COPING WITH The Building Inspector

Owner-builders typically get nervous once the building inspector turns up on their project. I think they imagine trouble (he's there to find fault, he'll kill the momentum of work in progress, this is likely to cost me more money). These fears are nonsense when you have developed a relationship with your inspector and made him or her part of your building team.

Most inspectors are competent, professional and also have spent some years in the building business themselves. They are there to be sure the building adheres to building codes and local rules and ordinances. The structure should be constructed properly for the safety of the inhabitants, both present and future. Should you be building in earthquake zones, you should have a lot more seismic devices and precautions than someone doing a project in stable sandy soil.

Foundations for a structure built on the beach will be considerably unique of one built on a rocky slope in the mountains. Local building inspectors are aware of the special conditions within their areas and how exactly to best deal with them. If you can look at their services in a positive sense, and also ask their advice or opinion once in awhile, you will find they might be a valuable asset in completing your project.

Speak to your inspector. Discover what their major concerns are from the outset? This will go a long way to enhance the partnership between you, the inspector and the building department they represent. Bear in mind, it is the on-site inspector who'll ultimately approve the completion of your project and sign the ultimate inspection.

So, being Fall Arrest Systems Bedfordshire -builder, use the building inspector that will help you move things along and anticipate any issues that can be headed off before they happen. Above all, NEVER develop an adversarial relationship together with your inspector! Don't be a know-it-all. Arguing, threatening or attempting to show them you know more about the building business than they do will get you a very long correction list.

Never cover up work that needs to be inspected. I've witnessed a number of people who had to eliminate drywall or roofing since they were too impatient, or forgot to schedule an inspection. Depending on circumstances, some inspectors will let you proceed without a formal inspection, but you must talk to them first and get verbal approval. Communication is everything.

It's best for someone to meet up with the inspector when she or he arrives for a scheduled inspection. They may have questions, or you might have questions of your. Will have the approved group of plans with you. Some inspectors will walk away without considering anything if these plans aren't on-site. The approved plans are the Bible for the project.

Typical phases of work that will require an inspection are:

Footings, grade beams, retaining walls and slabs

Framing and shear walls

Roof and floor sheeting

Rough-ins for electrical, plumbing and HVAC

Insulation

Plaster lath, if applicable

Drywall nailing, especially if shear walls are involved

Final inspection for occupancy

The inspector is not you to definitely be feared or loathed, but to befriend as a very important contributor to the grade of your efforts. Those I've seen who consider the building inspector as a supporting person in the building team have observed few problems or interruptions.