Inspections & Permits & Codes... OH MY!

An unfortunate and negative stigma has developed among many homeowners and builders alike with regards to permits and inspections on their projects.  Often, when I am conversing with a client about a project and I mention pulling a permit, I am often met with a disgruntled sigh and a comment along the lines of, "Oh... we have to pull a permit?"  In fact, I have often had clients decide to completely forgo a project simply because it would involve a permit and inspection.

Builders do not help the situation by often making a stink about having to get their work inspected - portraying the image of a building inspector as a cranky government worker who is looking to make life miserable for everyone involved.  Permits are made out to be another attempt by municipalities to get as much out of the builder as they possibly can - and are therefore to be avoided, right?

In my experience, I have yet to have an inspector come to a job and be completely disagreeable and make a whole bunch of extra work for me.  In fact, all of my experiences with inspectors from various cities have been very pleasant and helpful.  Perhaps that is because I don't view them as coming to ruin everything, but rather, reassure myself and clients that I have done my work correctly.  By making sure I have everything ready to go, giving them adequate notice, and being respectful of their time and obligations, I have found that they are more than willing to reciprocate.  

A key factor is that I strive to build everything correctly and to code the first time; in fact if I am guilty of anything, it is over-building.  (FYI, building codes are minimum standards, so "over-building" is not a bad thing)  I'm not afraid of an inspector looking at my work because I have nothing to hide.  I often look forward to inspections because they give me a chance to learn more about the expectations and reasons behind local and state codes.  I would much rather find out that I missed something, or that something was done incorrectly, during an inspection than 3 years later when there is much more at stake.  And from a client's perspective, what could be more reassuring than having a building inspector come out and confirm that everything your builder has done is correct?

Permits may seem like just another government fee -and certain cities really need to reconsider their methods of calculating their permit fees - but planning for it from the beginning and recognizing it as a necessary part of the process, will go a long way in removing the unfortunate fear that it has created in the minds of builders and homeowners alike.  Do it right the first time and you have nothing to worry about.