What Does the Inspector Check for Energy at Final Inspection Besides Paperwork?
At final the inspector looks at the finished building: HVAC and water heating efficiency values, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fan noise ratings, the air filter's MERV rating and thickness, exterior lighting and controls, and weather stripping on exterior and demising doors. The forms are checked as well, but these are the physical items.
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The short list for the last visit
- HVAC equipment efficiency values, read off the installed unit.
- Water heater efficiency values.
- Noise level ratings of bathroom and kitchen exhaust and other ventilation fans.
- The filter: its MERV rating and its thickness.
- Exterior lighting and its controls.
- Weather stripping on exterior doors and on doors between dwelling units.
The inspector also confirms that installed features match the approved plans and CF1R, and that required certificates are posted or viewable on the registry. For a house, final is not complete until that is verified (Part 1, Section 10-103(d)2). Where testing applies, the agency also needs the registered CF3R signed by the ECC-Rater.
Why the list is short
Most items are looked at earlier. The foundation visit covers slab edge insulation and hot water piping in the slab. Rough frame covers lighting efficacy, window U-factor and SHGC, ducts, fan ducting and the radiant barrier or cool roof. Insulation is inspected before drywall, then drywall for air sealing around lighting cans, registers and outlets.
When something is already hidden
If a department skips a visit such as insulation, the work is concealed by final. The agency may require the CF2R to be posted when that part is complete, and the inspector reads the values off the form. The paperwork side is in documents at final inspection, and the envelope CF2R forms show which certificate goes with each stage.
Tests the inspector may watch
The agency can require ECC-Verification to be scheduled so its inspector can observe the installer's or ECC-Rater's tests. Ask whether your department wants to attend before the test date is set.
Cheap fixes before the visit
- Compare the filter's printed MERV rating and thickness with the CF1R (MERV 13 filter sizing).
- Check the weather stripping on every exterior door, and the noise rating of each exhaust fan (bathroom exhaust fan rules).
If the job is held, what is missing when final is held lists the usual gaps. The timeline is in the Title 24 timeline, and our residential service covers the design report.
Common Title 24 Questions
- What is Title 24?
- Do I need a Title 24 report?
- How much does a Title 24 report cost?
- How long does a Title 24 report take?
- What is included in a Title 24 report?
- What plans do I need to upload?
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends on the department. The code requires the enforcement agency to verify energy compliance before final is complete, but it does not dictate who visits.
The agency may not approve until it holds the required certificates, so a missing CF2R or CF3R can hold the final even when the work is compliant.
Explore Title 24 Documents
- Title 24 Documents by Job Type: What Each Project Carries From Permit to Final
- Title 24 Form Codes and Suffixes Explained
- What Papers Must the Builder Leave in Your Home After Final Inspection?
View all Title 24 Documents guides → · Forms and Certificates · Title 24 guide