The mayor asked if I would be interested in the job of city building inspector . I typed all the stuff that says I’ve been around a while and filled out an application. After further review of 12 applications they gave me the job yesterday. They showed me an office bigger than my bedroom that’s really cool . I found the coffee pot . The office comes with its own master restroom . A big window to look out to do pondering . It has a puter and a drafting table with an over large table for plans .
I thought maybe I knew enough to get by , but they are sending me to four schools . I’m to be certified they say and they are sending me .
I gotta new cell phone and a car too . Ill inspect those this morning as I’m starting today .
I’m to be issued a temporary building inspector license registrared with the state of Arkansas , until my certificates are complete. Hmm , sounds dangerous doesn’t it ?
Tim Mooney
Replies
That is scary.....lol.
I was curious as to how you were given the position without having certifications, but then I read further. Enjoy the position, and the office- just don't spend too much time in the chair, or you'll get "secretary spread"......lol.
Bob
Ill try to keep that in mind as my lap is big enough already . hahahahaha
Thanks .
Tim Mooney
congrats
Now the work begins... hope the work is fun and the threats are few.
Threats ,,.... oh yea . Im dealing with people who arent happy with me all the time . LOL
Thanks .
Tim Mooney
"Threats ,,.... oh yea . Im dealing with people who arent happy with me all the time . LOL "
Threats ... gotta love them.
Feel free to use one of my favorite lines ....
right after the old ... "watch yer back" ... or "I'll kill ya" ... stuff ...
Just kinda laugh ....
then say ...
"I've had this personality all my life ... you think you're the first guy that's gonna kill me? .....Get in line ........ amateur ...."
Or .... from when I used to bartend .. after shutting someone off ...
usually the next time they saw me out ... I'd get a little more of the same .. "gonna get ya!" stuff ...
very effective ... and simple ...
"Can ya kill me after this drink .. I just ordered a fresh beer ...."
end both with a nice big smile.
Have fun ...
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
View Image local builders association come to greet the new inspector.
I been there! My grandad was a county commissioner in Hood County for half his adult life.
I was waiting to read the punchline but there wasn't one. WOW...way too cool bro.
Have fun!!
PS...are they paying you too??
Be well
andy
My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Yes they are actually paying me but Ive kept nearly everything secret , so they dont have my rap sheet . :)
Thanks .
Tim Mooney
Tim, if have any code questions, we'll be happy to answer 'em for you.
<G>
Congrats on the new job.
Arguing with a Breaktimer is like mud-wrestling a pig -- Sooner or later you find out the pig loves it.
Thanks Andy !
Tim Mooney
Dang! Sounds sweet.
You figured out your schedule of bribes yet ??? (-:
I hope you're an HONEST building inspector. An honest politician once he'd bought he STAYS bought.
Time wounds all heels.
Those ain't bribes ....
bribes will get ya fired and on the evening news ...
What ya meant was ...
Kickbacks!
See who fun that sounds ...
just a little kicking back ...
nothing to get them news hounds all worked up about ...
Tim,
glad ya listened to reason!
I tol' ys this might be a good gig.
I've mostly had great luck in dealing with inspectors ....
Bet you'll soon have your share of A-H contractor stories ...
and I'm betting with a little time under yer belt ... for some reason ...
those a-holes will be talking about this hard a$$ inspector they ran across while everyone is wondering if the nice guy they had went on vacation.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
So now Im getting pay back on trusses. LOL
Tim Mooney
Congradulations!
I'm betting you're going to be a credit to your job!
Tool Donations Sought
I'm matching tool donors to a church mission to Haiti - we're shipping a bus converted to a medical facility in (now it looks like) April and can fill it with clothes, tools and all sorts of stuff needed in that poorest of all countries. A few hand tools or power tools can provide a livelihood for an otherwise destitute family. Please email me if you have tools to donate.
Thanks to Jeff and David and Jim and Rich and Steven and Mark and Jason and Shep and Jen and Mike and Joe and Bill and Ken for their offers!
Several donations have arrived! Thanks and God bless!
Thanks Bob.
Tim Mooney
The summer I was 14, back in 1967, helping my dad frame houses in El Reno, I met my first inspector. He was arguing with my dad. At the end of that day when we were leaving the site I saw my dad slide a $20 bill between the trimmer and stud at the entry door. He just left a small tip of the bill stick out. I asked him why he did that, he said insurance.
I was young and idealistic it took a few days for me to figure out this guy was bad. But like dad said back then, sometimes it's best to just go with the flow.
When I realized he was shakin everyone down I got an idea. So I started crusin the addition in the evenings looking for twenties. Did pretty well, made more money than my dad was paying me.
A few weeks they caught up with this guy and sent him away. I confessed to my dad where my extra money came from. He told me the inspector was turned in by some other contractors after he had claimed he wasn't paid and failed there inspections.
Seems my collection efforts helped clean up my town. In my little way.
Edited 2/26/2004 9:11:31 AM ET by JAGWAH
Reminds me of my years in the real estate business in New York City.
Had an inspection at a building, and the inspector was citing us for not having whitewashed the boiler room recently.
I offered him a $20 bill over lunch (on me) and he flat out told me it wasn't enough.
I ended up giving him a $100 bill to clear the citation.
My boss laughed and said to add it to my petty cash expenses, it was a part of doing business.
Over the years, I saw alot more.
That's one of the reasons I live in Vermont now.
Haven't seen an inspector for over 20 years up here.
Jeff
I guess we are blessed with our town .
Tim Mooney
If any thin-shells come across your desk, just look in Chapter 19 of the IBC and sign off on it! Or call me! Ha ha ha. Congratulations, and best of luck!
Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Congrats tim.
Be fair
Be thorough
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Thank you , thats what I was thinkin too.
Tim Mooney
Geez, Tim...
Was it a year ago that you wrote and told us about the stroke?
The "helpful" medics giving you what little you could do?
The worry in your posts about having bills to pay.
And now, look at where you are.
It's great to see how life has bounced back for you.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Actually its only been 6 months ago the 30th of this month. Ive been blessed to come back this quick to where I am now is true.
Tim Mooney
Congratulations, Tim!
A good inspector can make everyone's life better. The best inspector I ever worked with was a guy who approached his job as though we all had the same interest -- building the best we can. When he saw something he didn't like he always took the time to explain why, and how it could be done better. He was a very intelligent and reasonable man, he never nit-picked technicalities, and I always looked forward to seeing him. His inspections were always thorough and honest, I don't think he ever flunked me on anything, but we did from time to time make some corrections right on the spot. He certainly earned the respect of everyone he encountered in the course of his job.
I don't know why the others in his office found that so difficult to understand. <G>
What code are you guys working with there?
Very best of luck in your new job.
DRC
Dave, its the international building code .
Thanks.
Tim Mooney
Congratulations.
Now go out and f**k with somebody.
Joe H
Does this mean you were the cream of the crop of 12 unemployed?
Does this mean you were the cream of the crop of 12 unemployed?
Thats it Joe and probably the only one that didnt need a green card.
Tim Mooney
I know soon your gonna be asking for free turkeys for thanksgiving and maybe tickets to the local sporting events soon...:>)
Darkworksite4:
Gancho agarrador izquierdo americano pasado que la bandera antes de usted sale
There was a lot of teasing about that type of thing yesterday. Everyone on every jop knew me . I think I was on 7 jobs. Plus , Ive always been one of them .
Tim Mooney
Congrats.
Thought about that move myself a few times. My opportunity is more to a utility and I'd rather a small municipality. I get involved in the little-town politics a lot on jobs and I like it. I have one small town I did a job in which EVERYONE in town showed up to break ground, and each had a title.
Are you continuing your rental and rehabbing business?
Remodeler
Im continuing the rental business . I told them that . Job is supposed to be part time , but Im not sure how big a part yet .
Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Go get these books http://www.codecheck.com/
When you inspect with the intention of the laws and not the letter, you'll have fun and respect. Learn the reasons for the code. The best contractors will teach you the best techniques and you will pass them on to others. You will educate and make safe, not police them. Listen to contractor and let them convince you once in a while. Give verbal corrections and walk away, youll trust them to do it and they will not feel your not unapproachable. New Inspectors are mean and unapproachable because they know nuttin and cant answer or explain. Your new and they know it, learn from them.
Hey Tim, While you're there could you get me one of those Structual Engineering Approval stamps? It would really save me ALOT of time................:-)
Congratulations! You'll do just fine..................
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Always good to see someone with real life experience in those jobs. Congrats! Just send all that old worn out drywall equipment up here and Calvin and I will split it. Thinking about it just send it to me and I'll make sure Cal gets his late. :-) DanT
Congrats Tim....our town just recently hired our first paid, full time building inspector......he`s having a hell of a time bringing the dept. into the twenty first century....but he`s a good guy with a good attitude. Wants what he wants, but understands real life situations.
I`m hoping he gets the dept. up to speed over the next twenty years and is ready for retirement at just about the time I`ll be looking to take the tool belt off. If I don`t hit the lottery before then.J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
I was wondering what the big office was for. He's supposed to be out on the job inspecting.... What do they do dsown south, bring the house in to the office for inspection? LOL
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Dear Goofy One,
I heard Buck was planning on building down in yer neck of the woods. heh heh
Sorry, sometimes ya just can't resist, ya know.
Edited 2/27/2004 10:33:29 AM ET by rez'b&g
Thanks
Tim Mooney
Tim, Isn't it a shame that so many guys have linked your new job to a lack of honesty? Even if they don't mean it on you, I hope you aren't feeling bad and have a ready answer for anyone on the job who might make that sort of assumption. I have tangled with a couple of power mad inspectors but none that were running a protection racket or would even accept a bribe if offered, so far as I know.
(Pssst - I think I'm gonna become a lawyer)
There, that'll keep'm off your back for awhile.
;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Dan, I'll take the PC sander. You can have all the rest including the screws. In defering the bulk of the equipment to you, I'll expect you to come up and show me how it all works and how good you're getting at it.
On second thought, if tim finds this new job to be too emotionally trying and his health requires him to return to the ranks of the downtrodden, he'd better keep all the stuff.
Thank you again for thinking of me. Very considerate of you.
Tim, I think this guy actually enjoys drywall. Can't be all there.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Most of us are upright, have a great sense of fairness and high standards of integrity. Many of us in our daily activities try to improve our surroundings including those people with which we come in contact. Those who we cannot get to change a bad character or a lousy sense of right and wrong, we by-pass and go on our way.
As individuals and owners of small companies, we don’t impact too many other people, simply due to our lack of influence over large numbers of people.
Tim, you’re in an enviable position:
1. You get to do what apparently you enjoy.
2. You get to help other contractors and owners who may not have the extensive code experience you will be certified to offer.
3. You have a "captured" audience who “must” listen when you talk, and if smart, will take your advice or mandates knowing that they only serve to help them, regardless if it’s a home owner or a contractor.
4. You now have legitimate "power", but also remember that that power is a tremendous responsibility which must be applied judiciously, and only when warranted. Personally, I don't think that will be a problem for you.
Given all of the above and based upon your own high sense of fairness, knowing what’s right and wrong, and tempered with tact and wisdom, I envy you for your new position. Maximize what it offers. Join any associations that building department inspectors belong too, and show how one man can have a large positive impact not only in our industry, but your own new career peers.
As you correct, teach. As you teach, continue to learn. And as you learn, remain humble. I sincerely wish you the best, and a long run at it.
Here in Naples, the city and county inspectors are out of their offices by 7:30 - 8:00 and back by 3:00 to do their paperwork and take and make calls.
Thanks Sonny and a very good post . Inspired some good thinking .
There is a lot of eyes on a job like that . People are watching .
I was out of the office by 7:30 and I made it back at 3:30, and paper work to fill out. Mayor wanted me to ride on two complaints he took. He got to hear about my first day as we worked those complaints . I figgure that was a normal day .
Tim Mooney
Thanks Dan . No more than they pay Ill probably have to work those tools part time . :)
Tim Mooney
Now , if I can find that stamp .
Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Tim
Over four feet and you need a dbl jack. I "never" heard that before,Whats up wit dat?
Yeh yeh, I'm bringing up a new subject!My life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Ah Tim dont sweat the details, Just go to the job site with a half smoked/ chewed on stoggie in your mouth, Unshaven and stare at the job until someone gives ya something. Oh yea dont forget the flashlight and clipboard..:>)
Darkworksite4:
Gancho agarrador izquierdo americano pasado que la bandera antes de usted sale
Hey man, I thought you were supposed to stay away from donuts!
You got it made<G> ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths
we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. George Carlin
Roar!
Tim Mooney
Im gonna need a little more information . LOL.
Tim Mooney
ah who cares about dbl jacks.......how many times have we pulled almost every stud out and the dang thing still doesn't come down.
Inspectors........Codes
go figure....lol
Be well
andyMy life is my practice!
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
Congrats Tim and good luck
I guess I ma lucky after reading a lot of posts here. so far we have had knoledgable inspectors that are ehelpful when needed and dont take bribes
Like you many of them are builders that got out for one reason or anohter, and know how it "really is"
Well except of one town we dont do much in anymore. The inspector has a chip on his sholuder, had never built a thing in his life, we always passed inspectin but his atitude sucked. In the begining we had to pull out a code book and say, now where is that rule again. It was the only town we needed to carry the code book for
shoot maybe I was dumb, maybe I was supposed to leave $20s sticking out of the framing, lioke someone else posted earlier
Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Congratulations! Don't forget to pack your low carb lunch!
Paula
So, Tim, how was the first day?
The first day was pretty hard mentally. Im not used to massive details. I guess Ill get used to it . LOL.
Tim Mooney
Paula , its not going to be as easy! hahahaha
Tim Mooney
Tim-- congrats and good luck on the new job.
A couple of years ago I took the RCS inspector course with the idea of becoming an inspector. I decided that I wasn't ready to hang up my tool belt yet, but the class was very interesting. I learned stuff that, after 25 years in business, was still new to me.
Again, good luck and enjoy the new path you're taking.
Thanks ,
Tim Mooney
Congratulations, Tim. How big is your city? Your department? How many active permits do you have? How many employees to handle them?
Here in Los Angeles they've made major improvements in efficiency over the last few years. Permits for small jobs can be pulled over the internet, or in person in just a few minutes. About 99% of inspections can be done the day after you call for them. Here's the web site for LA Building and Safety:
http://www.ci.la.ca.us/LADBS/
-- J.S.
John theres 8,000 folks here and Im going to be it.
Tim Mooney
That sounds like a nice situation. With a total population of 8k, you'll only have a few dozen jobs working at a time, so you should be able to give them all the attention they need.
-- J.S.
Congratulation on the new job.
This doesn't mean that when we get together for the Branson BT fest that you will have to sit on the other side of the room does it?
Do you get to pick out your secretary?
Tim,
Word of the wise, make sure you home phone # becomes unlisted. Hope the job works out for you! Some guy got pizzed @ the local inspector here and put in ad in the paper that went like this .... 64 vette split window coupe #s match must sell due to divorce $2000 obo. poor inspector got like 4000 calls!
tim.. you'll be great..... we've had a good inspector for about 15 years now... came out of the trades..
a real pleasure doing business with him.. a very common sense guy who knows the code and is willing to help explain it.... or learn in the process himself..
enjoy... and have fun in those code classes too...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
congrats and good luck!
somehow figuring you'll be just fine..
Thank you .
I hope I enjoy it or the people let me . I think it will be fun and I think Im ready for a little change in work diet.
Tim Mooney
Tim
CONGRADULATIONS!
Remember us when your famous with your own T.V. show & Book deal
Maybe some of us can build your new house! LOL
Be fair to those who are honest & become the worst nitemare to those who give are chosen profession a bad reputation
Steve p.
Thank you .
I didnt want anyone on my list but I have one . Im already after a heat and air guy that doesnt pay permits they say . I caught him Friday putting in a unit with out a permit. Everyone else is doing fine .
Tim Mooney
Congrats. I'm glad your municipality has enough brains to hire someone who's been there. Instead of someone who's just read about it.
Who Dares Wins.
Thanks Gunner .
I hope it makes a difference .
Tim Mooney
Go for it and after it Tim..beats humpin 'rock...<G>
Just don't turn into a drug addled control freak, interpreting all the grey areas..
View Image
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I know one that does that . If you did this it would be this . But I havent done that yet . But you could do it and then it would be this .
Tim Mooney