Building Inspection

[StillHope]

Aloha,everyone!
Any tips to share about building inspection? (New construction).
Are the inspectors "assigned" to the certain areas?
Any situation that totally at the discretion of an inspector?
Everything you can share would be greatly appreciated.

Note: I am asking in advance,no building to inspect yet.

[David M]

OK, here's my "2 cents"

Tips - the inspector is "right". Question if you don't understand, but argue at your peril. Don't be adversarial.
Inspectors don't appreciate how it was done at your mainland point of exit. Chances are, not everything is detailed in your plans. Some items are covered by the county checklist, but you have to be able to read the list - an item may be covered by a reference to the code.

Inspectors and your contractors know each other, and the contractor's work. If hiring a GC to build, why even bother to be on site for a county inspection- that's part of his job. If any doubt as to your GC, then hire a private (you pay) inspector.

Yes, they are assigned to areas. But they also change from time to time. The inspector for your project will be identified when permit is issued. Electrical and plumbing come from their respective departments.

Not sure what you mean by "totally at the discretion of an inspector", but his inspection represents his view / interpretation of the code. I did have one inspection where the inspector wanted to research further before deciding. He called me within 2 hours to say he was issuing a pass. Also not uncommon for inspector to defer liability to the architect - architect writes a letter to BD to cover the situation.

This is based on my experience. That experience is my own personally, complemented by reports from a significant number of friends either owner-builder or contractor built. Inspections/inspectors are a well shared topic amongst owner-builders. I also grew up working with my Dad, an electrical contractor.

Just a few days ago, an inspector showed up at our house. My heart started a pitter pat, as I hadn't called for an inspection. Turns out the inspector had just finished an inspection in the neighborhood and just wanted to stop by with holiday wishes. I think that was pretty nice.

David



Ninole Resident

[StillHope]

Thanks,David!
As usual,your 2 cents are priceless.

[Carey]

I have also found that if you DO have a system, design or whatever that is not common, you will need to have a lot of information upfront for them to look at, ask BEFORE doing ANYTHING what their idea, interpretation of this is, and be very willing to wait for them to make a decision.... a couple of years ago it could be a LONGGGG wait...

Trying to push something over on them will not work... right now the wait isn't as long & there are a lot more of the very best contractors that are looking to keep employed...

It is a very good idea to find contractors that you can trust, and that you have researched to be some of the very best... (having worked on correcting work from lower priced, but connected contractors lends me to this conclusion.... & just because something is permitted & signed off does not mean that it was done right, or to code.... We have a lot of proof on that!)

[John S. Rabi]

David is right on, I only would add that the building inspectors know all the GCs and they know who are good and reputable, and who are not. They do their inspections accordingly.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,ARB,BFT,CM,CBR,FHS,PB,RB
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[StillHope]

Thank you,John.

[StillHope]

Kathy,thank you so much for sharing.
My GC is not from Puna as well,but have built houses there.
Most likely I'll not be there.But if I do,I'll be "humble and quiet" [].

Can not vouch for the sob though.Recently the land lord had a concrete worker to estimate the yard job.The dog was quietly and methodically following him around,pretending to bite his hills.

[Kapohocat]

quote:

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Originally posted by StillHope...
Any tips to share about building inspection? (New construction).

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Have all your permitting paperwork (stamped plans/orange placard/wastewater eng / catchment or well drawings right at hand. Have somewhere that you can spread them out if asked a question.

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Are the inspectors "assigned" to the certain areas?

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Yes. The name and phone number of your inspector should be on the stamped approved copies of your bldg plans.

quote:

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Any situation that totally at the discretion of an inspector?

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Nothing specific to add to this until you get your inspection. Some item he may say just get A/E to send letter. Wont know until inspection is done.

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Everything you can share would be greatly appreciated.

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Keep quiet.Answer asked questions politely, and briefly. Do not argue with them in field. You will not win. But you can say "Wow, I didnt know that. We did it like this because...." (again finish sentence briefly.)

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Note: I am asking in advance,no building to inspect yet.

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Worry is only interest paid on the future problems that may not come to pass.

[StillHope]

Thank you,Kapohocat,for the response.
I,probably,worry too much.

[StillHope]

quote:

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Originally posted by Carey

I have also found that if you DO have a system, design or whatever that is not common, you will need to have a lot of information upfront for them to look at, ask BEFORE doing ANYTHING what their idea, interpretation of this is, and be very willing to wait for them to make a decision.... a couple of years ago it could be a LONGGGG wait...

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I thought,inspectors "have seen it all".

Not really?