jar546
CBO
There is a certain kind of contractor that stands out, and they deserve real recognition. I am talking about those who submit complete paperwork, communicate clearly with building departments, pull the right permits, schedule their inspections properly, and don't make excuses when things don't go their way. They show up with a good attitude, they treat inspectors, plans examiners, engineers, and building officials with respect, and they understand how to run a professional job site. When an inspection fails, they do not argue or storm off. They ask questions the right way, they want to understand what happened, and they fix it without delay. If they genuinely believe a call was wrong, they challenge it the right way, professionally and respectfully, looking for a resolution, not a fight. There is a big difference.
The contractors who work this way realize that the building department is not the enemy. They know we are on the same team when it comes to doing things safely, correctly, and legally. They understand that reputation matters, not just with the customer, but with the building department and the inspectors who see hundreds of job sites every year. Contractors like this know that cutting corners might save a dollar today, but it destroys trust and opportunity tomorrow.
The best contractors know the codes. They understand the intent behind the codes. They recognize that codes are a minimum standard, not a ceiling. They are the ones who already account for requirements long before the conversation ever happens in the field. The truth is, these are not the contractors the codes are written for. They routinely build above minimum standards because they take pride in their work, and they know their reputation depends on it.
Speaking from experience, I have spent much of my life in this industry. I grew up in a self-employed general contractor household and spent time serving in the Marine Corps. I know the excuses, the tricks, and the stories contractors come up with when they cut corners, but today, this post is about the ones who get it right. Contractors like this remind all of us that construction can still be a profession to be proud of when it is done the right way.
This should be the blueprint for every contractor. It is not complicated. It is about attitude, behavior, and professionalism. Contractors who run their business the right way, pulling permits, treating inspections seriously, doing clean work, fixing issues immediately, and communicating with respect are the ones who earn trust. They are the ones building departments that are willing to work with when something comes up, like a time-sensitive concrete pour where a photo or video inspection is needed. Trust matters in this business, and it must be earned through consistent professionalism, not one good job here and there.
Contractors who fight every inspection, constantly fail, refuse to listen, and expect favors without earning trust are fooling themselves. They are hurting their own businesses more than they realize. The ones who do it right, the ones who make our jobs easier by running good projects, earn professional relationships and long-term success.
Running a construction business the right way is not just about swinging hammers. It is about running an operation professionally from start to finish, from permit application to certificate of occupancy. The contractors who understand this will always stand apart, and they will always be the ones we, as building officials, inspectors, engineers, and plans examiners, want to work with.
The Building Code Forum was built to create discussions like this. Contractors who want to sharpen their professionalism, strengthen their reputation, and better understand the building process are welcome to be a part of it.
The contractors who work this way realize that the building department is not the enemy. They know we are on the same team when it comes to doing things safely, correctly, and legally. They understand that reputation matters, not just with the customer, but with the building department and the inspectors who see hundreds of job sites every year. Contractors like this know that cutting corners might save a dollar today, but it destroys trust and opportunity tomorrow.
The best contractors know the codes. They understand the intent behind the codes. They recognize that codes are a minimum standard, not a ceiling. They are the ones who already account for requirements long before the conversation ever happens in the field. The truth is, these are not the contractors the codes are written for. They routinely build above minimum standards because they take pride in their work, and they know their reputation depends on it.
Speaking from experience, I have spent much of my life in this industry. I grew up in a self-employed general contractor household and spent time serving in the Marine Corps. I know the excuses, the tricks, and the stories contractors come up with when they cut corners, but today, this post is about the ones who get it right. Contractors like this remind all of us that construction can still be a profession to be proud of when it is done the right way.
This should be the blueprint for every contractor. It is not complicated. It is about attitude, behavior, and professionalism. Contractors who run their business the right way, pulling permits, treating inspections seriously, doing clean work, fixing issues immediately, and communicating with respect are the ones who earn trust. They are the ones building departments that are willing to work with when something comes up, like a time-sensitive concrete pour where a photo or video inspection is needed. Trust matters in this business, and it must be earned through consistent professionalism, not one good job here and there.
Contractors who fight every inspection, constantly fail, refuse to listen, and expect favors without earning trust are fooling themselves. They are hurting their own businesses more than they realize. The ones who do it right, the ones who make our jobs easier by running good projects, earn professional relationships and long-term success.
Running a construction business the right way is not just about swinging hammers. It is about running an operation professionally from start to finish, from permit application to certificate of occupancy. The contractors who understand this will always stand apart, and they will always be the ones we, as building officials, inspectors, engineers, and plans examiners, want to work with.
The Building Code Forum was built to create discussions like this. Contractors who want to sharpen their professionalism, strengthen their reputation, and better understand the building process are welcome to be a part of it.
