DIY Network

Steps to Building a Better Home: Final Inspections From "Home IQ" episode DHIQ-126

Our homeowners (Brad and Lynn Oberg) rely upon their builder to construct a house that meets the guidelines -- called "codes" -- required by the township. "The building code," Jeff Winkle, director for community development for Cranberry Township (in Pennsylvania), "that we have adopted by reference is the BOCA national building code." BOCA stands for building officials and code administrators, which is a national standard adopted through national input from different construction industries throughout the United States.

In DIY's new Home IQ series, you'll follow the Oberg family during the decision-making process of building this beautiful new home.

In this final episode of Home IQ, you'll see the house inspectors checking the Oberg home one last time, and you'll meet the engineers from IBACOS involved in the new technologies utilized in the home.

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Checking the footer depth is just the start of the inspections that will take place on the Oberg home!

The "Stress Concrete Deck" inspection failed on the Oberg home because the measurements taken by the inspector didn't match the numbers provided on the design by the engineer. The inspector has to post a "Failed Notice" (seen here) and let the builder know the bad news. When the builder, Greg Allen, checked on the problem he found out that the inspector measured incorrectly. Ultimately the deck passed inspection!

To ensure these codes are being followed, the Oberg house gets approximately 12 inspections during and after the construction process.

Here's a list of Required Residential Inspections:

• Footer Inspection -- Footer inspection made after caissons have been drilled or trenches cut and/or forms erected and required reinforcing steel in place.

• Outside Sewer -- A visual and air test for all sanitary plumbing from foundation to sewer lateral test tee.

• Foundation Inspection -- Made after the foundation is completed, French drain is installed and damp-proofing is applied.

• Inside Sewer -- A visual and air test for all sanitary plumbing from foundation to under slab.

• Water-Service Line -- A visual test for the water line from curb stop to the meter angle valve.

• Stressed Concrete Floor or Deck -- The inspection must be made when the forms are in place an reinforcing steel is in position.

• Electrical -- Performed by a third-party inspection agency approved by the power company.

• Structural Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, Rough-In Inspection -- When all structural framing is completed and prior to insulation and covering of framing, and when the electrical system has been inspected as specified above.

• Downspout and Rain Leaders -- To their point of termination.

• Final Sewer and Water -- Final site inspection of meter spread, remote meter, curb box, valve box, manhole and fire hydrants.

• Final Inspection -- Made after construction is completed. Final electrical inspection verified and the structure is made ready for occupancy.

Certificate of Compliance -- This certificate can't be issued until the Final Inspection and approval are given. Failure to obtain the Certificate of Compliance will result in fine and penalties as prescribed by local municipal ordinance. The request for newly constructed residences must be in writing and must state the expected move-in date and the name of the new owners or occupants. Written request for the Certificate of Compliance must be received at least five (5) days before move-in date.

Certificate of Occupancy -- This is the final document needed before you can move into your home, and once the final inspection is done and everything receives "approval," you can receive this certificate -- and finally move into your new home.

In the next segment find out what our homeowners did to get "more" than minimal comfort in their new dream home.

RESOURCES :

Lighting for Oberg Home (Lutron Electronics and Sterling Lite)

Lutron Electronics Co. Inc.
Website: www.lutron.com

Sterling Lite, Inc.
20800 Rt. 19
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-772-7474
Fax: 724-772-3286
E-mail: sterlite@stargate.net

Home Builder for the Oberg Home
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: buildm@zoominternet.net

Moving Services for Oberg Home
Hindman Moving & Storage
Website: www.hindmanmoving.com

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Guidelines
Website: www.epa.gov

GUESTS :

Brad and Lynn Oberg
Homeowners
Company: IBACOS (Brad)
Title: Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer
Website: www.ibacos.com

Jeff Winkle
Director of Community Development
Cranberry Township
2525 Rochester Rd.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-6499
Phone: 724-776-4806
Website: www.twp.cranberry.pa.us

Greg Allen
Site Supervisor
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: buildm@zoominternet.net
Website: hendolhursthomes.com

Eric Newhouse
Systems Integration Designer
IBACOS
Website: www.ibacos.com

Bruce Dickson
Project Manager
IBACOS
Website: www.ibacos.com

Bill Rittlemann
Project Engineer
IBACOS
2214 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Website: www.ibacos.com

Ronald Henshaw
Manager, Code Administration
2525 Rochester Rd.
Suite 400
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-776-4806
Fax: 724-776-5488
E-mail: henshawr@twp.cranberry.pa.us
Website: www.cranberrytownship.org

Dennis Fowler
Cranberry Township Inspector
Department of Public Works
2525 Rochester Rd.
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-776-4806
Fax: 724-776-5488
E-mail: admin@twp.cranberry.pa.us
Website: www.twp.cranberry.pa.us/publicworks/

Duncan Prahl
R.A., Senior Building Scientist
IBACOS Website: www.ibacos.com