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As an inspector what is your most valuable tool?

Goodeye, plus insistence on basis in reason. Once that is found, ability to plant feet and take slings and arrows.
 
code knowledge,support from above, pornogr.....err i mean photographic memory ,thick skin, size(i'm large) and attitude. i like what i do and believe it makes a positive impact for most:mrgreen:
 
Among my inspection toys; I have a rather expensive level. I love pulling it out when a plumber asks me "How do you know that the horizontal drain pipe doesn't have at least a 2% slope?"

The level provides readout in percent of slope. :D

Also useful on sidewalks; and (2009, R401.3 Drainage) "Exception: Impervious surfaces within 10 feet of buiding foundation shall be sloped a minimum of 2 percent away from the building."

Uncle Bob
 
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Certainly not my most valuable tool, but way up the list, is THIS FORUM!

The years of experience and insight the other members bring here is an invaluable resource to help me learn and understand all aspects of the code.

Thanks to all

mj
 
"... not always so great for the next person who has to explain what the photographer was looking at...."

A local code enforcement guy tried to show a zoning setback violation by showing photos of flagged stakes in proximity to a garage (the perp).

It was laughed right out of the courtroom.
 
VP has a good point.. supportive management.. if they don't have the guts to stay in there when the going gets tough, you'll lose every time. Supportive community is good too.

Once condemned a house.. it was never completed.. a hot bed of crime (prostitution, drugs, stolen property).. lots of pictures.. lots of neighbors' complaints. Eventually got the place torn down... after the judge (who had ordered a site visit) just about stepped on a discarded needle. Property owner's response "someone must have diabetes".
 
MAC,

I think I got it at a Fastenal store; they sell all types of fasteners, etc.. It's made by L.S. Starrett; and is German made. Advertised as unbreakable in normal use. I've dropped it from the window of a second story house and had no problem afterwards.

I've also used it to check purlin brace angles.

You only have to use it a couple of times and the word gets out.

Uncle Bob
 
Uncle Bob has surprise me, somehow I thought he was going to say:

pencil.png
 
People and communication skills are important. One size doesn't fit all, and neither does one method or means of gaining code compliance.

The support of elected and appointed officials is probably the most important tool. It's difficult to function if looking over the shoulder, knowing there will be heat coming down from above.

The care and feeding of elected officials might be a topic by itself.
 
Mac said:
People and communication skills are important. One size doesn't fit all, and neither does one method or means of gaining code compliance. The care and feeding of elected officials might be a topic by itself.
Click to expand...
Having multiple personalities in this business is a blessing.

The care and feeding of elected officials, boy did you say a mouth full with this one. Why don't you start that thread. LOL However we all better change our screen names, locations and anything else that could identify us.
 
I used to think code knowledge and a photographic memory were the most valuable tools.

Now my brain is full of old and new knowledge... so I suffer from code Alzheimers?

And I use a camera...now when I look at the pictures I see the things I missed during the inspection.

So now my most powerful tool is ... where did I put that?
 
Experience, code knowledge & attitude. I also love taking photos of installations/ modifications performed by Darwin Candidates.

Jerry

PS: how does one post photos on this BB?
 
Use Photo Bucket and up load a photo. Then cut and paste.

One tool I had forgotten is this BB. The guys and gals here are always willing to answer or point you in the direction of how to find answers. Sometimes we know the answer or had just forgotten it. Other times it is new info. So this BB ranks right up with code knowledge and eyes.
 
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