Building inspections and inspectors are the guardians of safety and compliance,
ensuring each stage of your project meets the stringent standards set by local building
departments.
Once construction plans have been meticulously drawn, the applicable codes reviewed,
and the permits obtained, inspections must be called in to the building department at
various stages of construction. That process is a bit tedious but easily learned. After the
inspection is called in to the building department of jurisdiction, it is assigned to a
building inspector. The inspector will schedule a visit to the job site, usually within a
window of plus or minus 15 to 30 minutes. This window is because inspections range in
degree of complexity and the more difficult inspections can take unexpected turns and
take more time.
The inspector will pass the work if it meets code requirements or fail it if it does not.
With a failed inspection, inspectors normally produce a list of items to be corrected. This
means another inspection is required after the corrections have been made. You are
always allowed to respectfully ask questions and get explanations and clarifications
about listed code violations. The inspector may change their mind, but it is not likely.
Arguing with them NEVER works and should be avoided.
Remember that inspectors are highly experienced and well trained. They have a great
deal of authority and should be respected. However, they are also human and could be
having a bad day. They normally won’t allow emotions to affect their judgement, but
emotions do creep in from time to time. The best thing to do is be understanding. You
should not take a failed inspection personally. It’s not personal. It is simply an honest,
no-nonsense evaluation of the part of the job they are inspecting.
Inspections are an important and a required part of most any job. Treat it as a learning
experience and be glad when they are done. It allows you to move forward knowing
your job is correct, legal, and safe!
With an honest, qualified contractor (like Zion Builders) and completing the inspection
process, your finished project will be one you can be proud of for years to come!
See my previous posts on the preliminary stages of construction: plan drawings, permits
and codes, and how and why they are important.
Bob Smith is a Zion Builders superintendent with more than 40 years’ experience
working in the building trades. He currently draws plans and submits permits on behalf
of Zion Builders’ clients.
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