FAQs • Carlisle, MA • CivicEngage

Does someone have to be home during the inspection?: If access to the new work requires the inspector to walk through your existing, furnished house, someone must be present to let the inspector in. The inspector will not enter an unoccupied furnished house. We also will not enter a house in which only a child is home, unaccompanied by an adult. In these cases, please make arrangements with the inspector for a time to meet. We will try to accommodate your schedule as much as possible. However, the large number of inspections, and the unpredictability of the length of time each inspection may take, makes precise appointments difficult.

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Building Department - Inspections

1. When I start construction, is the work inspected?: Yes. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to call Inspectional Services to arrange for the required inspections. Required inspections are indicated on the inspection record card, which you receive when your permit is approved.

2. Where should this card be kept?: The card must be posted in a location visible from the street and accessible to the inspector. Generally, the best location is inside a front storm door.

3. Do I need to provide anything else to the inspector?: Yes. If you submitted plans along with your permit application, a copy of these plans, bearing an "approved" stamp was returned to you with the approved building card. This copy must be available for the inspector to review for determination that the work is in compliance with the approved plans.

4. How much notice does the inspector need when I am ready for an inspection?: Section 111.2 of the State Building Code states that the contractor must give the inspector 24 hours notice prior to the time when the inspection needs to be performed. It further states " the Building Inspector shall make the inspection within 48 hours after such notification".

5. Can I call for plumbing and electrical inspections?: No. These calls must be made by the licensed plumber or electrician. The amount of notice required is stated in their respective codes.

6. Does someone have to be home during the inspection?: If access to the new work requires the inspector to walk through your existing, furnished house, someone must be present to let the inspector in. The inspector will not enter an unoccupied furnished house. We also will not enter a house in which only a child is home, unaccompanied by an adult. In these cases, please make arrangements with the inspector for a time to meet. We will try to accommodate your schedule as much as possible. However, the large number of inspections, and the unpredictability of the length of time each inspection may take, makes precise appointments difficult.