Using a Rough-in Inspection Checklist (Guide & Free Download)

One of the most common significant milestones in a construction project is the rough-in inspection. Rough-ins are the formal checks of important systems — such as electrical, plumbing and HVAC — that occur after they have been installed but before they have been enclosed by walls and ceilings. Preparing for rough-in inspections requires consistency, organization and attention to detail, which is why a reliable checklist is such a valuable tool. 

This article focuses on rough-in inspections — their value, what they should include, best practices and a free downloadable checklist.

The Importance of a Rough-in Inspection Checklist

Rough-in inspections are meant to catch issues before they are closed in by a wall or ceiling and become more difficult and costly to address. Rough-ins are commonly required to close work permits and passing them is sometimes connected to contractors receiving payment. An inspector that discovers a major issue can fail that room, area or building and another rough-in will need to be scheduled. 

A checklist can serve as a comprehensive, standardized guide to quality control across different projects, areas and teams. Checklists provide clear criteria for each component to ensure it meets regulatory standards and project specifications. They further save time by having the ability to be reused or slightly altered for different projects, rooms or areas.

Checklists transform the process of preparing for rough-ins from a potentially chaotic, research-heavy and error-prone task into a controlled, efficient and replicable procedure. This helps avoid costly rework or delays, while also improving communication, collaboration and accountability between stakeholders.

Free Download

Rough-in Inspection Checklist

This checklist comes with several of the most common fields in a construction rough-in inspection, and can be downloaded and customized to suit any project.

• Free customizable checklist
• Ready-to-use — make a copy in Google or download as a PDF
• Trusted by construction professionals

Download Free Checklist

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Information to Capture on a Rough-in Inspection Checklist

While rough-in checklists can vary depending on the type of project and local building and safety requirements, they tend to include checks of the following components:

Electrical

• Wiring, including type and gauge
• Boxes and panels, including configuration, securing methods and placement
• Conduits, including sleeves, penetrations, mounting and routing
• Code compliance

Plumbing

• Pipes and joints, including location, elevation, pitch and sizes, as well as sealing to prevent leaks and the placement and stability of sleeves, penetrations and anchors.
• Venting, including installation methods and locations
• Testing for leaks and functionality
• Code compliance

Mechanical

• Ductwork, including placement and sealing
• HVAC equipment, specifically placement, installation and testing to ensure functionality

Insulation

• Placement, quality and efficacy for insulation of piping and ductwork

Fire safety

• Sprinkler systems, including head location 
• Adherence of all systems to fire safety regulations
• Testing to ensure systems are leak-free and operational

How to Implement a Rough-in Inspection Checklist

To make sure a checklist will be helpful and improve project outcome, there are a few steps to follow before, during and after the inspection.

Before the Inspection

• Sharing the checklist: Ensure trade partners understand how their work will be inspected and evaluated before they ever begin. 
• Numerous quality control checks: Include a space for the trade partner to check and sign off their work, as well as a space for the general contractor (GC) to conduct a final check.
• Documentation: Include detailed documentation, including photos and labels. This helps if the inspector has questions, but can also be included as part of the closeout documents. 

During the Inspection

• Trade partners attendance: Have trade partners present at the inspection to address any minor issues immediately. 
• Communication: Maintain clear and open lines of communication with the inspector to clarify and resolve any issues as quickly and as thoroughly as possible

After the Inspection

• Documentation: Document all inspection results, any corrections and unexpected questions or concerns that popped up.
• Addressing issues: Handle minor issues on the spot; for significant issues, address and schedule a re-inspection.
• Improving the checklist: Add, edit or clarify any steps that might’ve helped better prepare for the inspection, so they can be included in the future. 

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Maximizing a Rough-in Inspection Checklist

Checklists should help mitigate risks and ensure compliance while also maintaining project timelines and improving communication. However, reaping these benefits requires some deliberate effort from the GC overseeing the process. 

First, there is the question of consistency. Checklists require the buy-in and diligent adherence to a process over time to ensure no critical steps are missed. This also helps improve the components over time. Without consistency, checklists become just another document floating around. 

Checklists also require extensive documentation, which can be made easier by adopting digital and mobile tools, such as Procore, that can help make submittals and closeout documents easier to share, store and access. 

However, perhaps the biggest key to implementing an effective checklist is collaboration. Involving trade partners early in the process, welcoming input on how to improve the list’s procedure and comprehensiveness and providing clear expectations can go a long way to improve project outcomes. 

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