Every contractor wants to keep projects running smoothly, avoiding delays that can arise from missing paperwork or compliance codes. Navigating Maryland’s contractor rules can feel overwhelming, but understanding what inspectors look for can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re renovating, building an addition, or tearing something down, inspectors focus on three key things: safety, quality, and compliance with state and local building codes. Here’s a simple guide to what Maryland inspectors check, with specific details from Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Baltimore counties.
Key Areas of Inspection
Before the Inspection: Getting Your Paperwork in Order
1. Permits and Licenses:
You must secure permits for demolition, construction, electrical work, and plumbing before you begin. For example, a home addition in Montgomery County requires a main building permit plus separate permits for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. Similarly, in Baltimore County, no construction may begin before a permit has been issued for any construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or installation of equipment. Additionally, contractors must be licensed by state bodies like the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). The Prince George’s County Construction Code Compliance Unit actively searches for unlicensed contractors to enforce these rules.
2. On-Site Documents:
Keep all essential documents at the construction site for easy access. In Montgomery and Baltimore counties, this includes the approved site plan and building drawings, which must be available for inspectors to review at all times.
During the Inspection: What Inspectors Look For
Inspectors examine the project at different stages to ensure safety, quality, and code compliance.
1. Structural Integrity:
Inspectors carefully check the building’s “skeleton” to confirm it is safe and built to last.
• Footings and Foundations: They verify that the concrete base is the correct depth and width according to local codes and that steel reinforcements are properly placed.
• Framing: During this key inspection, they examine the walls, floors, and roof structure, checking the size and spacing of lumber and support beams to ensure they match the approved plans. They also look for fire-blocking materials inside the walls.
• Demolition Safety: For demolition projects, inspectors confirm that the site is secure with proper fencing, debris is managed correctly, and utilities are safely disconnected.
2. Safety and Code Compliance:
Safety is a top priority, and inspectors use detailed checklists to verify that every aspect of the project is up to code.
• Electrical Systems: A “rough-in” inspection occurs after wiring is installed but before walls are covered. They check for proper wiring, circuit breakers, grounding, and correct installation of outlets and lights.
• Plumbing and Mechanical Systems: Inspectors ensure pipes, drains, and vents are installed correctly. For HVAC systems, they check ductwork, vents, and equipment placement for safety and efficiency.
• Insulation and Energy Efficiency: They confirm that insulation is installed correctly to meet energy code requirements. This is typically done before the drywall goes up.
• Fire Safety: This check includes verifying fire-blocking, smoke detectors, and accessible emergency exits like windows and doors.
After the Inspection: The Final Steps
1. The Final Walk-Through:
The final inspection is a comprehensive review of the completed project. The inspector confirms all previously noted issues have been resolved, all work is finished, and the building is safe for occupancy. In Baltimore County, a final inspection is required for the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. This includes checking that appliances work, the ground slopes away from the house for proper drainage, and all utilities are running. Passing this inspection is required to close out your permits.
2. Addressing Failed Inspections and Future Considerations:
If your project fails an inspection, you’ll receive a list of issues to correct. In Prince George’s County, the Construction Code Compliance Unit may issue fines or violation notices for failed final inspections. In Baltimore County, the inspector will inform you if the inspection passed or failed and issue a correction notice if necessary. It’s also wise to consider that the home will likely be inspected again if it is ever sold. These future home inspections, guided by state regulations (COMAR 09.36.01.03), involve a visual check of the home’s structure and systems for a potential buyer. Building with long-term quality in mind will not only help you pass your construction inspections but also add lasting value to the property. Maryland has a robust inspection system to ensure projects are safe, durable, and high-quality.
Meeting these standards might seem daunting, but it’s more manageable than you think with the right guidance. Zitro Services LLC has helped Maryland general contractors obtain their licenses. However, local Departments of Permits and Inspections distribute the necessary permits for each job to ensure compliance. With the right support, you can pass inspections and keep your business running smoothly.
References:
Maryland Department of Labor. (n.d.). COMAR search. Retrieved from Maryland Home Inspector Regulations
Prince George’s County, MD. (n.d.). Construction code compliance unit. Retrieved from https:// www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/permitting-inspections-and-enforcement/ inspections/construction-code-compliance-unit#:~: text=Additions%20and%20renovations%20which%20includes,from%20the%20Adminis trative%20Hearing%20Unit.
Montgomery County, MD. Department of Permitting Services. (n.d.). Residential demolition inspections. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Resources/Files/RCI/ ResidentialDemolitionInspections.pdf
Montgomery County, MD. Department of Permitting Services. (n.d.). Residential additions inspections. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Resources/Files/RCI/ ResidentialAdditionsInspections.pdf
Montgomery County, MD. Department of Permitting Services. (n.d.). Residential restore repair inspections. Retrieved from https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Resources/Files/RCI/ ResidentialRestoreRepairInspections.pdf
Baltimore County Government. (n.d.). Building inspections. Retrieved from https:// www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/pai/building-inspections
Maryland State Archives. (n.d.). Permanent locations – State government agencies. Retrieved fromhttps://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/01glance/html/permloc.html
