Residential Building Inspector B1General Administration, Legal, and EnforcementMedium
A residential building inspector discovers that a newly constructed porch, attached to a single-family dwelling, has not undergone an electrical rough-in inspection, despite the wiring being fully concealed within walls and ceilings. The electrical contractor claims they were unaware of the inspection requirement. According to the 2021 IRC, what is the most appropriate action for the building official to take regarding this concealed work?
- AGrant a waiver for the rough-in inspection, provided the final electrical inspection passes.
- BRequire the removal of enough concealed work to permit inspection.
- CIssue a notice of violation and allow the contractor to provide photographic evidence of the rough-in.
- DApprove the work provisionally, pending a visual inspection of accessible components.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Require the removal of enough concealed work to permit inspection.
According to IRC R109.1.5, work shall not be concealed until inspected and approved. If work is concealed without approval, the building official has the authority to require removal of the concealed work to allow for proper inspection, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Waivers for mandatory inspections like electrical rough-ins for concealed work are not typically granted, as they bypass critical safety checks.
- C. Photographic evidence is generally not sufficient for concealed work inspections; physical access is typically required to verify compliance.
- D. Provisional approval for concealed work without inspection is not permitted as it compromises safety and code compliance.
Concealed Work Inspection
Work that is required to be inspected and approved by the building official before it is covered or concealed by other construction.
- Required for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins.
- Must be inspected and approved before concealment.
- Building official can require removal if concealed without approval.
Memory trick: Concealment must wait, inspection dictates fate.