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1. When can I call for an inspection?

After the permit is issued and after the work is done to the point that it is to be concealed. For inspections such as rough-ins and finals, all work is inspected together (electrical, mechanical and plumbing with the building code work).

2. Can I request a partial inspection?

A partial inspection may be warranted based on the scope of work and type of construction. We will perform a partial inspection only if that portion of the work must be concealed before the remainder of the work can be completed or the volume of work is so great that is must be broken into smaller sections (typical for commercial work).

3. When will the inspector arrive?

The inspectors coordinate their routes each morning and take into consideration the location of the inspection, the type of inspection (footings and finals are more critical than most other inspections) and how your inspection can most efficiently be done together with the inspector’s daily workload. Please call our office after 9:00 a.m. and we will be able to tell you whether your inspection is scheduled for the morning or afternoon.

4. When is an inspection necessary?

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) mandates that work regulated by the Code be inspected before it is concealed. This includes footings before concealed with dirt, walls and framing before wall coverings are installed, the foundation before the sill plate conceals the top of the wall, etc. Also, a final inspection and approval must be obtained before the new work is occupied or used.

5. What does “approved” mean?

Approved means that the work has been approved by the Department of Building Inspection and is assumed to meet the intent and spirit of the USBC. If an inspection passes, the work is approved.

6. What does it mean if an inspection fails?

A failed inspection simply means that a correction is required before the work will be approved. If the inspection has failed, the inspector will note on the inspection ticket the reasons for failure. Typically, other work may proceed while the correction is made, based on the opinion of the inspector who rejected the work. If you have questions about a failed inspection, contact the inspector.

7. How do I reschedule an inspection?

Correct the defect that caused the inspection to fail and contact the inspection request line for a re-inspection.

8. How do I cancel an inspection?

If it’s prior to 8:00 a.m., call the inspection request line and cancel the original request. Be sure to leave the permit number so we can match your request. If it’s after 8:00 a.m., contact a permit technician at the general office number so the inspector can be notified and a re-inspection fee can be avoided.

9. What is a re-inspection fee?

Whenever an inspection fails twice for the same task, a re-inspection fee of $100.00 is assessed to recover the cost of the additional inspections. This fee must be paid at the Building Inspection Office. Inspectors will not accept payment for re-inspection fees in the field. No other inspections will be scheduled until the fee has been paid.

Building Inspections page

10. Can I request a time for my inspection?

You are required to have the work ready for inspection at 8:00 a.m. the day of the request. Inspectors typically leave the office around 9:00 a.m. and spend the remainder of the day inspecting. Because of too many variables with work location and the size and shape of the County, we cannot honor specific times for inspections. To reduce your wait time, it is recommended that you contact our office the day of your inspection after 9:00 a.m. so that we can give you a window of time that they may be at your site.

11. How can I request an inspection?

To schedule an inspection, you may call our inspection line 804-556-5815 or email us at bi-emails@goochlandva.us. 

If you call our inspection line, it will ask you to leave a voice message. Please speak slowly and clearly.

Please provide the following information:

Permit number is mandatory. Fail to provide this information and the inspection will not be scheduled.

Construction site street address.

Type of inspection requested. For commercial projects, be specific as to location (i.e. second floor, above ceiling, room #123)

Contact name and a phone number (including area code).

Inspections will be scheduled for the next workday provided they are received by 3:00 p.m. the previous business day. All requests received after 3:00 p.m. will be scheduled for the second business day.

We cannot schedule a time for your inspection. You may call after 9:00 a.m. the day of the inspection to obtain a window for when the inspection will take place. Staff will only provide an “AM” or “PM” time designation. Please do not ask for anything more specific.

For generator finals, homeowners or contractors must be onsite to start the generator.