During the home building (or Construction) process, your home will go through many different types of inspections to ensure that your home is safe, structurally sound, and complies with all local building codes and regulations. These inspections help guarantee the quality and integrity of your home, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment. These inspections are completed by the a City of Calgary, City of Edmonton or a Municipality inspector.
Inspections are imperative in the home building process and a home can not move forward in its building stages until these inspections have been completed and approved. Weather can have a large impact on building inspections and can add a delay to build timelines. It is important that we allow time for the Municipalities and not rush them to execute home inspections in optimal weather conditions to ensure the home is being correctly inspected.
Pre-Backfill Inspection
The Pre-Backfill Inspection is conducted after the completion of the foundation, before the backfilling process begins. During this inspection, a City inspector evaluates key aspects of the foundation, including the installation of damp proofing systems and drainage systems, to ensure they comply with building codes and regulations. This step is crucial in preventing future water damage and ensuring proper foundation integrity.
Groundworks Inspection
The Groundworks Inspection occurs during the framing stage of the home, prior to the pouring of the basement concrete. At this point, all plumbing systems that will be located beneath the basement floor are thoroughly reviewed. The purpose of this inspection is to confirm that all plumbing work has been completed in accordance with applicable codes and standards, ensuring that future plumbing installations will function efficiently and safely once the concrete is in place.
Pre-Board Inspection
The Pre-Board Inspection takes place once the home's framing is complete, and all major mechanical systems have been installed. During this inspection, the City inspector thoroughly evaluates four critical components of the home:
- FRAMING: Ensures structural integrity and compliance with building standards.
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Verifies that the system has been properly installed and meets code requirements.
- ELECTRICAL: Ensures that wiring and electrical components are safely and correctly installed.
- PLUMBING/GAS: Confirms the proper installation of plumbing and gas systems to meet safety and code standards.
Each of these components undergoes a detailed inspection to guarantee compliance with the building code and to ensure the safety of the home’s future inhabitants.
Pre-Possession Inspection
The Pre-Possession Inspection is the final inspection conducted by the City inspector before the home is officially handed over to the homeowner. At this stage, inspectors review the home’s four primary systems once again:
- BUILDING: Verifies that the overall structure meets all building and safety codes.
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Ensures the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are fully functional and meet code requirements.
- ELECTRICAL: Confirms that the electrical systems are safe and up to code.
- PLUMBING/GAS: Ensures that plumbing and gas installations are safe and in compliance with building standards.
This inspection is designed to confirm that all systems are not only functional but also compliant with both building codes and safety regulations, ensuring the home is safe for occupancy.
External inspections from private inspectors are not available at this time and you can always reach out to your Area Sales Team and Construction Team to get a copy of the City/Municipal inspections completed on your home.
To learn more about the cities inspection processes, please visit these sites:
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Last updated on Mar. 28, 2025