The construction process is often a mystery to homeowners, who trust their contractors to manage projects with professionalism and accuracy. Unfortunately, some contractors exploit this trust by deflecting their own mistakes onto building departments. In a growing number of cases, contractors are passing the cost of their errors onto homeowners, citing building departments as the reason for added expenses. This tactic not only harms homeowners financially but also damages the reputation of building departments, which are wrongly accused of being obstacles in the construction process. Some of the examples below are from my direct experience as a Building Official.
The Game of Deflection: Common Scenarios
Contractors have developed a pattern of leveraging building departments as scapegoats. Here are real-world examples that illustrate how this blame game plays out:- Unauthorized Changes to Plans
A homeowner’s custom home was framed entirely differently from the approved plans. When the building inspector flagged numerous violations during the framing inspection, the contractor informed the homeowner that the building department had imposed new requirements. The contractor issued a change order for $8,000, claiming it was needed to "appease the inspectors." In truth, the contractor had deviated from the plans without approval, creating the violations themselves. - Electrical Code Shortcuts
In another case, a contractor instructed an electrician to install standard breakers instead of arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), despite these being clearly required on the approved plans. When the project failed the electrical inspection, the contractor charged the homeowner an additional $1,200 to install the AFCIs, blaming the building department for being "overly picky." - Site Condition Mismanagement
A builder underestimated the amount of unsuitable soil that needed removal from a site. When the foundation inspection failed due to improper grading, the contractor blamed the building department for being "too demanding" and issued a $6,000 change order to truck in new fill material. The homeowner later discovered that the issue arose from the contractor’s failure to assess the site properly before construction began. - HVAC System Errors
In a new build, an HVAC contractor installed ductwork that didn’t meet the required clearances for fire-rated assemblies. When the mechanical inspection failed, the contractor charged the homeowner $2,500 for corrections, claiming the building department had changed the requirements mid-project. The truth? The contractor hadn’t followed the approved plans or code requirements. - Window and Door Placement
A remodeling project required new egress windows, as indicated on the plans. The contractor installed standard-sized windows that didn’t meet the minimum opening requirements for emergency exits. After failing the inspection, the contractor billed the homeowner an additional $3,000, blaming the building department for being “unreasonable.”
The Consequences of Misdirected Blame
When contractors deflect blame onto building departments, it creates a cascade of negative effects:- Financial Burden on Homeowners: Homeowners are hit with unexpected costs for issues they neither caused nor approved. These costs can run into thousands of dollars, derailing budgets and delaying project timelines.
- Erosion of Trust in Building Departments: Misled by their contractors, homeowners often direct their anger and frustration toward building inspectors and regulatory agencies. Building departments, tasked with ensuring safety and compliance, are unfairly vilified as obstacles.
- Undermining the Building Process: This blame-shifting behavior damages relationships among stakeholders and reduces accountability, ultimately compromising the quality of construction.
Why This Happens
Contractors may resort to this tactic for several reasons:- Lack of Accountability: Some contractors lack the expertise or organization to manage projects effectively, leading to mistakes that they’re unwilling to admit.
- Financial Motives: By blaming building departments, contractors can recoup the cost of their errors by charging homeowners for additional work.
- Homeowner Knowledge Gap: Many homeowners are unfamiliar with building codes and inspection processes, making them more likely to accept the contractor’s explanation without question.
What Homeowners Can Do
Homeowners can protect themselves by taking the following steps:- Review the Plans: Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the approved plans and keep a copy for reference.
- Ask for Documentation: If a contractor blames the building department for additional costs, request a written explanation and supporting documentation, such as inspection reports.
- Communicate with the Building Department: Contact the building department directly to verify any claims made by the contractor. Most departments are happy to clarify code requirements and explain inspection results.
- Hire an Independent Inspector: Bringing in a third-party inspector can provide an unbiased assessment of the work and any alleged violations.
How Building Departments Can Help
Building departments can take proactive steps to address this issue:- Clear Communication: Inspectors should ensure that contractors and homeowners receive clear, written explanations of any inspection results.
- Homeowner Education: Building departments can provide resources to help homeowners understand the permitting and inspection process.
- Document Everything: Maintaining detailed records of inspections, including photos and written notes, can help refute false claims made by contractors.
