What It Is
Before drywall goes up, the wiring, outlets, switches, and boxes are still visible. A pre-close inspection confirms that the electrical work meets Louisiana code while it can still be corrected without opening a finished wall.
Let There Be Light Electric LLC does this inspection on new construction and remodels in Covington and the surrounding parishes.
What Gets Checked
Wire size and how the cable was run. Outlet and switch locations. Boxes that are secured and still reachable. Grounding and bonding. And the local rules for the city where the house sits.
In Covington, building codes require this inspection before drywall on new construction and on larger remodels.
Why It Is Worth Doing
A fault behind a closed wall is a fire risk, and opening that wall later costs more than fixing the wire while it is still exposed. A failed inspection also stalls the rest of the job.
What Shows Up Often
Wrong wire size. Cable that is not secured. Junction boxes in the wrong place, or packed too full. Missing grounds. And work that was done without a license, which is where a lot of the code problems start.
Time and Cost
Most pre-close inspections take one to three hours, depending on the size of the house. The published range is $150 to $500. Call (504) 729-8902 with the address for a number on that job.
The inspection itself should be done by a licensed electrician or a Louisiana electrical inspector. You get a written report, not a verbal once-over.