You’re almost there. The construction is done, the finishes are in, and you’re ready to enjoy your new space—but there’s one more step: the final inspection. This is where your project gets signed off by the city and officially approved. For homeowners in the San Fernando Valley, knowing how to prepare can mean the difference between a fast approval and costly delays.
1. Know What Inspectors Are Looking For
Each city in the San Fernando Valley (Burbank, Northridge, Van Nuys, etc.) has its own building department, but most final inspections cover the same key areas:
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Permit compliance: Does the work match what was approved?
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Code adherence: Are all systems (electrical, plumbing, structural) up to California Building Code?
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Safety: Are smoke detectors, egress windows, handrails, and GFCI outlets in place?
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Energy efficiency: Does the build meet Title 24 requirements for insulation, windows, and lighting?
At Proline Construction, we build to pass inspections the first time—and we walk inspectors through every phase of the job.
2. Complete All Punch List Items Before Scheduling
Before calling for your final, make sure every detail is complete, including:
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Door handles and locks installed
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Fixtures mounted and wired
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Appliances connected and operational
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Paint and finish work complete
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Trash and debris removed from site
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HVAC and thermostats functional
Don’t rush the inspection. A half-finished job is a guaranteed fail—and you’ll have to reschedule.
3. Clear Access to All Areas
Inspectors need to access every part of the project, including:
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Attics
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Crawl spaces
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Electrical panels
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Water heaters
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Exterior elements (siding, windows, decks)
Make sure ladders, keys, or covers are ready, and that furniture or tools aren’t blocking anything they need to see.
4. Double-Check Safety Installations
Many inspections fail over small safety details that are easy to fix but often overlooked:
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Smoke and CO detectors must be hardwired (in most jurisdictions) and installed in all required areas
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GFCI outlets must be in all wet zones (kitchens, bathrooms, garages, outdoors)
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Tempered glass must be used near showers, tubs, or stairways
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Handrails and guardrails must meet height and spacing codes
We confirm all of these before final inspection—because one missed item could delay your sign-off by a week or more.
5. Keep the Permit Plans On-Site
Your inspector will want to review the original approved plans. Keep a printed copy in a visible spot—taped inside a kitchen cabinet or in a binder by the front door works well. Having digital versions on hand is also helpful.
6. Be Present or Have Your Contractor Handle It
Final inspections can sometimes raise last-minute questions. If you’re not available, your licensed contractor should be—especially if you’ve worked with a full-service builder like Proline Construction. We walk inspectors through the job and address anything on the spot.
7. What Happens If You Don’t Pass?
Not a disaster—but it does delay the final sign-off. You’ll get a list of corrections, and you’ll need to fix them before rescheduling.
Common causes of failed final inspections in the San Fernando Valley:
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Missing smoke/CO detectors
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Incomplete plumbing or electrical work
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Inaccessible areas
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Unpermitted additions discovered during inspection
We aim to avoid all of these by completing our own pre-final walkthrough before the inspector shows up.
The final inspection is the last hurdle—and one you want to clear without drama. With the right prep, a clean site, and a qualified contractor by your side, you’ll be enjoying your completed project in no time.
Planning a remodel or addition in the San Fernando Valley?
Proline Construction handles the full process—from permits to inspections to punch list—so you can build with confidence and close out without delays.