person". I was "hit" four different times which resulted in 4 phone calls to the answering machine and never got a recall. I each time did the best I could to address his "issues" and recalled for the follow up inspection. Did I say this was Macon, Ga.

Sounds just as crooked as the Sheriff Dept in Hazzard County. Boss Hogg must run the building inspection dept as well.

 

[JohnE]

Paying per inspection is a problematic structure. Not just the municipalities wanting the additional fees. The inspectors, too. There is a town in MA that requires 3 inspections for an underground installation. 1. Empty trench 2. Conduit installed (without conductors) 3. Conductors installed. And the building official is also a licensed electrician and tried to get the EI to change his ways. BO told me he was doing it this way because he is paid 3X. IDK if the inspector has since changed.