UDC Inspections Overview

Inspection Types

Listed below are the inspection types outlined by the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. The following is an excerpt from the UDC commentary regarding inspection types:

Depending on the number of inspectors involved, coordination of the trades and the type of construction, the number of separate inspections could vary from four to eleven. There maybe additional inspections necessary due to callbacks regarding incomplete work or non-complying conditions.

The process begins with the Plan Review. This is the opportunity for a permit applicant to show compliance with Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code Chapters 20 - 25 and the incorporated standards as outlined in s. COMM 20.24. Particular attention is given to any deviations or unusual conditions that may exist.

Inspection Types In Sequence

Footing and Foundation Inspection

Depending on the type of footings and foundation, the number and timing of inspections varies as follows:

* Unreinforced concrete footings - Inspected after pouring of concrete.
* Reinforced concrete footings - Inspected after placement of forms and reinforcing and prior to pouring of concrete.
* Masonry or unreinforced concrete foundation - Inspected after placement of materials.
* Reinforced concrete foundation - Inspected after placement of forms and reinforcement and prior to pouring of concrete.
* Wood Foundations - Inspected after framing and sheathing and prior to the placement of gravel
* Foundation drain tiles, waterproofing and exterior insulation (when required) - Inspected prior to soil backfill. This may be combined with the inspection of masonry or unreinforced concrete foundations.

*The under-slab vapor retarder, interior drain tiles, and any under slab plumbing, electrical or heating work shall also be inspected prior to the pouring of the basement floor.

Zoning setbacks are verified by Bayfield and Sawyer Counties Zoning Departments. For further information regarding zoning rules and regulations contact the Bayfield County Zoning Department at (715) 373-6138 and the Sawyer County Zoning Department at (877) 699-4110.

Rough Inspection

The important principle to remember is that all work must be inspected prior to concealment. It is possible that all of the construction trades are coordinated enough so that all the rough-in inspections can be accomplished during one inspection. However, it is unlikely that the insulation inspection can be done at the same time because the insulation normally conceals the other work. Also, the rough framing inspection is best done after the electrical and heating work is done so that notching and boring can be checked.

Occasionally, a contractor will not properly call for an inspection so that the inspector does not have the opportunity to verify compliance prior to concealment of some work. Possible options that the municipality may consider are:

* removal of all covering work so a full inspection can be made,
* removal of representative section(s) of covering work as chosen by the inspector, alternative testing of materials,
* affidavits by witnesses verifying the original work, or
* noting of the permanent file, and possibly on the property deed, that compliance of certain items was not verified.

Selection of the option(s) is at the discretion of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.

Rough Electrical

Section 101.865 of the Wisconsin Statutes requires that the utility furnishing the electrical current obtain proof that the wiring complies with these standards before furnishing the current. Proof must be a certificate furnished by the inspection department which may be the certified independent inspection agency or the municipality administering and enforcing this code. The electrical utilities will require a certificate of inspection prior to energizing the electrical services, be they temporary or permanent installations. If there is no Registered UDC Inspection Agency or municipality, proof consists of an affidavit furnished by the contractor or other person doing the wiring.

Rough Plumbing Inspections

There may be separate required inspections for the sewer and water laterals, underslab plumbing and the rest of the rough plumbing.

Insulation

Generally, the insulation and vapor barrier are installed after all other rough inspections have been made so as to avoid displacement of the insulation by the heating, electrical or plumbing systems.

Final Inspection-Inspector Certification

A final inspection prior to occupancy requires inspections of the construction, HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems by an inspector or inspectors certified in all of those categories.

Final Inspection-Health and Safety Items

Special attention should be given the words "health and safety" in this section. It is clearly not the intent of the Uniform Dwelling Code to prevent persons from moving into their homes where certain cosmetic items have not been completed. For example, unpainted rooms, uncompleted trim work, lack of carpeting, etc., would not prevent occupancy. On the other hand, incomplete exiting arrangements, open electrical boxes, missing handrails and guardrails, open plumbing drains, etc., could constitute items affecting health and safety and would prevent occupancy.

Basic plumbing requirements for personal hygiene and culinary purposes that must be installed in the dwelling are a stool, wash basin, tub or shower, kitchen sink and hot water. All must be fastened in place and must be functional This means water service and drain, waste and vent piping must be provided and operational. The wash basin, kitchen sink, tub or shower must have hot water connections and all unused sewer connections must be sealed. The ventilation needs be functional in all bathrooms.

The smoke detector systems needs to be operational in all required areas. The siding also needs top be installed, however a 90-day extension will be granted in the event the siding has not been installed. It should be noted that re-inspection for any non-compliances or installation of the siding may require additional fees. All non-compliances are to be corrected within 30-days unless an extension has been requested and granted. The code requires that the exterior of the dwelling is to be completed within 2 years of issue of the permit or re-permitting will be necessary. Please refer to the Uniform Dwelling Code and the Uniform Notice to Permit Applicants Served by State-Contracted Inspection Agencies given to you when your project was permitted for more information. All requests for extensions to correct non-compliances are to be made in writing for inclusion in the owner’s file. Additional fees are to be paid prior to the final re-inspection being conducted.

Any questions regarding the final inspection should be directed to the inspector responsible for inspecting your project.

As of July 1, 2009, no person or entity may engage or offer to engage in construction business in Wisconsin unless they hold a Building Contractor Registration issued by the Safety and buildings Division of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. COMM 5.30 Building contractor. (1) GENERAL. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), no person or entity may engage in the construction business or offer to engage in the construction business that affects public buildings, places of employment and one- and 2- family dwellings, public swimming pools, and water attractions unless the person or entity holds a registration issued by the department as a registered building contractor.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to any of the following:
1. A person or entity that holds any of the following credentials issued by the department:

a. A dwelling contractor certification.
b. A dwelling contractor – restricted certification.
c. A manufactured home manufacturer license.
d. A manufactured home dealer license.
e. A manufactured home installer license.
f. An electrical contractor certification.
g. An electrical contractor – restricted certification.
h. An HVAC contractor registration.
i. An elevator contractor license.
2. A person or entity that works only on real estate or property they own or lease.

(c) Under this section: 1. "Construction business" means a trade that installs, alters or repairs any building element, component, material or device that is regulated under the commercial building code, chs. COMM 60 to 66, the uniform dwelling code, chs. COMM 20 to 25, the electrical code, ch. COMM 16, the plumbing code, chs. COMM 81 to 87, or the public swimming pools and water attractions code, ch. COMM 90. The term does not include the delivery of building supplies or materials, or the manufacture of a building product not on the building site."