Building a new home is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of requirements.
One of the most important steps during new construction is working with a building code inspector.
A building code inspector reviews the work being done on your home to make sure it meets safety standards and local building requirements. These inspections help ensure your new home is safe, efficient, and built correctly the first time.
Some parts of the building code are straightforward, while others can be more complex. Insulation, for example, can meet code requirements in two different ways: by reaching specific prescriptive R-Values or by meeting performance standards, depending on the insulation material used.
At RetroFoam of Michigan, we've worked with building code inspectors and new build home inspectors for more than 20 years. Understanding how inspections work -- and how to communicate with inspectors -- can help keep your project running smoothly.
Before you begin construction, it's helpful to understand the inspection process, the requirements involved in building a new home, and how to work effectively with your inspector.
• A building code inspector ensures your new home meets safety and construction standards.
• Communication between homeowners, contractors, and inspectors helps prevent costly mistakes.
• Insulation can meet code through prescriptive R-Values or performance-based standards.
• Documenting inspections and approvals protects you if questions arise later.
• Being present during inspections helps you better understand your home and the building process.
When you build a new home, local governments require inspections throughout the construction process.
These inspections confirm that each phase of the project meets building codes and safety requirements.
A building inspector for new homes may review several stages of construction, including:
Foundation work
Each step helps verify that your home meets the requirements for safe and compliant construction.
For insulation specifically, inspectors often check that materials meet local energy code requirements.
Building inspectors are there to help ensure everything is done correctly.
Establishing a good working relationship can make the process much smoother.
Before building begins, your contractor should submit plans to the building code inspector for approval.
Early communication helps ensure everyone understands what materials and methods will be used during construction.
If insulation is part of the discussion, the inspector should know what type will be installed so they can determine how it will meet code.
Not all insulation materials are evaluated the same way.
Traditional materials like fiberglass or cellulose insulation must meet specific R-Value requirements to pass inspection.
Spray foam insulation, on the other hand, may pass through performance-based standards, meaning it can meet code through air sealing and energy performance rather than just R-Value alone.
Talking about insulation plans early helps ensure your contractor and inspector are aligned before installation begins.
Detailed documentation can make a huge difference during the construction process.
It's a good idea to:
Good documentation protects homeowners and helps avoid confusion later in the project.
Timing matters when coordinating inspections.
It's often best to schedule inspections early in the day and leave some flexibility in your schedule. If the inspector finds something that needs adjustment, you'll want time to address it before the next phase of construction begins.
Most importantly, make sure inspections are approved before moving forward with the next step, including insulation installation.
If possible, be present when the building inspector for your new home visits the job site.
Walking through the home together allows you to:
Ask questions
This can be a valuable learning experience for homeowners building a new house.
If the inspector identifies an issue, don't panic.
Ask questions about what needs to be corrected and how to address the problem. Inspectors are typically willing to explain what they're looking for so the issue can be resolved quickly.
In many cases, small adjustments can bring the project back into compliance without major delays.
While bringing donuts to your local building inspector might earn a smile, what they really want is for the job to be done correctly the first time.
Choosing an insulation contractor who understands building codes can make a huge difference during the construction process.
When the contractor, inspector, and homeowner are all on the same page, inspections tend to go much more smoothly.
If you're building a new home and exploring insulation options, understanding how different materials meet code requirements can help you make more informed decisions about comfort and energy efficiency.
To learn more about insulation options for new construction, explore additional resources in our Learning Center.
Michigan Insulation Code: New Home Insulation Requirements
Spray Foam Insulation Code Requirements: How to Pass Code Without Meeting Prescriptive R-Value
Spray Foam Insulation for New Build Homes: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hiring a home inspector for a new build can still be beneficial even though the home must pass building inspections.
A building code inspector works for the municipality and focuses on whether the home meets minimum building code requirements. A private new build home inspector works for you and may provide a more detailed inspection of workmanship, materials, and potential issues.
Many homeowners choose to hire both to ensure their new home is built correctly.
A building code inspector reviews different stages of construction to confirm the home meets local building regulations.
Typical inspections during building a new home may include:
Foundation inspection
Each inspection ensures the home meets safety and structural standards before construction moves forward.
A building code inspector works for a city or county and verifies that the home meets minimum building code standards.
A home inspector for a new build, on the other hand, is hired by the homeowner to look for potential issues such as:
Workmanship problems
Both inspections serve different purposes and can provide peace of mind during new home construction.
Yes, even when building a new home, it's possible to fail an inspection if something does not meet code requirements.
Common issues inspectors may flag include:
Incorrect insulation installation
When a problem is found, the contractor typically corrects the issue and schedules a reinspection before continuing construction.
The requirements for building a new home vary by location, but generally include:
Approved construction plans
Working with experienced contractors and communicating with your building code inspector can help ensure the project meets all local requirements.