The Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, known as Act 45, section 403.64, requires a minimum of 5 mandated inspections plus insulation inspection for all construction for which a permit was issued.   Required inspections include:

1.    Foundation Inspection:  Inspection of the foundation shall be made after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and any required forms  erected and any required reinforcing steel is in place and prior to the placing of concrete.  The foundation inspection shall include excavations for thickened slabs intended for the support of bearing walls, partitions, structural supports, or equipment and special requirements for wood foundations.  Upon approval, permission will be given to begin framing work.

2.    Frame and masonry inspection: Inspection of framing and masonry construction  shall be made after the masonry, framing, bracing and roof is completed.  Upon approval, permission  will be given to begin rough plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical work.

3.    Plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical inspection:  Rough inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical systems, firestopping and draftstopping shall be made prior to insulating, covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed.   Upon approval, permission will be given to insulate floors, walls and ceilings.

      Exception:  Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section

      M2105.1 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.

4.   Insulation inspection.  Made prior to the hanging of all lathing and/or wallboard.  Insulation to comply

     with the required insulation requirements as specified by the International Residential Energy Code or

     Pennsylvania Alternative Energy Code.

5.    Lath and/or wallboard inspection:  Commonly made after all lathing and/or wallboard is applied, but before any plaster is applied or before wallboard joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

6.    Final inspection:  Final inspection shall be made after permitted work is complete and prior to occupancy.  Upon approval and after receipt of required 3^rd party final electric approval roval,certificate of occupancy will be issued to permit holder or his/her agent.

Notes:

1.     In addition to the required inspections, the building official may make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with the code and other laws enforced by the building department.

2.     Inspection requests:  It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection.  It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by the code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work.

A construction code official shall at the time of final inspection file an inspection report that indicates compliance with the Uniform Construction Code.

In the event that construction activities have begun prior to the issuance of a permit, the applicant is subject to special fees, as determined by the Building Code Official.

*Most manufactured homes do not have a need for rough inspections, because they have been approved at the factory.

Common Violations noted in Building Inspections

• "Graspable" handrail required four or more risers.

• Concentrated point loads missing solid bearing to foundation.

• Firestopping of intersections of floor / ceiling, soffits, columns, mechanical chases.

• Roof and Floor Engineering (truss drawings, I- Joists) required for rough inspection, bracing, damaged or altered, proper fastening of girders.

• Improper or missing installation of mechanical connectors (hangers, angles, straps etc.)

• Foundation anchorage - Min. 2 per plate, Max. 12" from ends/ breaks in plates, spacing to mfg. specs.

• Stair geometry inconsistency - 3/8" maximum variance between risers,  8 1/4" maximum riser.

• Improper final grading, Min. 1" per foot - to a distance of 8' away from house.

• Exterior caulking and sealing.

• Safety glazing - within 24" of doors, in tub / shower enclosures, within 18" of floor and greater than 9 sf of area.