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 Improving Relations between Building Inspectors and Pro ContractorsThere seems to be a lot of tension between building inspectors and pro contractors with numerous opinions as to the cause. Whatever your opinion, the fact is that inspectors and contractors have the same goals in mind: safety and completing a project as efficiently as possible in order to satisfy the homeowner and move on to the next project. This article provides practical advice for both inspectors and contractors on developing a better working relationship. Lynn Underwood, Head Building Official for the city of Norfolk, Va., provides some perspective. Lynn has worked in the building safety and code development profession for more than 30 years and is also a licensed contractor in Virginia. He authored the book, Building Code Compliance for Contractors & Inspectors that is not only a how-to for building inspectors but also offers great advice to contractors in preparing for inspections and improving relations with code officials. Building inspectors often have a good grasp of the code they enforce but do not necessarily understand the intent of the code or recognize that exceptions are allowed. Lynn advises that instead of reciting code word-for-word, an inspector should take a step back and ask questions of the contractor before making a final determination. There are many situations where sound construction practices have been used that don't necessarily match up with the exact letter of the code. Lynn also stresses that the "code should not encourage (or discourage) the use of any particular construction material or method." Some inspectors may find it easier to dismiss an alternative than actually taking the time to understand if it will fit within code requirements. Lynn advises that it is the responsibility of an inspector to dig in and research all alternatives in order to make a well-informed decision. Lynn describes the bad times in his profession when there were "ogre" type inspectors. He points out that a lot of those inspectors aren't working anymore for that reason. The response of "because I said so" is no longer valid. By asking respectful questions of an inspector, contractors demonstrate they are sincerely trying to understand and comply with code requirements. When inspectors are open to discussion, they demonstrate their willingness to take a contractor"s concerns into consideration. Continue reading story |
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| Code Question for Missouri Building Officials | When Is a Tree House a House? | |
| How does your municipality interpret Missouri's design professional requirements for commercial projects? Do you feel that requiring sealed construction drawings on non-exempt buildings is something that can be amended or altered by the local government? Join the discussion | I came across this show (Animal Planet & Discovery Channel ) recently and as an inspector was pondering all of the potential issues associated with this type of construction. Have you inspected similar structures? When does a tree house become an R occupancy? Join the discussion | |
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| When Does the 4-inch Sphere Rule Apply? | A Better Correction Notice? | |
| A large home builder installs guard rails at the front door but the landings are at grade. The distance between rails is 6 inches. Does the 4-inch sphere rule apply in these types of circumstances? Join the discussion | Is anyone using some type of correction notice that does not involve hand writing, and paper forms? My office is exploring new technologies and the possibility of a more efficient way of preparing and issuing correction notices. Join the discussion | |
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| Looking for IBC Guidance on Controlled Atmosphere Warehouse Fire Protection | Violations, Complaints and Accessing Private Property (Vacant or Occupied) | |
| Fruit products in polyprop or HDPE box pallets in high-piled storage configuration. Nitrogen is gas of choice for controlling atmosphere, but O2 concentration not yet determined? Sprinklers or no? If not, why not? Join the discussion | Has anyone's jurisdiction adopted an amendment to allow inspectors access to private property without a search warrant or area warrant? There is some disagreement on what the adopted ICC codes allow and constitutional law. Have there been any challenges your aware of and what was the result? Join the discussion | |
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| IMC and IFC Apply to Water Chillers Outdoors Serving an Outdoor Chemical Process? | Interested As to How Other Jurisdictions Are Handling "Hoarders"? | |
| I've always assumed the refrigeration design and installation requirements in the IMC, IFC, and ASHRAE Standard 15 apply to mechanical refrigeration systems regardless of whether the water chiller is installed indoors or outdoors, and whether it is serving a building or outdoor process. A few professionals I have spoken to recently (at other organizations than my own) opined that IMC or IFC requirements would not apply to an outdoor chiller serving an outdoor process in a chemical plant or refinery, since "there is no building". Comments? Join the discussion | Our experience has run the gamut. Some hoarders obviously end up creating clear health issues, to include bugs and mice, that can be addressed by property maintenance codes to a certain extent. But others are more like what we found this week, all kinds of clothes and other belongings piled 5+ feet high wall to wall in every room, attic and garage, much of it still in packages. No odor, no bugs or mice present! Owner-occupied but obviously unsafe with exit doors blocked, large accumalation of combustibles up against baseboard heaters. Property maintenance codes are designed to protect the neighbors, tenants and the comminity. Does not and maybe should not protect an individual from him or her self. Ideas? Join the discussion | |
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