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Building inspectors: what authority do they really have?

153K views 43 replies 25 participants last post by  GCTony 
#1 ·
If a building inspector showed up at my door and wanted to look thruogh my home, would I have to let them in? Doesnt the govt need a warrant to enter private property?
 
#41 ·
I was fixing a wall for a client that had water damage from a leaky chimney. (Fixed already). The inspector came knocking because he saw a bag of insulation in the garage (door was open). Technically I suppose I needed a permit due to touching insulation but it was a straight up replace with new VB. Nothing structural.
I refused him at the door and boy did he get in a huff. We let him leave voicemails (quite threatening) and dragged it out until the work was done, then made a deal with his boss (a woman) that she could come and inspect herself.

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#43 ·
Inspectors have the biggest egos of anyone I have ever met. I had one two years ago where I build a deck and a fence on a house. I built the deck first and then call for inspection while I was onsite building the fence.

Got an inspection report emailed to me saying the deck failed. I call the inspector to see when he inspected the deck. Took a 15min phone call to get him to admit he inspected the wrong deck a few blocks away. When he did show up I think he only said “Hello” and “Passed” before leaving.
 
#44 ·
Like others; I've had a few inspectors with an attitude but not much different from dealing with our snowflake electrician sometimes. Generally they are just doing their jobs, enforcing the building code. We never argue with a inspector. They can be your best fiend or worst enemy. If we disagree with them we simply ask nicely. "would you show me that in the code book." If we still don't agree we let him know we'll contact his office for a second opinion. It's business, never personal.


Regarding an inspector entering your home unauthorized, I don't know for sure but I would say no but that's a question for a Lawyer.


Now Fire Marshal. On an out of town job, I had an Fire Marshal who had a side arm (Glock 21) and asked him about it. It don't know if it was BS or not but he explained, in that county of Virginia, fire marshals and fire inspectors are considered law enforcement. For me that means he has the rights and restrictions as a police officer. No access without permission or warrant.
 
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