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How do I schedule an inspection?

Published

September 17, 2005

| Building Department | Updated

June 2, 2026

How do I schedule an inspection?

Answer

All inspections are conducted Monday through Friday and must be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Call the building department Monday-Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 978-440-5461 to schedule an inspection. Inspections are to be requested by the permit holder. Inspections are listed in order and not all items listed below apply. Some may require multiple inspections.

Building/Sheet Metal Inspections: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wiring Inspections: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Plumbing/Gas Inspections: 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Order of Inspections:

1.) Excavation: Inspected before concrete.

  • Undisturbed clean bearing soils.
  • Frost protection.
  • Steel in footings & walls.
    • *Steel bonded for ground must be inspected by wiring inspector.

2.) Foundation: Inspected before backfill.

  • Damp proofing.
  • Perimeter drains.
  • Insulation for a slab or a foundation wall to be buried.
  • Passive Radon System. Perforated pipe and T or other approved method.
  • Certified as-built before construction continues. (Only when requested by Inspector.)

3.) Rough Frame: inspection before insulation & wall board.

  • Plumbing, gas, wiring and fire alarm/sprinkler roughs all signed off before building rough.
  • Sheet metal / mechanical.
  • Radon piped to attic.
  • Chimney throat.
  • Structure.

4.) Insulation: Inspected before lathing / wall board.

  • Ventilation.
  • Walls, ceilings & floors.

5.) Final: Inspected on completion.

  • Plumbing, gas, wiring and fire alarm/sprinkler finals all signed off before building final.
  • HERS confirmed rating.

6.) Certificate of Occupancy after all other department requirements are met and certified plot plan submitted.

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