"Note: I have no idea what has to be inspected and what doesn't and when it happens."

I'd change that first order of business.

I assume that the GC and crew will. I'm just trying to avoid a situation cropping up mid-project. We've told him we'll have a tile backsplash. We haven't said that it won't be right away. I'll assume he'll give me some options when I tell him, I'm trying to anticipate that and have a solution ready, if there needs to be an interim one.

No one who is ABB or an alumni can tell me their experience? I know codes will likely be different in different places, but I'd like to know what some people did.

I am just about ABB, but my experience does not apply to yours since my stove has a splash and is not against any walls.

I'd be interested in hearing since I am near the end (final inspection due soon). I assume my contractor knows too since he's taken care of previous ones. However, I'm not good at all with snap decisions, so I like to anticipate too.

I'm part of ABB and decided to just wait it out since I have major elements (like a window) outstanding. I'm okay with the lulls between orders, my contractor is not. ;). When they templated my countertop, they did ask about backsplash plans. Yes but not right now as part of this phase. They made the countertops up to the wall with no gaps for backsplash so I shouldnt feel pressure to wait for a tile order. It looks "finished". For the gas line, we have a gas stove and gas dryer. They should just be able to cap off the end of the unnecessary line.

OK, what does ABB stand for? I am terrible with acronyms and GW has quite a few. I can figure out some, or can tell what they refer to but can't quite come up with the words sometimes.

Something like "All But Backsplash".

Thank you!

I've been ABB for almost 6 years! (Something always happens to take the funds I've saved - and now 2 kids in college!)

I just painted with a scrubbable paint. That's also all I have behind my cooktop - but it's an electric cooktop and not a high-powered range.

It passed inspection.

Do you need to get your occupancy permit before moving in? In this case, perhaps mount a temporary stainless steel sheet. Otherwise, paint and wait.

Try googling the following, you should get lots of input:

site:ths.gardenweb.com occupancy permit backsplash gas

Good luck, glad you're getting close!