Tips for a Successful Final Building Inspection to earn your Certificate of Compliance.

Reviewing your states and your local municipal codes is important. You'll find Louisiana Plumbing codes within this review. You may find similar points for your state.

Attic Access [IRC 807]
Issue: Improperly sealed attic access allows air leakage.
Correction: Install a tight-fitting, insulated cover over the attic access.
Reason: The unsealed access creates an air gap, reducing overall energy efficiency.

Attic Insulated R-30 [IRC N1101]
Issue: Inadequate insulation below the R-30 standard.
Correction: Increase insulation to meet R-30.
Reason: Lower insulation reduces thermal resistance, causing energy loss.

Attic Venting [IRC 806]
Issue: Blocked or insufficient ventilation.
Correction: Ensure proper venting, like ridge vents or soffits.
Reason: Poor ventilation traps air, increasing moisture and energy use.

Site work &; grading complete [IRC 401.3]
Issue: Incomplete grading causes water pooling, leading to air and water intrusion.
Correction: Complete grading for proper water runoff.
Reason: Poor drainage leads to moisture issues and affects insulation performance.

Energy Efficiency Certificate [IRC N1101.9]
Issue: Missing or incorrectly posted certificate.
Correction: Post the certificate on the electrical panel as required.
Reason: Missing documentation could hinder future compliance inspections.

Air Barrier in Dropped Ceiling/Soffit [IRC Table 1102.4.2]
Issue: Gaps between the air barrier and insulation allow airflow.
Correction: Ensure the air barrier aligns with insulation and seal any gaps.
Reason: Air leakage through unsealed gaps reduces energy efficiency, allowing conditioned air to escape.

Insulation (R-13) Under Subfloor [IRC Table 1102.4.2]
Issue: Insulation not in contact with subfloor.
Correction: Install insulation tightly against the subfloor to avoid gaps.
Reason: Gaps allow air movement, reducing the effectiveness of insulation, impacting the blower door test.

Programmable Thermostat [IRC N1103.1.1]
Issue: No programmable thermostat installed.
Correction: Install a programmable thermostat.
Reason: Not having one fails to meet energy efficiency standards, potentially raising energy consumption.

No Leakage on Water or Drain Lines [LSPC 319]
Issue: Leaky water or drain lines.
Correction: Repair any leaks.
Reason: Water leakage can lead to excess moisture and energy inefficiency due to increased humidity levels.

Water Heater Location [LSPC 501(E)]
Issue: Improper water heater location leading to airflow restriction.
Correction: Relocate the water heater as per code for adequate ventilation.
Reason: Incorrect placement can cause ventilation and moisture issues, reducing efficiency and possibly impacting air tightness.

Water Heater Safety Pan and Relief Valve Waste [LSPC 511(H)]
Issue: Missing or improper installation of safety pan and relief valve.
Correction: Install a proper safety pan and ensure the relief valve directs waste safely.
Reason: Water leakage without proper drainage affects the building envelope and energy performance.

Water Heater Protection from Physical Damage [LSPC 501(E)(3)]
Issue: Water heater is vulnerable to physical damage.
Correction: Install barriers or protection as required.
Reason: Physical damage could lead to leaks, which affect both safety and the building’s energy efficiency.

All Fixtures Set and Sealed [LSPC 403]
Issue: Fixtures not properly sealed, allowing for air leaks.
Correction: Ensure all fixtures are correctly installed and sealed.
Reason: Unsealed fixtures allow air leakage, leading to a failed blower door test.

Access Panel Where Applicable [LSPC 401(C)]
Issue: Missing or improperly sealed access panel.
Correction: Install and seal access panels.
Reason: Gaps or openings from unsealed panels can contribute to air leakage, affecting the test result.

Septic/Sewer Complete and Operable [LSPC 701]
Issue: Incomplete or non-operational septic/sewer system.
Correction: Ensure the system is fully installed and operational.
Reason: Improper installation can create conditions that allow air and moisture intrusion.

Water Heater Shut-Off Valve [LSPC 509(A)]
Issue: Missing or inaccessible shut-off valve.
Correction: Install a shut-off valve in a readily accessible location.
Reason: Leaks or water control issues can contribute to humidity and air quality problems, which impact the blower door test.

Equipment Installation Complete/Operable [IRC 1307]
Issue: Incomplete or non-operable equipment.
Correction: Ensure all equipment is properly installed and functional.
Reason: Non-operable equipment can lead to system inefficiencies and air leakage.

Access to Equipment [IRC M1305.1]
Issue: Inadequate access to equipment.
Correction: Ensure sufficient access to all mechanical systems.
Reason: Poor access may prevent maintenance, which can lead to inefficiencies or air leakage.

Condensate Drainage [IRC M1411.3]
Issue: Blocked or improperly installed drainage system.
Correction: Fix or unclog the condensate drainage.
Reason: Improper drainage can cause moisture buildup, increasing humidity and impacting the blower door test.

Gas Appliance Shut-Off Valves [IRC G2420.5]
Issue: Missing shut-off valve for gas appliances.
Correction: Install shut-off valves at each gas appliance.
Reason: Inadequate control of gas appliances could lead to safety and air quality issues.

Gas Appliance Protection/Elevation [IRC G2406 &; 2408]
Issue: Gas appliances not properly protected or elevated.
Correction: Ensure protection or elevation is installed according to code.
Reason: Improperly installed gas appliances can affect airflow and overall building safety.

Dryer Duct Marking When Concealed &; >35 ft [IRC M1502.4.5]
Issue: Concealed dryer duct not properly marked.
Correction: Mark the dryer duct’s path when concealed.
Reason: Unmarked ducts can lead to maintenance issues and inefficient air handling, which affects the blower door test.

Equipment Protection [IRC M1307.3.1]
Issue: Equipment exposed to potential physical damage.
Correction: Install protective barriers as required.
Reason: Damaged equipment may cause air leaks or inefficiency.

Refrigerant Access Port Secured [IRC M1411.6]
Issue: Unsecured refrigerant access port.
Correction: Secure the access port to prevent tampering or leaks.
Reason: Leaks or tampering can affect the HVAC system's performance and air quality.

Kitchen Exhaust Hood >400cfm Make-Up Air [IRC M1503.4]
Issue: Exhaust hood exceeding 400 CFM without make-up air provision.
Correction: Provide make-up air for exhaust systems over 400 CFM.
Reason: Without make-up air, the exhaust system can depressurize the house, increasing air leaks.

Cooking Appliances Listed and Labeled [IRC M1901.2]
Issue: Unlisted or unlabeled cooking appliances.
Correction: Install listed and labeled appliances according to the code.
Reason: Appliances that aren’t certified for household use may not be energy-efficient, affecting air tightness.

Whole House Ventilation < 5 ACH [IRC 303.4]
Issue: Blower door test results indicate less than 5 air changes per hour (ACH) without ventilation.
Correction: Install a whole-house ventilation system.
Reason: Without proper ventilation, the house may fail the blower door test due to inadequate air exchange.

Required Lighting in Place/Operable [NEC 220.12]
Issue: Missing or inoperable lighting in required areas.
Correction: Install or fix necessary lighting.
Reason: Lack of lighting can impact the operation of mechanical systems, affecting overall efficiency.

Breakers Sized Correct and Identified [NEC 110.22]
Issue: Breakers incorrectly sized or not labeled.
Correction: Ensure breakers are the right size and clearly labeled.
Reason: Improperly sized breakers can cause electrical inefficiency and safety issues.

Receptacles Operable and Tamper-Proof [NEC 406.11]
Issue: Non-operational or unprotected receptacles.
Correction: Fix any inoperative receptacles and ensure tamper-resistant models are used.
Reason: Air leaks through unsealed receptacles, impacting energy efficiency.

GFCI Circuits Working/Identified [NEC 210.8]
Issue: Non-functional or unidentified GFCI circuits.
Correction: Repair or label GFCI circuits.
Reason: Malfunctioning GFCIs compromise safety and energy efficiency.

Arc Fault Circuits Working [NEC 210.12]
Issue: Arc fault circuits not functioning properly.
Correction: Fix any arc fault issues.
Reason: Faulty circuits can affect the electrical system’s safety and performance, leading to inefficiencies.

At Least 1 Communication Circuit [NEC 800.156]
Issue: No communication circuit installed.
Correction: Ensure the installation of at least one communication circuit.
Reason: Communication circuits are part of modern energy management systems, which could affect test performance.

Smoke Detectors Operable [IRC 313]
Issue: Non-functioning smoke detectors.
Correction: Install or repair smoke detectors to ensure they are operable.
Reason: Non-functioning detectors can lead to unsafe conditions and may affect the overall inspection.

Outdoor Receptacles Listed as WR [NEC 406.8]
Issue: Outdoor receptacles not weather-resistant (WR).
Correction: Install WR-rated receptacles outdoors.
Reason: Non-WR receptacles can allow moisture ingress, affecting energy efficiency and safety.

This checklist aligns with municipal final residential building inspections that include both energy efficiency and mechanical systems checks. Specifically, it would be used for ensuring compliance with local building codes such as:

Energy Code compliance: Checking insulation, air barriers, and whole-house ventilation.

Mechanical systems: Verifying HVAC installation, water heaters, condensate drainage, and programmable thermostats.

Plumbing and electrical inspections: Ensuring proper breaker sizes, tamper-proof receptacles, and GFCI circuits.

Life-safety codes: Verifying smoke detectors and gas shut-off valves.

Tips for a Successful Final Building Inspection to earn your Certificate of Compliance.

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