Final Inspection: The concluding inspection for a permitted construction project, conducted after all work is complete, at which a building inspector verifies full compliance with the approved plans and applicable codes before the permit is finaled and, where applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
What Inspectors Check at Final Inspection
The final inspection is a comprehensive review of all permitted work. Inspectors typically verify: that all work matches the approved plans, that all required corrections from previous inspections have been addressed, that all systems are operational and properly connected, that all required safety features are in place (smoke detectors, CO detectors, GFCI outlets, egress windows), and that the project is complete.
Preparing for Final Inspection
Have the following ready before the inspector arrives: the building permit card, approved plans, any required test results (pressure tests, load calculations), and access to all areas of the project including attics, crawl spaces, and electrical panels. Complete all work — inspectors routinely fail projects with obvious incomplete items and are less lenient on final inspections than on rough-in inspections.
Common Final Inspection Failures
The most common reasons final inspections fail include: missing smoke or CO detectors, GFCI outlets not installed or not functioning, work not matching approved plans, missing fixture or appliance installations, improper attic or crawl space access, and missing final electrical connections. Addressing these items before scheduling the inspection avoids a failed trip charge and the time cost of rescheduling.
After the Final Inspection
When the final inspection passes, the permit is "finaled" in the building department's system. For projects requiring a Certificate of Occupancy, the CO is issued at this point. Keep the inspection record — it's valuable documentation when you sell the property or file an insurance claim. Finaled permits are public record and can be verified by buyers, lenders, and title companies.