Bathroom Renovation Inspection

Shower and tub surrounds require waterproof membrane. Shower pan must be watertight. Cement board or equivalent required in wet areas.

1. Ask to see waterproofing documentation/photos

2. Verify cement board substrate (not regular drywall)

3. Check shower curb stability

4. Look for water stains on ceiling below

5. Run shower for 10 minutes and check for leaks outside shower area

6. Inspect caulk at all floor-wall joints

7. Check shower door/curtain water containment

- Regular drywall in wet areas

- No waterproof membrane behind tile

- Shower pan not sloped to drain

- Gaps in caulk joints

- Shower curb not waterproofed

All fixtures must be securely mounted and leak-free with functional shut-offs. Toilet must be bolted and sealed.

1. Rock the toilet — should not move

2. Flush — should flush completely and refill properly

3. Turn on all faucets — check pressure and temperature

4. Check under vanity for leaks

5. Test shut-off valves

6. Check drain speed

7. Inspect caulk around fixtures

8. Verify hot on left

- Rocking toilet

- Slow drain

- Reversed hot/cold

- Missing shut-offs

- Caulk gaps

All bathroom receptacles require GFCI protection. Dedicated 20-amp circuit required. Exhaust fan required for windowless bathrooms.

1. Test every receptacle with GFCI tester

2. Check receptacle locations relative to water sources

3. Verify exhaust fan operates and moves air

4. Check fan is ducted to exterior

5. Test all switches and lights

6. Verify no receptacles inside shower/tub area

7. Check light fixtures are rated for damp/wet locations

- Missing GFCI protection

- Fan ducted into attic

- Receptacle too close to water

- Fan and light on same switch

- Undersized fan

Tiles must be firmly bonded with consistent grout lines. No excessive lippage. Caulk at change-of-plane joints.

1. Tap tiles — listen for hollow sounds

2. Check grout lines — consistent, fully filled

3. Feel for lippage

4. Inspect cuts and edges

5. Verify caulk at corners (not grout)

6. Check pattern alignment

7. Look for damage

8. Check drain integration

- Hollow tiles

- Grout at corners instead of caulk

- Lippage

- Inconsistent grout width

- Chipped tiles

Exhaust fan required, minimum 50 CFM. Must exhaust to exterior. Timer or humidity sensor recommended.

1. Test fan suction with tissue

2. Verify exterior exhaust termination

3. Check noise level

4. Verify timer or sensor

5. Check duct connection and insulation

6. Inspect grille

7. Check window operation if present

- Fan vented into attic

- Duct disconnected

- Fan too small

- No fan installed

- Uninsulated duct