Final building inspection and Certificate of Occupancy

What the inspector is looking for

By final building inspection, the inspector has already seen the foundation, framing, roof underlayment, and rough work. The final is the comprehensive walk-through:

• Life-safety systems — smoke and CO detectors functional and interconnected.
• Egress — bedroom egress windows operable, hallway widths, stair geometry.
• Guards and railings — height, spacing, structural attachment.
• Final exterior — flashing, weather-resistive barrier visible, deck connections, exterior stairs.
• Final interior — door swing clearances, GFCI in wet locations, AFCI in bedrooms.
• Energy compliance — confirmation that the air-leakage and duct-test results are filed.
• Documentation — the asbestos clearance, lead RRP records (if applicable), structural engineer's letter, energy consultant's report all in the project file.

What you do at the final

You don't have to be there, but it's worth being there. Two reasons:

1. You learn what the inspector saw. Their walk-through is the most thorough independent review your project will get.
2. Punch-list items get clear. If the inspector flags something, you know exactly what the GC has to fix.

Certificate of Occupancy

Once the final passes, PP&D issues the Certificate of Occupancy. It's the legal document that says the addition meets code and you can occupy the new space. Save it in the home record permanently — title companies, future buyers, and your insurance company will all want to see it eventually.

What if the final fails

Common reasons:

• A missing fire extinguisher in a required location.
• A smoke detector test that didn't pass.
• An egress window that doesn't fully open.
• A handrail spacing or termination that's off by an inch.

Each is a same-day fix. The GC fixes, calls for re-inspection, passes. Three to seven days of delay, not weeks.

When this is done

When the CofO is issued and in your hands. The legal phase of the project is closed.