What a Final Inspection Actually Verifies

By the time a project reaches final inspection, the structural, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins have typically already been signed off at earlier stages. The final inspection focuses on what's visible and complete at project's end: smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed and working, guards and handrails at their required heights, exits clear and functional, and the completed work generally matching what was permitted.

It's also the point where a building officially becomes eligible for occupancy — moving in, or using the space, before final sign-off can be its own violation separate from whatever the inspection would have caught. Treat it as the last checkpoint, not a formality, even after everything leading up to it has already passed.