Engineering Reviews of Rough-In Wiring Already Behind Drywall, Austin Renovations and New Homes (2020-2026)

Sometimes the drywall goes up before the city inspector sees the rough-in wiring. In Austin the city then asks for an engineer to review the methods and materials used. Between 2020 and 2026 we carried out more than a hundred rough-in reviews, for renovations and for new homes.

Looking behind finished walls

The examination is non-destructive. On each visit we pick several outlets, switches, panels or can lights that carry new wiring, usually four to seven, remove the cover plates and look into the wall with a video borescope. The main question is anchoring: the cable should be stapled to the stud within 12 inches of each box. We also check that the materials suit the use, that wiring near an attic scuttle is secured and supported, that cable feeding a kitchen island is rated for the location, and that no flat cable is stapled on edge.

What the sample found

We reread seventeen of these reports. Seven found no deficiencies. Ten listed at least one task. Missing anchoring was the most common: two of four devices in one house, three of five in another, and in a 2023 renovation only one of five devices showed cable that was properly secured. Exposed NM cable inside kitchen island cabinets and closets, which needs protection from physical damage, came up four times. Other tasks covered attic and crawl space wiring that was not secured and supported, a kitchen island with no receptacle, and, in one remodel, a new service panel with no Ufer connection at all.

Kitchens and garages

Some requests are narrower. For one kitchen remodel the question was receptacle placement. The island measured about 36 by 57 inches, and a counter broken by the stove counts as two counters, so the task was to mount a receptacle at each end of the island. A garage conversion passed on materials and on the wiring we could examine.

The report

Each report lists the code sections reviewed, the devices examined and what was found at each, and a numbered task for every deficiency, so the contractor can correct the work and the city can close the permit.

Related services

Reviews of hidden wiring are one part of our residential inspections.