08-30-2013, 03:08 AM
Problem with "inspection" is that the inspectors are human: they could be having a good day, or a bad day, or they could go easier on their buddies, or be pickier with someone they don't like. (All of these have happened, at one time or another, here and everywhere else.)
Inspectors tend to assume that "licensed" contractors have done the work "to code"; this is not necessarily true.
Biggest problem is the finality of a "final" inspection: once the inspector leaves, you can (for example) convert the garage into an apartment, and if you don't make a mess, nobody knows it's happened. (People who do "unpermitted" bathroom remodels have been "caught" when they leave the old toilet out in front of the house...)
Our vehicles are inspected annually as a prerequisite for renewal of registration. I may regret this suggestion, but why not have "safety checks" for buildings? Unpermitted gets inspected more often, current safety required for "resident homeowner" tax rate...
Inspectors tend to assume that "licensed" contractors have done the work "to code"; this is not necessarily true.
Biggest problem is the finality of a "final" inspection: once the inspector leaves, you can (for example) convert the garage into an apartment, and if you don't make a mess, nobody knows it's happened. (People who do "unpermitted" bathroom remodels have been "caught" when they leave the old toilet out in front of the house...)
Our vehicles are inspected annually as a prerequisite for renewal of registration. I may regret this suggestion, but why not have "safety checks" for buildings? Unpermitted gets inspected more often, current safety required for "resident homeowner" tax rate...