signs of a good inspector when dealing with a contractor

[Dennis]

From the contractor side I gotta say it is difficult on our end also. There is a tremendous amount to learn , which BTW changes regularly, and is interpreted differently from one area to the next. Consistency is virtually impossible even within the same inspection department. Add three or four other areas and it becomes a game of what does the inspector want rather than what is the intent of the article being cited.

I generally don't have many issues with inspectors and IMO it is as much my job to educate the inspector as it is his to help us. I belong to a chapter of the NC association of electrical contractors and we welcome inspector to come learn and discuss issues with us. We have a few that come once a month to our meetings. I know these guys want to better themselves also.

I guess a good inspector is one who is open to accepting they could be wrong and is willing to go the extra mile and discuss it. On the other hand I don't expect an inspector to just accept the contractors interpretation either and I hope I am a strong enough contractor to admit I may be wrong. We are never going to agree on everything even among our own trades.

I enjoy working within the scope of the code- trying to understand is a monumental chore.

 

[cda]

Dennis,

Yes put four inspectors in a building and each one will have a different list

Hopefully they can back it up with code

I learn a great deal from the different subs

Depending on the inspector he may need to know five code books , where say the electrician only needs to know one

I am glad to listen and look at the book together and admit I read the code wrong

 

[Dennis]

Dennis,Yes put four inspectors in a building and each one will have a different list. Hopefully they can back it up with code

I agree and the same is true for all the trades. We have been on forums long enough to know there are many opinions and interpretations.

I learn a great deal from the different subs

and hopefully they learn from you also.

Depending on the inspector he may need to know five code books , where say the electrician only needs to know one

I don't know how an inspector can do justice to 5 trades and I respect them for doing as well as they do.

I am glad to listen and look at the book together and admit I read the code wrong

That IMO makes you a good inspector.View attachment 571

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[globe trekker]

Dennis,

Where did you get the additional cool emoticons? Me thinks that our emoticon pallete

may need some additions to it! :grin:

 

[Dennis]

Dennis,Where did you get the additional cool emoticons? Me thinks that our emoticon palletemay need some additions to it! :grin:

You can go crazy with them here View attachment 1332View attachment 572

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[David Henderson]

This is what I got from my supervisor on my first day as an inspector; it is posted in my cubicle:

A good inspector knows construction, codes and people,

especially the latter.

The good inspector,

1. Recognizes human limitations, including his own; others know construction too.

2. May be wrong, but is not ashamed to admit it.

3. Is not to prideful to ask questions.

4. Tries to justify his decisions with reasons other than that's what the code say's.

5. Helps solves problems rather than condemning work, but does not attempt to change design.

6. Is certainly willing to concede minor points in order to produce general complaince.

7. Discusses problems with other inspectors and comes to a joint conclusions with all staff members.

8. Budgets his time.

9. Keeps adequate records.

10. Keeps appointments.

11. Does not make demands he doesn't intend to enforce.

The Bad Inspector,

1. Is argumentive and has a short temper.

2. Uses his authority with a heavy hand.

3. Does not reconize alternative construction techniques: he limits himself to a "to the letter" interpretation of the code.

4. Imposes personal prejudices rather then minimum standards.

5. Refuses to explain why.

6. Is vindictive and vengeful.

7. Is arbitrary and capricious.

8. Exceedshis limits of code enforcement responsibility: Costs, Noncode matters, Personal involvement.

 

[steveray]

"Depending on the inspector he may need to know five code books , where say the electrician only needs to know one

I don't know how an inspector can do justice to 5 trades and I respect them for doing as well as they do."

Only 5...I wish....

IMC

IPC

NEC

IECC

IBC

IRC

CT amendments

ANSI 117

NFPA 13

NFPA 72......and whatever else I am forgetting.....

 

[mmmarvel]

I prefer to think a good inspector has the ability to educate contractors and do-it-yourselfers in a respectful manner so that he is not continually writing up the same old stuff.

Nice idea, but like most things in life there is a wonderful idea and there is reality. IF (big if) you get a contractor who listens, reasons and learns, then you don't write up the same things over and over. However, there are many contractors who do it one way and get the same corrections written time after time. In some cases it almost seems like the contractor is hoping/waiting to get a different inspector under the belief that he won't be written up this time (no, it will probably be something else in ADDITION to the typical). So like many instances in life, it's a crapshoot - life (and contractors) is/are like a box of chocolates, you rarely know what you're gonna get (although occasionally when you see who the contractor is, you can pre-fill out the correction form - sigh).

 

[ICE]

(although occasionally when you see who the contractor is, you can pre-fill out the correction form - sigh).

I have had contractors call me the morning of the inspection wanting a time.

I have said "Let's try this, I'll give you a list of corrections over the phone and forget about showing up today."

I have said, "Give your crew the usual list and call for inspection when the corrections are done."

I have said, "Have you been to the site to make sure that the work is ready for inspection....It was just yesterday that 18 corrections were written?"

I have been told, "What do you mean 10:00 to 2:00?.....I asked for first out.....I can't have a crew waiting all day....." "Well why is the crew waiting for me?" "Because you need to explain the corrections from yesterday" "Well do I have to do everything around here?" "Why can't you help out and explain the corrections to the crew?" "I don't understand the corrections either."

 

[cda]

I have had contractors call me the morning of the inspection wanting a time. I have said "Let's try this, I'll give you a list of corrections over the phone and forget about showing up today."

I have said, "Give your crew the usual list and call for inspection when the corrections are done."

I have said, "Have you been to the site to make sure that the work is ready for inspection....It was just yesterday that 18 corrections were written?"

I have been told, "What do you mean 10 to 2?.....I asked for first out.....I can't have a crew waiting all day....." "Well why is the crew waiting for me?" "Because you need to explain the corrections from yesterday" "Well do I have to do everything around here?"

Hay I like that idea, know a few people that qualify for express service

 

[ICE]

There were two men on the roof. I asked for a ladder and they pointed to the stepladder. I told them that they were living dangerously because a short ladder can ruin your life....or maybe even end it.

One of the men decided to come down from the roof. He laid down at the edge of the roof and it was a stretch to get a leg on top of the ladder. I was incredulous and had to hold the damned ladder instead of getting pictures.

 

[pwood]

did you tell them the top step was not a step?

 

[mmmarvel]

Is it just the picture, or are the whirly birds tilted???

 

[north star]

$

Tilted! ...catches the updraft better!

$

 

[David Henderson]

They must provide access, and that does'nt mean just open the door. No ladder no inspection, and the ladder better extend high enough for me to get off and on without it being dangerous.

 

[ICE]

Residential Construction Economics 1011) Middle class family in suburbia is outgrowing their small home and need an addition built. Lots of stress, anxiety, uncertainty along with excitement and anticipation involved in the decision. This is a very complex and sizable investment.

2) Applies for loan and provides pay stubs, tax returns, account statements, contractor’s license, estimate, schedule, plans, and proof of insurance.

3) Bank approves loan and agrees to disburse money as construction proceeds.

4) Municipal inspector in a little white Ford Ranger drives up, spends 3-7 minutes on the project and issues a red tag because there isn’t a ladder available. Then goes to the closest convenience store for a corn dog and a Mountain Dew.

5) Bank refuses to disperse due to failed inspection. Project is delayed.

6) Inspector meets other government employees at the convenience store and posts a funny photo of a tradesman who has worked hard all day and a short ladder leaning against the wall. All other municipal inspectors giggle and comment while devouring corn dogs and slurping Mountain Dews.

7) Homeowners drive up after working hard all day and discover that their inspection failed because the ladder was too short. Contractor cannot adequately explain and rolls up for the day.

8) Inspector goes home and counts the days to his retirement when the jurisdiction will pay monthly and provide medical and dental coverage for the rest of his life. Inspector hopes to spend his golden years fishing and building and selling little wooden clocks from kits.

9) Homeowner loses job due to the global recession, bank forecloses on the house, contractor goes bankrupt and inspector takes another funny photo, issues another redtag and giggles.

Two weeks later is today. That poor mistreated contractor finally called for re-inspection. If you can recall, the OSB had to be removed to inspect the framing of shear walls and install the electrical etc. Wouldn't you know it, there's plenty of termite eaten wood. Well he was able to install anchor bolts every 30" and six HDs. He even hired a special inspector for the epoxy. It's a shame he missed a few. Should I assume he knows epoxy work by now and let him off the hook for another special inspector?

This wall has a furnace and is furred on the other side. When he removed the OSB there was that gap for the furnace vent. So what does this genius do? Straps of course. Really big ones. And not just one but a pair. He got so excited about doing a good thing that he installed the straps before the OSB. How about the stellar job of framing around that 50 year old wall furnace? You wouldn't think that a short ladder could be so powerfull.

Check out the nail hole in the vent.

Five feet away he gets to do it again.