A rough-in wiring inspection requires that the new wiring be fully installed but still exposed, before the walls are closed, so the inspector can verify the boxes, cable runs, connections, and panel work are correct and to code. The rough-in inspection is done at the stage when the wiring is in place but not yet covered, which is why timing and readiness matter. Understanding what is required helps a rewire or wiring project move smoothly through this important checkpoint.

Here is what is required for a rough-in wiring inspection.

The wiring must be installed and exposed

The fundamental requirement is that the wiring is fully roughed in but still visible. That means the cable runs, boxes, and connections are installed, but the walls, ceilings, and floors are not yet closed up over them. The whole point of the rough-in inspection is to check the wiring while it can be seen, so it must not be covered before the inspection. Closing walls before this inspection is a problem, because the inspector needs visual access.

What is typically in place

For a rough-in inspection, the following are generally expected to be in place:

• Cable runs routed and secured properly
• Boxes installed for outlets, switches, and fixtures
• Connections made at boxes (though devices and fixtures are not yet finished)
• The panel installed or roughed in as appropriate
• Grounding and bonding provisions in place.

The system is complete as rough wiring, ready to be verified before finishing.

What the inspector checks

At a rough-in inspection, the inspector verifies that the wiring is installed correctly and to code. This generally includes checking that:

• Wiring methods and materials are correct
• Boxes are properly installed and sized
• Cable is secured and protected as required
• Connections are properly made
• Grounding and bonding are correct
• The layout meets code requirements.

The inspector is confirming the hidden work is right before it gets covered.

Why it must be done before walls close

The rough-in inspection must happen before the walls are closed because the wiring needs to be visible to be inspected. Once drywall goes up, the wiring is hidden, and verifying it would mean opening the walls back up. This is why the sequence of a rewire has the rough-in inspection after the wiring is run but before finishing, a point covered in our article on the order electricians rewire a house in.

Handled by the electrician

A licensed electrician manages the rough-in inspection as part of the project, ensuring the wiring is properly installed and ready, scheduling the inspection at the right time, and addressing anything the inspector flags. Because the electrician knows what the inspection requires, they prepare the work to pass and keep the project on track. The homeowner does not need to manage this, but it helps to understand why walls stay open until the rough-in passes.

A rough-in wiring inspection requires the new wiring to be fully installed but still exposed, with cable runs, boxes, connections, the panel, and grounding in place, so the inspector can verify everything is correct and to code before the walls are closed. It must happen before finishing because the wiring needs to be visible. A licensed electrician prepares the work and manages the inspection as part of the project.

Stella Electric manages rough-in inspections and the full wiring process for homeowners across the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland, with flat-rate pricing and no overtime charges. If you are planning a wiring project, we handle the inspections. Financing is available on qualifying projects.