We don’t need no stinkin’ inspections!!
RichBeckman
| Posted in General Discussion on
Having fully recovered from the hernia surgery, I went by the building inspector’s office to get a permit for my first roof this summer.
I’m informed that residential reroofs that total out to less than $6000 no longer require a permit!!
Seems like a recipe for lower income homeowners to get screwed.
I am in complete disbelief.
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Replies
Do your inspectors actually go up and inspect roofs? Ours won't climb a ramp from the garage to the first floor, never mind a ladder.
Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
What would they inspect?
blue
fifty bucks
Beware. RFID is coming.
"What would they inspect?"In the past, the only concerns they have had concerned no more than two layers of shingles and installation of vents.As to the latter, I wouldn't say that either of the two inspectors I've dealt with was qualified to know if the venting was adequate or not. But they wanted to see some venting.The previous inspector did climb a ladder once to look over the parapet at a flat commercial roof I was putting rubber on.Not that she had any idea what she was looking at, but she did put effort into the job.It's too bad they won't inspect nailing placement and air pressure..."nail 'em high and overdrive 'em". There's gotta be a song like that out there....A year ago the doubled the contractor registration fee to $200. Supposedly this was to improve the inspection of work. HA!Rich BeckmanAnother day, another tool.
>>>>The previous inspector did climb a ladder once to look over the parapet at a flat commercial roof I was putting rubber on.Not that she had any idea what she was looking at, but she did put effort into the job.<<<<Just a case of mistaken communications.She thought you said "A" rubber...
Welcome to America.The best republic money can buy.
ROAR!
and Luka scores a three pointer from a corner shot.
Beware. RFID is coming.
We inspect for framing damage, then shear covering and nailing, then flashing and water proofing, then final covering. Electrical and plumbing check for their systems as does HVAC. In some cases we have a deputy watch the whole procedure. Then there is the affidavit of the contractor.
Now you know why I'm a libertarian.
blue
Kirk -
I noticed your profile is empty - where are you from ? And what is your job?
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
Who's we, and stay far away from here.
Joe H
Arrest and prosecute all building inspectors!
Beware. RFID is coming.
The thing is, either a roofing job needs an inspection or it doesn't.What difference does the price make?If it needs to be inspected, then the city is saying that it doesn't care if the owner of a small house gets screwed or not.If it doesn't need to be inspected, then the owners of large homes are being screwed.
Rich BeckmanAnother day, another tool.
I agree Rich.
In our jurisdiction, its not cost, its area. Anything less than 5 square doesn't need a permitinspection. i.e. probably only a repair that small. Anything larger gets both permit and inspection.
And the guys in our area do get up on the roof, peel back a shingle or two and look for things.
Mike
I am an independent building inspector (real estate). I have to admit that a permit for a waste disposer is unnecessary. The only real damage you can do is forget to remove the knock-out.
Water heaters are a different story. After inspecting over 5500 homes, I still see some amazingly dangerous installations every week. The installation instructions are pretty clear and sometimes written in spanish as well.
Contractors in California do not require continuing education and union trades are scarce. It burns me when a little old lady hires someone on good faith and gets a less-than-professional job. When I point out the defects, I always hear "but it was done by a licensed contractor." The Titanic was built by professionals too.
travel far enough and you can find almost any generic statement wrong in another location.A garbage disposal here requires additional provision in the waste water design, either a larger system or a grease trap cleaned and inspected annually.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
You can't put a disposer on a septic system, here...well, 'til after the CO<G> I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
"If it doesn't need to be inspected, then the owners of large homes are being screwed."
But the owners of the big homes are likely rich conservative Republicans, so they deserve to be screwed.
(-:
Q: Why are there so many Smiths in the phone book?
A: They all have phones.
make that democrats and ya got a deal...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
make that democrats and ya got a deal...
I think you can safely say "both parties" and strike up the same deal!
Same shid, different piles!
make it "all the parties" and call it the same barn yard...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
>>The thing is, either a roofing job needs an inspection or it doesn't.
Any job needs an inspection. The real question is by whom- a taxfundedbureaucrat with no real stake in the process, (other than his job)- or a qualified individual selected by the roof owner, or the bank that is funding the job?
>>What difference does the price make?
The price makes ALL the difference. It determines whether the job gets done or not, and how WELL it gets done. The excess price that is paid through taxes and fees for a public sector permit directly affect the quality of the project, since materials and labor must be skimped on to pay for the excess.
>>If it needs to be inspected, then the city is saying that it doesn't care if the owner of a small house gets screwed or not.
You can bet your lunchbucket that the city doesn't care if the owner gets screwed or not. The owners of the house- ie, the bank and the homeowner, are the ones that have any real interest in the quality of the construction. Therefore, they should be in charge of inspections.
>>If it doesn't need to be inspected, then the owners of large homes are being screwed.
?
Witnesses tell of harassment
Run-ins with fired C.R. inspector recounted at trial
By Rick Smith The Gazette
CEDAR RAPIDS — Nine witnesses called by the city of Cedar Rapids on Thursday testified in federal court how run-ins with city inspector Jerry Donnell prompted them to complain to the city about him. Those complaints, and what the city says was Donnell’s insubordination, disobedience and dishonesty, led to his firing in November 2003 after nearly two years on the job. Donnell’s attorney, Lawrence Marcucci, dismissed most of Thursday’s five hours of testimony, saying it came from ‘‘violators’’ —those whom inspector Donnell, 50, had caught violating city contracting rules. The complaints against Donnell came from contractors, wives of contractors, a rental property owner, a contractor’s customer, a business owner and a restaurant owner who had a road rage incident with Donnell. One contractor, Doug Pusteoska, testified that inspector Donnell singled him out for strict enforcement because he had fired Donnell before Donnell was hired by the city in December 2001. Pusteoska, who no longer operates Midwest Heating & Air, said he fired Donnell because he was unwilling to follow new rules and because Donnell answered his cell phone on the job for his own heating company. Donnell’s boss at the time for the city of Cedar Rapids, Dan Schmelzinger, ordered Donnell not to inspect Pusteoska’s contracting work. Much testimony this week has centered on Donnell’s behavior related to the second contractor, Marc Lins, with whom Schmelzinger ordered Donnell not to work. Assistant City Attorney Bill Wright has tried to show that Donnell’s speedy downfall in the late summer of 2003 happened when Donnell turned his attention to Lins’ company, Lins Heating and Air Conditioning, after Schmelzinger left the department on Aug. 26, 2003. Within a day of Schmelzinger’s leaving, Pat Engel, named acting director of the city’s building, zoning and housing operation, reminded Donnell he was not allowed to inspect Lins’ jobs or contact his customers. But Donnell did so anyway and lied about it, Engel testified this week. Lins’ wife, Julie, testified Thursday that she feared for her life and her family’s lives after Donnell called to say the Lins’ business would be hearing plenty from him now that Schmelzinger had left. Donnell is accused of searching out Lins customers, bad-mouthing the business and telling customers that the furnaces or air conditioners that the Lins company installed were unsafe and might cause fires. ‘‘He was destroying my business,’’ Marc Lins testified about Donnell. Marc Lins repeatedly sought help from Engel, and ultimately had his attorney write the city a letter calling for Donnell to stop harassing him and his business. One particular Lins customer, Kathy Graham, testified that she had thought Donnell was a savior when he called her in September 2003 about her recently installed air conditioner. Graham detailed how Donnell was sure Marc Lins had incorrectly installed it, that she and her disabled husband were at risk and that Lins paid the city’s other mechanical inspector under the table to approve unsafe work. Graham said Donnell also told her that Lins had won a contract with Sears to do its installations by paying off the inspectors. Graham said Donnell also had her confide in Carol Martin, a self-described resident advocate, in her own testimony on Donnell’s behalf in this trial and a well-known City Hall critic. Martin worked in concert with Donnell, Graham said, to persuade her that Lins and Donnell’s inspecting superior were corrupt. Graham testified that she soon learned that Donnell was the one with problems. As she decided Lins and Engel and other city inspectors had treated her well, she said Donnell tried to play on her religion, saying ‘‘Christians stick together.’’ Donnell kept calling her in a ‘‘sneaky’’ fashion, she said. What Donnell most wanted was for her to sign some kind of affidavit against Lins that Donnell could use in a lawsuit, she said. ‘‘He was just consumed to get Marc Lins,’’ Graham said of Donnell. ‘‘He stopped talking safety. It was about what he was going to get from it. . . . It was all about the money.’’ On Nov. 24, 2003, three days after the city fired Donnell, Graham said Donnell called and left message on her answering machine threatening her financially. Closing arguments in the trial are set for this morning. One of Donnell’s claims — that he was fired because he refused what he said were his bosses’ orders to violate the law — was tossed out Wednesday by U.S. District Court Judge Linda Reade. The eight-member civil jury will consider Donnell’s claim that he was wrongfully discharged after contacting state officials to complain about problems in the city’s inspection system; and his claim that his freedom of speech was violated when then acting director Engel told him not to discuss his case outside the city government. Contact the writer: (319) 398-8312 or rick.smith@gazettecommunications.com
View Image
Brian Ray/The Gazette Former Cedar Rapids city inspector Jerry Donnell leaves the federal courthouse in Cedar Rapids on Thursday. Donnell claims he was wrongfully discharged by the city in 2003 and filed suit. Closing arguments in the trial are set for this morning.
I'm up here in Iowa for my sons wedding and found that article in the paper, thought it appropriate to your comment!
And I'm pretty sure he aint the only one!
Doug
37099.9 is a link to attachment about the escapades that took and take place in Cleveland. The idea was the city determined what contractors were used for the grants.Thing is a don't recall seeing a later article that explains whatever happened to the purveyors of the gloom.Far as is known it was just a slap on the hand and they'll now be all the wiser in secrecy.
be biased against shakey shid all around
Beware. RFID is coming.
I tried to go to that post but it looks like the Cleveland BI might have some pull around here!
Wouldnt want to be you when you return to the "city"
Doug
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=37099.9This old puter's got a learning curve to it.
Beware. RFID is coming.
When I click on the link it says that "this discussion does not exist!"
Kinda twilight zoney
It is in the tavern. Are you over 21?But it does not give any details.
Are you over 21?
You dont know how bad I want to say no!
I dont partake the Tavern experience.
Guess I'll just have to wait until it comes out on DVD
Doug
The Tavern Experience can be ok depending how quickly you can learn to isolate and use the ignore button on the polijive titles to eliminate them from the morsels of humor and interesting topics that can crop up there.I mean where else can you find a story about Gunner looking for a breakfast early morning in New Orleans in the part of town normal men fear to travel and end up carrying a sugar container as a weapon till he got to the door when leaving. Must have been a crappy way to eat a breakfast having to be looking over your shoulder in concern of malice from the...er...questionable gender?
be destroying polijive
Beware. RFID is coming.
be destroying polijive
NO SH!D, thats whats keeping me out of the place, and I dont miss a single bit of it!
Doug
How come you kept reading them?
be wondering why that iz
Edited 7/3/2006 8:31 am ET by rez
How come you kept reading them?
Hard to avoid, they need another tavern for political shid, or let me be the mod then I'd just delete any and all of the BS.
I'd be fair, promise
or let me be the mod then I'd just .
expect serious compition for that slot...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Oh I didnt think I'd be the only applicant but I would be the best choice! Course I'm biased and all.
yup...
like to be yur #1 consultant.....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Consider it done!
Pay aint for shid but the work is fun.
if ya remember to send the check all well and good...
let the games begin...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
You mean you'd go delte any and all the BW...er...BS?
Everybody knows that the verb is the word.
The verb verb verb, the verb is the word.
can I coin that tag line...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
:o)Well hey, fer a little coin now that you bought it up. ROAR!
wht not...
even though you took my declaration and ran with it..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
which declaration and ran where?
be course you can use it.
the verb and over the horizon...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
somebody let Gunner know I found the matching outfit to the one he was in...
whew....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
wanna know what's a real funny ?When I open a new tavern thread and the first 7-8 responces are all the three members I have on ignore having a group hug - bunch of blank lines is all I see. Great time to move on and enjoy the chuckle.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Roar! That is so funny. I just breeze the titles and if I can tell that it's polijive than I just hit hit ignore for the thread.BT's getting to big to keep up with everything anymore so why waste the time swatting bees:o)
Arrest and prosecute all building inspectors!
Huh? You'd do that to Mooney before the Fest?!?!?!?
Gonna look funny with that redtag hanging from the tinfoil hat . . .
(Scary thought: "Work" at Fest will constitute consumption of tasty beverages and the like; ergo, a "stop work" could have powerful consequences . . . )Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Don't even consider a "stop work" at Fest.
There could be riots.
And you don't want to see a bunch of middle-aged, somewhat overweight guys rioting.
Don't even consider a "stop work" at Fest.doode, I'm stoppin' work for the fest, and after you start drinkin' the beer Mrs 'Snort's buying, you'd better stop too<G> I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
make it a fest event...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"We inspect for framing damage, then shear covering and nailing, then flashing and water proofing, then final covering. Electrical and plumbing check for their systems as does HVAC. In some cases we have a deputy watch the whole procedure. Then there is the affidavit of the contractor."
Change your name quick. <G>
Tim
Edited 6/30/2006 2:24 pm by Mooney
I did a kitchen remodel 8-10 years ago up in the Poconos in northeast Pa.
When I called to ask about permits, they said I didn't need any. And this was a full-blown tear-out with all new electric and plumbing, insulation, rock, and cabinets
It felt weird not having to call inspectors. But the job did go quickly.
I understand Pa. has changed now, and would require permits.
My sil is building in that area - Stroud Township - and she began before PA adapted the IRC. All she has to comply with is the state septic guidelines, and life safety issues such as smoke detectors.
I'd be very curious to see statistics about home related injuries and deaths comparing PA and more regulated states, such as NJ or NY. Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
more regulated states, such as NJ or NY.
More like Over-regulated.
This part of central Joisey does a "Housing" and an "Electrical" inspection of ALL rental spaces whenever there is a change of occupancy. Even if they inspected 3 months ago, and issued a CO, and NOTHING has changed,......new tenant, new inspections period.
While they are there, they also inspect the basement elec even if tenants DO NOT have access to it), and any exterior electrical, or "housing" (torn screen, peeling paint etc) issues.
You must have a permit to replace more than 35% of your windows (same size, no re-framing).
You must also have a permit to replace more than 25% of an asphalt shingle roof, or ANY amount of hot melt or glue down EPDM membrane roofs (hot melt also needs a fire permit).
Yeah, when I lived there, I thought the lisence plates should have said: NJ - The over-regulated state. I love seeing NJ in my rear view mirror.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Here in Los Angeles, you're supposed to get a permit and inspection to replace an existing water heater. Not a terrible thing, really. There's so much that can be dangerous with them, especially here where they need earthquake strapping.
-- J.S.
Back in the Chicago Suburb of Lake Zurich, I met my first building inspector when he came and asked me if I was replacing my water heater... as I had an old one sitting by the curb waiting for pickup. He was just driving by, but there to write me up if I didn't get my system inspected by the city.
The city I live in now has inspectors that will drive by every day while you build a new house, and never stop by UNLESS you get a building permit OR someone calls and complains about your work. I was told this by the head of the building department here.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Pickings,
There was a township close to Morristown that used to require a well and septic inspection as part of any permit application. It was in the Vernon/green village area.
You needed a permit for any work at all. Replace one window, need a permit. Put on a screen door, need a permit. Cut down a tree, need a permit.
And before you got one, your well and septic got poked and prodded by the health inspector.
I once overheard the health inspector tell an engineer that the septic systems in her town were the most expensive in the state and she was "Damn Proud" of that fact.
I miss N.J not in the least. Hell, they even let us own guns here in PA
And before you got one, your well and septic got poked and prodded by the health inspector.
I once overheard the health inspector tell an engineer that the septic systems in her town were the most expensive in the state and she was "Damn Proud" of that fact.
and then there are places like here (within the last 5 years); where I sat across the desk from the county health officer and listened to him tell me "there's nothing that comes out of a septic tank that can hurt you" - this as I was complaining about a house upstream that had just layed a tile from their septic tank directly to the creek -
"there's enough for everyone"
I guess there are hacks in every trade/profession. Would love to know where "here" is, if you don't mind saying.
Would love to know where "here" is, if you don't mind saying.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabash_County,_Indiana
"there's enough for everyone"
Thanks. Hope I don't seem too nosey. Just curious about my public health colleagues.
no problem, it needs to be know publicly -
it is better now, that meeting was the start of a low key campaign to replace the officer, which was accomplished a couple of years later -
the county is rural, and a long tradition of septic tanks plumbed into field drainage tile - at the time the mentioned officer was hired, the majority of the county commisioners consisted of two farmers who 'didn't want the government to tell them what to do' and who just happened to have a strategy of buying marginal farm ground, selling off a lot or 5 for house trailers, and didn't want to have to worry about perc tests or leach fields -
lots of stories, but we got two dis-elected, (this was even before the septic tank story), and the new guys are better - (tho I'm sure I could do better...)
hot topic right now are CAFO's - animal factories containing thousands of individuals along with the concurrent manure, odor, and pollution situations -
"there's enough for everyone"
hot topic right now are CAFO's - animal factories containing thousands of individuals along with the concurrent manure, odor, and pollution situations
That's one issue I haven't been involved with much, which suits me. On the other hand, biosolids--the use of partially treated sewage sludge for fertilizer is similar, and that's an ongoing issue here.
You needed a permit for any work at all. Replace one window, need a permit. Put on a screen door, need a permit. Cut down a tree, need a permit.
Wow, sounds like the usual "revenue enhancement" program.
OTOH, I just called to order a CO for a home for sale in South Joisey, and was told that the town only does "fire safety" inspections now. They look for smoke detectors, CO2 detectors, fire extinguisher, and house #'s visible from the street. Every thing else is up to the buyer to hire a private inspector to check out.
Apparently, township got tired of being sued for "missing" things (compared to private inspections).
I think this is s great trend.....if you are going to plunk doun $250k to $600K for a house, spend the $400 to get a good inspection. The guy my buyer hired spent 2 hours doing a 1500 sq ft split. He did, IMHO, a much better job than most CO inspections.
Hmmm... I knew that carbon dioxide was a green house gas, but I didn't realize that localities were having testers installed in homes for it.(I'm pretty sure you meant CO or Carbon Monoxide)
(I'm pretty sure you meant CO or Carbon Monoxide
Don't be so sure. It is New Jersey after all.
I was thinking about inserting a New Jersey dig, but didn't feel like typing any more.
(I'm pretty sure you meant CO or Carbon Monoxide)
YUP.....you got it.....the CO2 was the keg problem........
Gotta excuse me, 5 parties in 4 days......still re-couping.
That makes real sense to me.
I understand building inspections during construction since it's really the only time you'll be able to see most of the structural elements, however, if someone want's to buy a house & sight unseen, that's their business.
Like you said, if your plunking down $200K+, $400 for an inspection is nothing.
I've had that $400 inspection turn out to be worth nothing. There's pressure on them to avoid being a deal breaker. So they tell you which faucets drip, and miss the slope that pours water thru the wall when it rains.
Even a diligent and impartial inspection won't find some of the important stuff, like concealed termite damage.
-- J.S.
This was a little further out; just north of that big outlet mall on I-80.
i can't remember the name of the town, but I still remember how to get there.
Probably the tannersville crossings outlet stores, in Tannersville Pa., and yeah we now have inspections, its almost like they are trying to retroactivly make up for the crap that was built here previously. For example I will not get a CO if I do not have window screens installed, had a house fail on that and of course he could not show me in the book, and there is no arguing
Mark
Trimmin away in the Poconos
Andy,
I hope it isn't taking her that long to build because the IRC has been in effect here for several years.
The problem lies not in the code, but in the means of enforcing it.
For exampl;e, the IRC is no more strict than South Whitehall township was to begin with. They have their own inspectors and they can generally be tools.
Another township right around the corner, has no inspectors at all. You have to call a service ( I'm sure the provide a list) and get your own inspections. If you are the guy who does one at time, it might be tough. SOme of the bigger companies get away with murder because what inspector wants to lose an account good for 100 units a year?
It's a mess.
But in the end, if you compare home related injuries, P.A probably fares better than you think. After all, they make it so damn hard to get beer and whiskey on Sundays, it has to be safer.
My question was intended to go to the need for inspetions in the first place. We've given up considerable liberty. We assume that there have been commensurate gains in safety. But that's not knowable without a control group.
The basic question in my mind is whether or not the gains in safety are worth the cost in liberty? I doubt it, but my politics and values are not mainstream.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
> We assume that there have been commensurate gains in safety. But that's not knowable without a control group.
Domestically we could compare our big cities with more rural places where there's no code, or no enforcement. We could compare our Northridge and Loma Prieta earthquake damage with Iran and Turkey. Not really perfectly designed and matched controls, but then again, the real world isn't an experiment. (At least not one that's designed to test building inspections.)
-- J.S.
Andy, I understand your concerns about loss of personal liberties, OTOH, without someone looking over their shoulder, I've seen way too many alleged pros take way too many liberties with good building practices...I can't think of any specific instances where building inspections and codes are restrictively restricting our rights...I am open to suggestion... I just think there has to be some sort of rules. I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
I agree with Andy on this issue. I'm not opposed to having inspections, but I'm vehemently opposed to being forced into inspections by the government.
Do you think Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin would approve of all this governmental interference?
Municipal (forced) inspections adds a layer of protection that might not be needed. Buyers have a choice when they buy a house even in areas that don't require inspections. They can hire private individuals that can inspect the work as it progresses. Even in the event that they didn't get an inspection, and later found defects, they have remedys through the courts.
I wonder if houses aren't being built with less quality as a result of municipal inspections? Perhaps most builders build "to code" instead of setting their sites higher?
blue
Jefferson, probably not, he was a builder. Franklin, probably, he studied human nature...I don't see inspections as something getting in my way, other than slowing down the process slightly.A lot of folks around here build shoddy stuff because they don't know any better, both HOs and folks in the trades. A lot of that stuff gets covered up and passed along, only the Superman Inspcetion Co. could catch it.People build crap cause they can...I don't think it's because of the inspections.Honestly, I think most builders do an adquate job...but I don't think inspection depts. came into being because of adequate<G>
I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
One other factor few consider about inspections is their cost, which is of course ultimately borne by the owner. Now, I haven't taken out a whole house permit in about 8 years, but that one cost about 3k, or more than $1 per sq. ft. All told, the inspector probably spent less than 10 hours on my house. Hmmm....Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
you expect roofs installed by unemployed auto workers to be able to pass an inspection? -
anyway - didn't know about your surgery, glad you have 'fully recovered' (does that mean you are back to where you started or have you actually improved?) -
see ya -
"you expect roofs installed by unemployed auto workers to be able to pass an inspection? -"Probably not. But then I've been on many a roof that shouldn't have passed an inspection, but there it is.The unemployed auto workers might make it harder for me to get roofing jobs, but at least there'll be more to repair down the road."glad you have 'fully recovered'"Thanks."does that mean you are back to where you started or have you actually improved?"What are you saying?? There was room for improvement???Actually, I've been putting in much longer days (and more of them) than I was before the hernia, so maybe I have improved (if that is an improvement!!!).
Rich BeckmanAnother day, another tool.
First we hate BI's...
Now we love/need BI's...
Man, BT can be schizophrenic...
or - I'm just not keeping up
SIGH
DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"
it isn't keeping up...
lots of different hats to wear....
or maybe it's yur not wearing yur tin often enough..Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
maybe it's yur not wearing yur tin often enough..
LOL! Funny you should mention that...I recently, finally, caught the tail end of "Signs" (M. Night Shamaylan movie with the aliens and the family wears the tin foil hats!)DUM SPIRO SPERO: "While I breathe I hope"