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

Most inspectors are competent, professional and have spent some years in the building business themselves. They're there to make 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. If you are building in earthquake zones, you should have a lot more seismic devices and precautions than someone performing a project in stable sandy soil.

Foundations for a structure built on the beach will be considerably unique of one built on a rocky slope in the mountains. Local building inspectors know about the special conditions in their areas and how exactly to best deal with them. If you will look at their services in a confident sense, and even ask their advice or opinion once in awhile, you will find they can be a very important asset in completing your project.

Speak to your inspector. Discover what their major concerns are from the outset? This can go quite a distance to enhance the relationship between you, the inspector and the building department they represent. Take into account, it is the on-site inspector who'll ultimately approve the completion of your project and sign the ultimate inspection.

So, as an owner-builder, utilize the building inspector that will help you move things along and anticipate any problems that can be headed off before they happen. Above all, NEVER develop an adversarial relationship with your inspector! You shouldn't be a know-it-all. Arguing, threatening or attempting to show them you know more concerning the building business than they do will earn you an extremely long correction list.

Never cover up work that needs to be inspected. I've witnessed numerous people who had to eliminate drywall or roofing because they were too impatient, or forgot to schedule an inspection. With regards to the circumstances, some inspectors will let you 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 the inspector when he or she arrives for a scheduled inspection. They could have questions, or you may have questions of your. Will have Find more information approved group of plans with you. Some inspectors will leave 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 will 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 grade 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.