Pre-Drywall Inspection Checklist

Conducting a Pre-Drywall Inspection using eAuditor Audits & Inspections involves checking various structural and safety aspects before drywall installation. Here’s a detailed checklist you can use in eAuditor Audits & Inspections to ensure everything is in place:

1. General Information

• Project Name
• Inspector’s Name
• Date of Inspection
• Location/Area Inspected
• Job Number or ID
• Weather Conditions

2. Framing Inspection

• Wall framing layout: Ensure proper alignment and spacing of wall studs (typically 16 or 24 inches apart).
• Top and bottom plates: Check for secure anchoring of the top and bottom plates.
• Fireblocking: Confirm installation of fireblocking where necessary (e.g., in concealed spaces).
• Framing materials: Ensure the wood or metal studs are free from damage, warping, or rot.
• Headers and beams: Verify for correct installation of headers and beams over doors, windows, and load-bearing walls.

3. Electrical Rough-In

• Electrical boxes: Ensure secure fastening and correct position of boxes for outlets, switches, and lighting.
• Wiring: Verify wiring is routed through the studs and properly secured, with no visible damage or wear.
• Grounding and bonding: Confirm correct grounding and bounding of the electrical system.
• GFCI circuit locations: Ensure installation of GFCI circuits in required areas (kitchens, bathrooms, garages).
• Proper spacing: Correct spacing of electrical outlets according to local codes.

4. Plumbing Rough-In

• Pipes and fittings: Ensure proper installation and leakage free pipes for water supply, drainage, and venting .
• Pipe protection: Check for protection of pipes from potential drywall screw or nail damage (use of nail plates where pipes pass through studs).
• Drainage and venting: Verify for correct sloping and venting of vent pipes according to code.
• Water shut-off valves: Confirm installation of water shut-off valves in the correct locations.
• Fixture placement: Ensure correct positioning of all plumbing fixtures (sinks, toilets, showers).

5. HVAC Rough-In

• Ductwork installation: Check that ducts are properly installed, insulated, and free from damage.
• Duct sealing: Ensure proper sealing of all joints in the ductwork to prevent leaks.
• Vent locations: Verify that HVAC vent locations are correct for each room.
• Return air paths: Ensure adequate sizing and location of return air paths.
• Condensate drain lines: Check for proper installation of condensate drain lines with proper slope and drainage.

6. Insulation Inspection

• Insulation type and R-value: Verify that insulation is installed to the specified R-value for the climate zone.
• Installation quality: Ensure proper installation of insulation is  with no gaps, voids, or compression.
• Vapor barrier: Check for installation and requirement of a vapor barrier (where applicable).
• Soundproofing insulation: Verify for installation of soundproofing insulation in walls/ceilings where required (e.g., between rooms or floors).

7. Fire Safety

• Fire-rated walls: Ensure fire-rated assemblies are installed where required, including fire-rated drywall (Type X) on required areas.
• Stops and blocking Fire: Verify fire stops are installed at vertical and horizontal penetrations.
• Fire caulking: Check that fire-rated caulking is applied where pipes, wires, and ducts penetrate the framing.
• Fire dampers: Ensure inatallation of fire dampers in ductwork where required.

8. Moisture and Weatherproofing

• Moisture barriers: Check for installation of moisture barriers (e.g., house wrap or vapor barriers) behind exterior walls.
• Window and door flashing: Ensure correct installing of flashing around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion.
• Roof eaves and soffits: Confirm for proper protection of roof eaves and soffits from moisture.
• Foundation moisture protection: Verify for installation of moisture protection for the foundation, such as damp proofing or waterproofing.

9. Structural Integrity

• Load-bearing walls: Ensure adequate support and frame for load-bearing walls
• Joists and trusses: Verify that joists and trusses are correctly installed and braced.
• Floor and ceiling framing: Check that floor and ceiling framing are level, secure, and free from defects.
• Anchor bolts: Confirm anchor bolts are properly installed in load-bearing walls and adequately secured to the foundation.
• Shear walls/bracing: Verify that shear walls or bracing are installed where necessary to resist lateral forces.

10. Penetrations and Sealing

• Wall penetrations: Ensure that all wall penetrations (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are sealed properly to prevent air or moisture intrusion.
• Nail plates: Check that nail plates are installed where wires or pipes run through framing members to prevent puncture by nails/screws.

11. Safety Compliance

• Temporary support structures: Verify that any temporary structures used during construction (scaffolding, braces) are properly secured and safe.
• Code compliance: Ensure that all framing, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work complies with local building codes and regulations.
• Access to inspection points: Make sure all inspection points are accessible for final inspection (electrical panels, plumbing shut-offs, etc.).

12. Photo Documentation

• Take photos of all critical areas, including:
  • Electrical boxes and wiring layout
  • Plumbing rough-ins
  • HVAC ductwork and vent locations
  • Framing, joists, and trusses
  • Insulation installation
  • Fire safety measures (e.g., fire caulking, fire-rated walls)

13. Sign-Off

• Inspector’s signature
• Builder’s signature (if necessary)
• Notes/Comments

This checklist ensures that all systems (framing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) are installed and compliant with building codes before the drywall is installed. In eAuditor Audits & Inspections, you can easily turn this into a digital checklist, with sections for photos, signatures, and comments for each item.