jar546
Forum Coordinator
If there is one thing that I hate is when I hear stories about inspectors who require things that are not in the code. When they want things done a certain way or their way. It is one thing to mis-apply the code by accident or even miss something like we have all done in the past, but holding someone to a higher standard than the law requires is where I draw a really hard line.
A few weeks ago on my very first day of a new job I was sent to do a re-inspection for a previously failed kitchen renovation. I won't get into specifics but after I found out why I was being sent and confirmed on site that, yes, indeed I was there to re-inspect something that was never a violation in the first place. So what was at stake here? Well, the contractor had to pay a reinspection fee, the electrician had to do unnecessary work that cost more in materials, and the job was delayed. When I confirmed what the non-problem was I said the the contractor "this was not a problem and a total bullshit call by the previous inspector." I did not know the previous inspector who actually works for the same company as me but I did not care, I call them like I see them. As soon as I got back to the office on day one of my new job I went right to my manager and told him what I found and said to him "there was no reason for whoever did the inspection to fail it so I hope you have a word with him/her." Yeah, day one I complained about a co-worker's lack of competency. For the record I've still never met the culprit yet.
Anyway, inspecting is about ensuring that the code is followed whether you agree or disagree with it and whether or not you like how something was done. It is not about you, it is about the integrity of our industry. Code enforcement is no place for you to beat your chest or show your dominance, it is where you simply pass or fail a job or part of a job based on whether or not it meets the minimum standards set by law, not what is in your head.
Oh, and if you are one of those guys who does this, you need stop being an egotistical asshole and learn how to do your job.
Fair and consistent is how we need to inspect.
A few weeks ago on my very first day of a new job I was sent to do a re-inspection for a previously failed kitchen renovation. I won't get into specifics but after I found out why I was being sent and confirmed on site that, yes, indeed I was there to re-inspect something that was never a violation in the first place. So what was at stake here? Well, the contractor had to pay a reinspection fee, the electrician had to do unnecessary work that cost more in materials, and the job was delayed. When I confirmed what the non-problem was I said the the contractor "this was not a problem and a total bullshit call by the previous inspector." I did not know the previous inspector who actually works for the same company as me but I did not care, I call them like I see them. As soon as I got back to the office on day one of my new job I went right to my manager and told him what I found and said to him "there was no reason for whoever did the inspection to fail it so I hope you have a word with him/her." Yeah, day one I complained about a co-worker's lack of competency. For the record I've still never met the culprit yet.
Anyway, inspecting is about ensuring that the code is followed whether you agree or disagree with it and whether or not you like how something was done. It is not about you, it is about the integrity of our industry. Code enforcement is no place for you to beat your chest or show your dominance, it is where you simply pass or fail a job or part of a job based on whether or not it meets the minimum standards set by law, not what is in your head.
Oh, and if you are one of those guys who does this, you need stop being an egotistical asshole and learn how to do your job.
Fair and consistent is how we need to inspect.