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ADU final inspection checklist

By the HyreADU research desk. Last checked .

The short answer

An ADU final inspection checklist covers what the building inspector checks before signing off the permit: smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, emergency escape openings, handrails and guards, the electrical panel labeled, plumbing fixtures working, energy items installed as drawn, and the address posted.

Have the approved plans and any special inspection reports on site. Your city’s own list governs.

What inspectors commonly check

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed where the plans show them.
  • Emergency escape openings in sleeping rooms, unobstructed (IRC R310 as adopted).
  • Stairs, handrails and guards complete.
  • Electrical: panel labeled, outlets and GFCI or AFCI protection as required, fixtures installed.
  • Plumbing: fixtures connected, water heater strapped and vented, no leaks.
  • Mechanical: heating and ventilation working, bath and kitchen fans vented outside.
  • Energy items: insulation, windows and any required solar or heat pump as drawn (California: Title 24, Part 6).
  • Address numbers posted and visible.
  • Site: grading, drainage away from the building, and debris removed.

Documents to have ready

  • The approved, stamped plans and the permit card with every earlier inspection signed.
  • Energy compliance documents and any HERS verification reports where required in California.
  • Special inspection or engineer letters if the plans called for them.
  • Utility sign-offs if your city requires them before final.

If the final fails

A failed final inspection comes with a correction notice. Fix each item, then book a re-inspection.

Ask the inspector to write every item on the first visit, so you are not surprised on the second.

The unit cannot be occupied until the final is signed and, where the city issues one, a certificate of occupancy is granted.

A mistake to avoid

The mistake to avoid is making the last payment before the final inspection is signed. Tie the final payment in your contract to a passed final and to the delivery of the closed permit. See ADU payment schedule.

What to do next: check your lot with the ADU feasibility checker, read the questions to ask an ADU builder, then tell us about your project. Matching is not live yet, so we reply with information, not a quote.

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Questions

Who books the final inspection?

Whoever holds the permit: usually the contractor, or you as owner-builder.

Is a certificate of occupancy issued for an ADU?

Many cities issue one or sign off the permit as final. Ask your building department which.

Can I move a tenant in before final?

No. Occupancy before the final sign-off is not allowed.

What is a HERS verification?

In California, some energy measures must be field-checked by a certified HERS rater before final.

Sources

HyreADU is a publisher. It does not design, permit or build ADUs, has no partner builders, and gives no legal, tax, lending or engineering advice.

Rules vary by state and city; California rules are labeled as such. Spotted an error? Tell us through our corrections page. Licensed professionals can also contribute as named sources.