Orange County NC Website
5 <br />Foundation projection: The placement of foundations and piers upon the footing is critical for a <br />stable foundation system. It is not uncommon for footing to be dug out of place. It also is typical <br />for masons to simply build upon the misplaced footing or enlarge the footing to accommodate <br />the pier or foundation. Inspectors typically use this inspection to verify foundation placement, <br />mortar joints and correct block orientation. <br />Water - proofing: This is only required for Basement houses but is a critical safety feature of a dry <br />and stable project. The application of water -proof material is typically done with the final <br />foundation construction. Staff offers this separate inspection to grant flexibility to when this <br />application is verified. <br />Masonry fireplace: Masonry fireplaces are not common but have specific criteria needed to <br />ensure the system functions and performs as intended. An entire chapter of the Residential <br />Code is devoted to these fireplaces. These systems are built by specialty contractors at various <br />stages of the house construction process. Having its own inspection ensures adequate attention <br />is provided thus ensuring this meets minimum Code standards. <br />Building pre -slab: Building slabs can be complex systems, sometimes being the footing, <br />foundation and floor of a building or just a floor for basements, porches or on elevated <br />construction. A basement slab is inspected differently than a monolithic system where the <br />footing and slab are one. This inspection allows the needed flexibility to schedule what specific <br />type of inspection is needed for the project. <br />Garage Slab: Garage slabs are typically poured after the building is constructed when the <br />majority of heavy construction is completed but when the surface can be used for staging <br />materials or fabricating elements. <br />Plumbing in slab: The building "trades" are done by independent subcontractors who typically <br />manage their own schedules and inspection preparation. The required inspection list limits <br />these subcontractors to schedule their inspection when all trade contractors are ready. This <br />inspection is necessary prior to the actual building slab preparation where thickened slab <br />footings are formed; vapor barriers and reinforcement are installed. <br />Mechanical in slab: Similar to Plumbing in slab mechanical systems we would offer flexibility to <br />subcontractors to schedule when they are ready independent from other trades. <br />Electrical in slab: Similar to Plumbing and Mechanical in slab inspections. <br />Electrical in trench: Electrical installations outside the building typically are below ground and <br />often done by several system subcontractors. This may include trenches for septic, well pump <br />systems, outdoor lighting or service /feeders to other buildings or structures. Offering the <br />flexibility of separate inspections would extend greater control and efficiency to each <br />subcontractor. <br />Plumbing in trench: Similar to Electrical in trench. This typically would be for septic or sewer <br />drains and water service piping installations. <br />Mechanical in trench: Similar to Electrical in trench. This commonly would be for GEO thermal <br />trenches. <br />