Everything contractors and homeowners need to know about construction inspections — what they are, who performs them, and how to prepare.
A construction inspection is an official review conducted by a licensed building inspector to verify that construction work complies with approved plans, building codes, and safety standards. Inspections are required at specific stages of a construction project and must pass before work can proceed to the next phase.
The purpose is straightforward: ensure buildings are structurally sound, safe for occupancy, and compliant with local codes. Without passing inspections, you cannot legally occupy or use the structure.
Licensed building inspectors employed by local government agencies. In LA, that's LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety). They handle building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections.
Standard inspections are included in building permit fees. Re-inspections after failures may incur additional fees, typically $200–$500 in Los Angeles depending on the inspection type.
Most inspections take 15 minutes to 1 hour on-site. The inspector reviews specific items, documents findings, and issues a pass, fail, or correction notice. Results are usually available same-day.
Pass: proceed to the next phase. Fail: receive a correction notice, fix listed items, then request a re-inspection. All corrections must clear before moving forward.
Construction inspections fall into several categories based on the trade and project phase. Here are the primary types you'll encounter on any construction project:
Covers foundation, framing, shear walls, connections, and overall structural integrity. The most complex inspections with the highest failure rates.
Covers wiring, panel installation, grounding, GFCI/AFCI protection, and device placement. Both rough (before walls close) and final inspections required.
Covers supply lines, drainage, venting, water heater, and gas connections. Includes pressure testing on rough plumbing before walls close.
Covers ductwork, equipment installation, refrigerant lines, and ventilation. Required for any project with heating, cooling, or ventilation work.
Covers fire-rated assemblies, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, and egress requirements. Critical for occupancy approval.
The comprehensive final walk-through confirming all prior inspections passed and all corrections resolved. Required before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
In Los Angeles, inspection requests go through LADBS using one of three methods: iRFIS (the online web form), calling 311 to reach the AIRS automated phone system, or using third-party tools like InspectPilot AI. All requests must be submitted by 3:00 PM the day before the desired inspection date.
You'll need your 15-digit permit number and 7-digit confirmation number. Requests can be placed up to 3 business days in advance.
InspectPilot AI automates the entire inspection request process — it knows your project's inspection sequence, checks trade readiness, and submits requests before the 3 PM deadline. See how it works →
The most common reasons for inspection failure are not structural defects — they're administrative and preparation issues. Work not matching approved plans, missing documentation, trades not ready, or requesting the wrong inspection type. These are exactly the problems that inspection management software is designed to prevent.
An official review by a licensed building inspector verifying construction work complies with approved plans, building codes, and safety standards at specific phases.
Licensed building inspectors from local government agencies. In LA, that's LADBS handling building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections.
Standard inspections are included in permit fees. Re-inspections after failure cost $200–$500 in LA depending on type.
15 minutes to 1 hour on-site. Results are usually available same-day via iRFIS or your inspection tracking dashboard.
InspectPilot AI handles scheduling, tracking, and compliance for every inspection. Join the waitlist today.
Free to start. No credit card required. LA contractors get priority access.