2026 GUIDE • WASHINGTON DC

How much does a re-inspection fee cost in Washington DC in 2026

Most contractors and owners in Washington DC pay $100 – $300 for a re-inspection in 2026, with the total driven by how many items failed, whether the same inspection must be repeated, and how many additional visits the project requires.

A re-inspection fee is the District’s charge for coming back after work fails an inspection or a scheduled visit has to be repeated. It’s small on its own — but repeated failures and no-shows turn a minor line item into a meaningful cost and a schedule problem.

Cost breakdown (2026)

Fee component	Typical 2026 cost
Re-inspection fee (per visit)	$60 – $150
Failed-inspection repeat charge (per discipline)	$50 – $150
Multiple-item assessment	Scales with failed items
Technology fee (10%)	~10% where applicable
Enhancement fee (6%)	~6% where applicable
Typical total per cycle	$100 – $300

A single failed inspection is a nuisance. A project that fails repeatedly — a common outcome when trade permits are rushed — can accumulate several hundred dollars in re-inspection charges on top of lost schedule. Compare that against certificate of occupancy costs, which is where repeated failures eventually show up.

What affects the price

• Number of failed items. More outstanding corrections mean more follow-up visits.
• Trade discipline. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and building inspections are separate and each can fail independently.
• Repeat failures. The same item failing twice signals a process problem and adds charges.
• No-shows. Missing a scheduled inspection can trigger a fee and a longer rescheduling wait.
• Project phase. Failures late in a project — near closeout — carry the highest schedule cost.

How the fee is calculated

DOB uses a formula, not a flat rate. Under the DOB fee schedule (2026):

1. Filing fee: roughly $32, charged up front where a new permit or filing is involved.
2. Base permit fee: tiered by declared construction value — roughly $148 for the first $1,000, then about $10 per additional $1,000. Minimum flat tiers for very low-value work run around $33 – $65.
3. 10% technology fee: added on top of the permit fee.
4. 6% enhancement fee: also added on top.
5. Zoning fee: where a zoning review applies.

Re-inspection charges sit outside the base permit math and are assessed per visit or per failed discipline. The key takeaway: fees scale with declared construction value for permits, while re-inspection costs scale with how many times the District must return.

The fee is rarely the real cost. A failed inspection pushes your trade work, your next trade, and your closeout back by days or weeks, and every delay compounds on a busy site. Contractors who schedule a dry run with their own superintendent before the official visit consistently avoid the second trip. Keep correction lists filed by discipline, close them in writing, and confirm the fix matches what the inspector asked for — not what’s convenient to show. Preparation is everything.

Timeline & steps

1. Review the correction list. Inspectors leave specific items; treat them as a checklist, not suggestions.
2. Fix and document. Photograph completed corrections and confirm each item is resolved.
3. Reschedule promptly. Rebook the inspection through CitizenAccess as soon as corrections are done.
4. Re-inspection. The inspector verifies the fixes — allow a few days to 2 weeks for scheduling depending on volume.
5. Repeat only if needed. Second failures cost more and delay closeout, so get it right the first time.

Common mistakes

• Not reading the correction list carefully. Fixing the wrong things guarantees another failed visit.
• Rescheduling before work is done. Calling the inspector back too early wastes a visit and triggers a fee.
• Missing scheduled appointments. No-shows can carry charges and push you to the back of the queue.
• Ignoring one trade. An unclosed electrical or plumbing permit resurfaces at CofO and forces more re-inspections.

FAQ

What triggers a re-inspection fee in DC?

Failed inspections, repeat visits to the same item, and missed appointments can all trigger re-inspection charges under the DOB fee schedule (2026).

How much is a re-inspection?

Typically $60 – $150 per visit, landing around $100 – $300 per cycle when failed items and multiple disciplines are involved.

Can I avoid re-inspection fees?

Often yes — self-inspect before the scheduled visit, resolve every correction, and keep documentation. Most re-inspections are avoidable with preparation.

Does a re-inspection fee apply per item or per visit?

Charges are typically assessed per visit and can scale with the number of failed items or disciplines. Confirm the current schedule before filing.

What happens if I keep failing inspections?

Repeated failures mean recurring fees, schedule delays, and a stalled certificate of occupancy. Persistent problems can also draw closer scrutiny on the project.

Disclaimer

Figures on this page are 2026 estimates based on the DC Department of Buildings fee schedule. Fee schedules change; always verify current amounts with DOB directly or through the CitizenAccess portal before filing. This article is informational and is not legal or financial advice.