Owner-builders typically get nervous once the building inspector shows up on their project. I think they imagine trouble (he's there to find fault, he'll kill the momentum of work in progress, this is likely to cost me more income). These fears are nonsense in case you have developed a relationship together with your inspector and made him or her section of your building team.

Most inspectors are competent, professional and also have spent some years in the building business themselves. They are there to be sure the building adheres to building codes and local rules and ordinances. The structure has to be constructed properly for the safety of the inhabitants, both present and future. For anyone who is building in earthquake zones, you will have many more seismic devices and precautions than someone doing a project in stable sandy soil.

Foundations for a structure built on the beach will undoubtedly be considerably unique of one built on a rocky slope in the mountains. Local building inspectors are aware of the special conditions within their areas and how to best cope with them. If you will look at their services in a confident sense, and also ask their advice or opinion from time to time, you will find they can be a very important asset in completing assembling your project.

Speak to your inspector. Discover what their major concerns are from the outset? This will go a long way to enhance the relationship between you, the inspector and the building department they represent. Take into account, it's the on-site inspector who will ultimately approve the completion of one's project and sign the final inspection.

So, being an owner-builder, utilize the building inspector to assist you move things along and anticipate any issues that can be headed off before they happen. Most importantly, NEVER develop an adversarial relationship with your inspector! Don't be a know-it-all. Arguing, threatening or wanting to show them you know more about the building business than they do will get you an extremely long correction list.

Never cover up work that should be inspected. I've witnessed numerous people who had to eliminate drywall or roofing since they were too impatient, or forgot to schedule an inspection. Based on the circumstances, some inspectors enables you to proceed with out a formal inspection, but you must talk to them first and get verbal approval. Communication is everything.

It's best for someone to meet up with the inspector when he or she arrives for a scheduled inspection. They may have questions, or you may have questions of your own. Will have Visit the website approved group of plans with you. Some inspectors will walk away without considering anything if these plans aren't on-site. The approved plans will be the Bible for the project.

Typical phases of work that may require an inspection are:

Footings, grade beams, retaining walls and slabs
Framing and shear walls
Roof and floor sheeting
Rough-ins for electrical, plumbing and HVAC
Insulation
Plaster lath, if applicable
Drywall nailing, particularly if shear walls are participating
Final inspection for occupancy

The inspector is not someone to be feared or loathed, but to befriend as a valuable contributor to the quality of your efforts. Those I have seen who consider the building inspector as a supporting person in the building team have experienced few problems or interruptions.