How to fail your Own Design Criteria Inspections when Build by Design isn't followed.
By Murray Wennerlund published 11-30-2024 updated 11-30-2024
When undergoing a Design Criteria Build inspection by a municipal inspector, adherence to the building codes is essential to avoid failure. Below are common topics, the associated codes, and reasons an inspector might fail the inspection.
From my understanding, inspections on design criteria builds are meant to ensure that all construction projects meet the specified criteria and safety standards. If you aim to avoid passing these inspections (which I don't recommend), it would involve not adhering to proper procedures and guidelines. Here are some hypothetical ways it could go wrong:
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Neglecting Design Specifications: Ignoring the exact criteria and standards specified in the design documents.
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Substandard Materials: Using materials that don't meet the required standards or specifications.
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Inaccurate Measurements: Failing to follow accurate measurements and dimensions as outlined in the design.
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Poor Workmanship: Performing shoddy workmanship and cutting corners in the construction process.
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Incomplete Documentation: Failing to provide the necessary documentation, records, and certifications.
But in all seriousness, it’s vital to follow proper protocols to ensure safety and quality in any construction project. Passing inspections isn't just about meeting regulations, it's about ensuring the integrity and safety of the final structure.
How to Fail Your Own Design Criteria Build as Designed Inspections by Your Municipal Inspector.
When undergoing a Design Criteria Build inspection by a municipal inspector, adherence to the building codes is essential to avoid failure. Below are common topics, the associated codes, and reasons an inspector might fail the inspection:
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- Design Criteria (R301.2.1)
Code: IRC R301.2.1
Potential Failure: Lack of adherence to structural design requirements such as wind load, seismic load, and climatic conditions. - Appliances
Code: IRC M1305.1, NEC Art. 210.70(A)(2), MEP
Potential Failure: Appliances not installed with proper access for maintenance electrical outlets for appliances not meeting code requirements. - Exterior
Code: IRC R302.1, NEC Art. 210.52, MEP
Potential Failure: Exterior walls not meeting fire-resistance requirements missing required outdoor receptacles. - Plumbing Rough-In
Code: IRC P2503.5, MEP
Potential Failure: Incomplete rough-in plumbing at the time of inspection, missing proper testing and inspections. - Stud Guards
Code: IRC P2603.2 and P2603.2.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Absence of stud guards on water and waste lines leading to potential pipe damage. - Permit Posting
Code: IRC R105.7, MEP
Potential Failure: Failure to post the building permit on the job site, violating administrative code requirements. - Appliance Access
Code: IRC M1305.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Appliances not accessible for service and maintenance as required. - Ceiling Height
Code: IRC R305, MEP
Potential Failure: Ceiling heights not meeting the minimum required height standards. - Clearances from Combustibles
Code: IRC M1306.1 and M1306.2 Table, MEP
Potential Failure: Insufficient clearances from combustible materials, posing a fire hazard. - Electrical Receptacles
Code: NEC Art. 210.52, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing required receptacles at the front and rear of the residence. - Electrical Box Support
Code: NEC Art. 314.23, MEP
Potential Failure: Electrical boxes not rigidly supported to the structure, creating potential safety issues. - Toilet, Bath, and Shower Spaces
Code: IRC R307, MEP
Potential Failure: Bathroom spaces not compliant with required clearances and finishes. - Windows and Glazing
Code: IRC R308, MEP
Potential Failure: Windows not meeting safety glazing requirements. - Underground Conductors
Code: NEC Art. 300.5, MEP
Potential Failure: Conductors emerging from underground not installed in proper conduits. - Drilling and Notching
Code: IRC M1308.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Unauthorized drilling and notching of structural members compromising structural integrity. - Nail Guards
Code: IRC M1308.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing nail guards where required, risking damage to pipes and electrical wires. - Terminate Pan and Relief
Code: IRC P2801.6.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Improper termination of the pan and relief valve discharge, causing potential water damage. - Egress
Code: IRC R310, MEP
Potential Failure: Egress windows and doors not meeting minimum size and operational requirements for emergency escape. - Heating and Cooling Equipment
Code: IRC M1411.3.1, M1411.5, MEP
Potential Failure: Improper installation of HVAC equipment and insulation of refrigeration piping. - Exterior Lighting
Code: NEC Art. 210.70(A)(2), MEP
Potential Failure: Missing required lighting outlets for exterior exits. - Kitchen Receptacles
Code: NEC Art. 210.52, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing the required two dedicated branch circuits for countertop receptacles. - Flashing
Code: IRC R703.4.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Improper installation of flashing, leading to potential water intrusion. - Energy Rating
Code: IRC N1101.10.3, MEP
Potential Failure: Failure to meet the required energy rating for the building envelope. - Insulation of Ducts
Code: IRC N1103.2.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Duct insulation not meeting the minimum R-value requirements. - House Wrap
Code: IRC R703.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Improper installation of house wrap, affecting weather resistance. - Flood Resistant Construction
Code: IRC R322, MEP
Potential Failure: Construction not complying with flood-resistant design criteria. - Smoke Alarms
Code: IRC R314, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly installed interconnected hardwire smoke detectors. - Exhaust Systems
Code: MEP
Potential Failure: Improper installation of exhaust systems, leading to inadequate ventilation. - Laundry Room Electrical
Code: NEC Art. 210.11, Art. 250.140, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or incorrect installation of the dedicated 20-amp and 30-amp circuits for laundry appliances. - Indoor Combustion Air
Code: IRC G2407.6, MEP
Potential Failure: Insufficient indoor combustion air supply for fuel-burning appliances. - Garage Floor Surface
Code: IRC R309.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Garage floor surface not being noncombustible, failing to meet safety standards. - Opening Protection
Code: IRC R302.5.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Lack of proper protection for openings, potentially allowing fire to spread. - Laundry Circuit
Code: NEC Art. 210.11, MEP
Potential Failure: 20-amp laundry circuit not dedicated to the laundry room, risking overloading. - Clothes Dryer Exhaust
Code: IRC M1502.1, M1502.6, MEP
Potential Failure: Clothes dryer exhaust not properly installed, leading to lint buildup and potential fire hazard. - Dryer Circuit
Code: NEC Art. 250.140, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing 30-amp dryer circuit with four conductors, leading to electrical hazards. - Exit Door Size
Code: IRC R311.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Exit doors not meeting the minimum size requirements, hindering safe egress. - Bedrooms
Code: IRC, NEC, MEP
Potential Failure: Rough-ins for bedrooms not completed according to code, including electrical, HVAC, doors and windows. - Range Hoods
Code: IRC various sections, MEP
Potential Failure: Range hoods not properly installed, causing inadequate kitchen ventilation. - Ceiling Fan Boxes
Code: NEC Art. 314.27(D), MEP
Potential Failure: Ceiling fan boxes not approved or installed with supplied hardware, leading to safety concerns. - Interconnected Smoke Detectors
Code: IRC R313.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly wired interconnected smoke detectors, compromising fire safety. - Duct Material
Code: IRC M1503.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Use of improper duct material, leading to reduced airflow and potential hazards. - Return Air
Code: MEP
Potential Failure: HVAC return air not properly designed or installed, affecting system efficiency and air quality. - Receptacle Spacing
Code: NEC Art. 210.52(A)(1), MEP
Potential Failure: Receptacles not spaced according to code, leading to inconvenient and potentially unsafe electrical setups. - Bathroom Outlets
Code: NEC Art. 210.52(D), 210.11(C)(3), MEP
Potential Failure: Outlets within 3 feet of the basin missing or bathroom circuit serving other outlets, violating code. - Protection Against Decay
Code: IRC R318, MEP
Potential Failure: Lack of decay protection measures, leading to structural deterioration. - Design Flood Elevation
Code: IRC R322.1.4, MEP
Potential Failure: Structure not elevated according to design flood elevation requirements. - Indoor Combustion Air
Code: IRC G2407.6, MEP
Potential Failure: Inadequate combustion air supply, causing improper operation of fuel-burning appliances. - Nail Plate for Romex
Code: NEC Art. 300.4(D), MEP
Potential Failure: Missing nail plates where Romex is less than 1-1/4 inches from the face of studs, risking damage. - Overfilled Electrical Boxes
Code: NEC Art. 314.16, MEP
Potential Failure: Electrical boxes overfilled, creating potential overheating and fire hazards. - Structural Components (Floors, Joists, Girders, etc.)
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R502.6, R802.6), MEP
Potential Failure: Inadequate structural components such as joists and girders, compromising structural integrity. - Fire Blocking and Draft Stopping
Code: IRC R302.11, R302.12, R1003.19, R502.12, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or inadequate fire blocking and draft stopping, allowing fire and smoke to spread. - Bored Holes and Notching
Code: IRC R502.8, R802.7, R602.6, R602.6.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Unauthorized or improperly done bored holes and notching, weakening structural members. - Structural Elements
Code: IRC R502.6, R502.7, R502.9, MEP
Potential Failure: Failure to properly support, fasten, and laterally brace structural elements like joists and girders, which may lead to structural instability. - Wall Construction
Code: IRC various sections including R602, MEP
Potential Failure: Non-compliance with wall construction codes such as improper stud size and spacing, inadequate sheathing, or missing top plates. - Brick Ties
Code: IRC R703.8.4.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Incorrect or missing brick ties, leading to unsecured brick veneer. - Roof and Ceiling Construction
Code: IRC various sections including R802, MEP
Potential Failure: Inadequate installation of rafters, ceiling joists, hurricane clips, sheathing, and strapping, compromising the structural integrity of the roof and ceiling. - Garage Floor Surface
Code: IRC R309.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Garage floor surface not being noncombustible or properly sloped, leading to potential fire hazards and drainage issues. - Opening Protection in Garages
Code: IRC R302.5.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Lack of proper fire-rated doors or other protective measures for openings between the garage and the living space, increasing the risk of fire spread. - Heater, Vent, and Light on Separate Circuit
Code: NEC Art. 210.23(A)(2), MEP
Potential Failure: Combined heater, vent, and light not on a separate circuit, which could overload the electrical system. - Electrical and Mechanical Systems in Flood Zones
Code: IRC R322.1.6, MEP
Potential Failure: Electrical and mechanical systems not elevated above the design flood elevation, risking damage during floods. - Plumbing in Flood Zones
Code: IRC R322.1.6, MEP
Potential Failure: Plumbing installations not designed to prevent contamination and damage during flooding. - Materials for Flood-Prone Areas
Code: IRC R322.1.3, MEP
Potential Failure: Use of materials not suitable for flood-prone areas, compromising durability and safety. - Egress Doors
Code: IRC R311.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Egress doors not meeting minimum size and operational requirements for safe emergency exits. - Sill Height
Code: IRC R613, MEP
Potential Failure: Windows with sill heights not meeting the minimum required distance from the floor, compromising safety, particularly for emergency egress. - Tub and Shower Installation
Code: MEP
Potential Failure: Tubs and showers not properly poured with cement or tar, leading to potential leaks and structural damage. - Use of Clear PVC Glue and Purple Primer
Code: IRC P3003.9.2, MEP
Potential Failure: Failure to use clear PVC glue and purple primer on PVC pipe joints, potentially leading to weak connections and leaks. - Auxiliary and Secondary Drain Systems
Code: IRC M1411.3.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly installed auxiliary and secondary drain systems, which can lead to water damage if the primary system fails. - Insulation of Refrigeration Piping
Code: IRC M1411.5, MEP
Potential Failure: Insufficient or improperly installed insulation on refrigeration piping, affecting the efficiency and performance of HVAC systems. - Electrical Outlets Spacing
Code: NEC Art. 210.52, MEP
Potential Failure: Electrical outlets not spaced according to code, which could lead to inconvenient and potentially unsafe use of electrical appliances. - Installation Requirements
Code: IRC M-REC, MEP
Potential Failure: General installation not meeting the prescribed code requirements, compromising the safety and functionality of the installed systems. - Water Heater Pan and Relief Lines
Code: MEP
Potential Failure: Missing water heater pans or improperly run relief lines, potentially causing water damage if the heater leaks or relief valve activates. - R-Value Insulation of Ducts
Code: IRC N1103.2.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Duct insulation not meeting the minimum R-value requirements, affecting thermal efficiency and increasing energy use. - Laundry Room Electrical
Code: NEC Art. 210.11, Art. 250.140, MEP
Potential Failure: Incomplete or incorrect installation of dedicated 20-amp and 30-amp circuits for laundry appliances, risking overloading and potential electrical hazards. - Structural Requirements (Floors, Joists, Girders, etc.)
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R502, R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Floors, joists, and girders not installed according to structural requirements, compromising the building’s structural integrity. Inadequate structural support, fastening, and fire blocking/draft stopping. - Roof/Ceiling Construction
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Rafters, ceiling joists, hurricane clips, and sheathing not installed as required, leading to potential structural failure and safety risks. - Corner Hold Downs
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602), MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly installed corner hold downs, which can compromise the structural stability of the building, especially in high-wind or seismic areas. - Stud Connectors
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602), MEP
Potential Failure: Absence or improper installation of stud connectors, affecting the overall strength and integrity of the wall framing. - Shear Wall Segments
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602), MEP
Potential Failure: Incorrectly installed or missing shear wall segments, reducing the building's ability to resist lateral forces like wind and earthquakes. - Brick Ties
Code: IRC R703.8.4.1, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly installed brick ties, causing the brick veneer to be inadequately secured to the structure. - Rafter Size and Spacing
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Rafters not meeting size and spacing requirements, leading to potential sagging or failure under load. - Ceiling Joists
Code: IRC R802.6, MEP
Potential Failure: Ceiling joists not adequately supported or incorrectly installed, compromising the structural integrity of the ceiling. - Bracing
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602, R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Insufficient or improperly installed bracing, which can lead to structural failure under stress conditions. - Hurricane Clips
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly installed hurricane clips, reducing the roof's resistance to uplift forces during high winds. - Sheathing
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602, R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Sheathing not properly installed or secured, compromising the structural integrity and weather resistance of the building envelope. - Strapping
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R802), MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or inadequately installed strapping, reducing the structural stability of the roof and walls. - Fire Blocking
Code: IRC R302.11, R1003.19, MEP
Potential Failure: Missing or improperly installed fire blocking, allowing fire to spread rapidly through concealed spaces. - Draft Stopping
Code: IRC R302.12, R502.12, MEP
Potential Failure: Inadequate or missing draft stopping, allowing smoke and fire to travel through concealed spaces between floors. - Jack Studs
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602), MEP
Potential Failure: Incorrect installation or missing jack studs, which are essential for supporting loads over openings like doors and windows, leading to potential structural failure. - Top Plates
Code: IRC various sections (e.g., R602), MEP
Potential Failure: Improperly installed or missing top plates, which are crucial for tying wall studs together and transferring loads to the floor structure below.
- Design Criteria (R301.2.1)
I would say to the next builder or the next inspector:
- By understanding and adhering to these codes and guidelines, you can avoid failing inspections and ensure that your build is safe, compliant, and up to more than just minimum standards. Following the appropriate procedures and double-checking against these points can save time, money, and effort in the long run.
- By reading and following Design Criteria Build you will pass municipal inspections. Proper planning, careful execution, and thorough knowledge of relevant codes are essential to achieving a more than just compliant and safe build.
- Each aspect of the construction process, from structural elements to electrical and plumbing systems, must meet the prescribed standards to ensure the safety, functionality, and durability of the build.
Even when you think 30 years of experience is all you need ask a first-year builder that actually has been trained and knows what minimum standards really mean and builds beyond those standards.
