Building Inspections

Views: 29

Building Inspections

After a permit has been purchased, related inspections are provided upon request.  Our department has separate inspectors for structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. 

Inspectors make sure that new work is following the required Building Codes.

Once inspected, a report is put into the property's file. 

If we do not receive a call for inspections within the active timeframe of the permit (2 years from issuance or 6 months from issuance of stand-alone gas/electric reconnect permits), the permit file is closed, "no call" will be noted, and you are no longer eligible for an inspection for that project without purchasing another permit.


Who is eligible to request an inspection?

The contractors that are performing the permitted work are eligible to get inspections, once a permit has been purchased through the Building Department.


What are the minimum required residential inspections

Building Officials, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent, shall make or cause to be made any necessary inspections and shall either approve that portion of the construction as completed or shall notify the permit holder or his agent wherein the same fails to comply with applicable codes.

A. FOUNDATION AND FRAMING:

  • FOUNDATION INSPECTIONS will be made after footing areas are excavated and formed and any requiring reinforcing steel is in place, prior to the placing of concrete. The permit holder or his agent shall notify the Building Officials by phone or in person not less than 24 hours prior to placing of concrete. In the event the inspection has not been made and said 24 hours has elapsed, the placement of concrete may proceed.
  • FRAME INSPECTIONS will be made after the roof, masonry, all framing, firestopping, and bracing are in place.

B. PLUMBING, HVAC, AND ELECTRICAL:

  • Rough Inspections must be made prior to covering or concealment and before fixtures are set.

C. OTHER INSPECTIONS:

  • In addition to the requested inspections above, the Building Department may make or require any other inspections to ascertain compliance with the code and other laws enforced by the Building Department.

D. FINAL INSPECTIONS:

  • Final inspections are to be made after building is completed and before building is occupied.
  • Work shall not be done on any part of the building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official.
  • Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection has been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the inspections required above.

For more information.


When are inspections provided?

Inspections should be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.  Final inspections, however, should be scheduled at least 2 days in advance.

Inspection requests should be called in at 574-235-9554.

Inspections are scheduled directly with each individual inspector.  Inspections requested between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. generally can be made the same day. All inspections requested AFTER 9:00 a.m. will not be made until the next working day. All inspectors are in the office 7:30-9 am and 3:30-4 pm.


How much does an inspection cost?

The inspection fee is included within the permit fee.


How can I request an inspection?

Inspections can be requested via email at building@southbendin.gov.  Or, call the Building Department at 574-235-9554 from 7:30-9am or 3:30-4pm. 
You will need to know the township of the property and the permit number, which are both located on the permit.