Would you report this

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I got a blast from the owner saying i was unfair to her home and wanted it taken from the report, Recommend it to be bolted to home and support for post and a review for stringers not in the exact wording mind you, she said it was up to code, after telling 10 times i am not a code inspector , she threaten me with i am telling the Realtor to never use you again . Oh well the home is going up for auction in week and inspection was done for that.





got more on railing and lack of hand rails and sink draining into back yard from garage (keep in mind just small distance from lake . ) But all was done to code was her agruement

[James H. Bushart]

Assuming that you wrote this report to the seller, refer her to the contract she signed understanding that this is not a code inspection.

Remind her that "meeting code" is a term that simply means that the extreme minimum amount of skill and materials were applied to the extent that any less would be illegal.

Remind her that she already had a "code inspection", obviously, to present to future buyers and still wisely asked for your services, which you have provided in your report.

Thank her and assure her that when you inspect your next home, which is one that she may someday purchase, you will be as equally diligent...then go on your way.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

LOL i did James she went on and on and on. She told she was the Main contractor on site. and overseen the project.
This place listed 1.2 a year ago now on auction after it didn't sell for 750. Hmm maybe being down stream from ash spill may have something to do with it. Anyway small change to fix any of the problems . just hurt feelings i believe.

[Bob Elliott]

Small fix or not, you may be saving the lives of everyone on that deck when it collapses as seems to happen here Chicago on a regular basis after it supposedly passes code.
We had a few children die in a porch collapse recently.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Tried to explain that to her Bob she ranted on , I just told i could not change the report unless it was fixed.
People with Money seem to have a different view than most.

[Bob Elliott]

Perhaps if you wish to convince her further a well placed illustration and headline or two might help.

[William J. Decker]

When builders tell me "It passed the code inspection" I ask them to show me some documentation of that. Documentation of a passed code inspection is simply NOT available in Chicago, and most suburbs.

Make them prove it. Usually, it is a lie.

[Michael Roberson]

Originally Posted by wdecker

When builders tell me "It passed the code inspection" I ask them to show me some documentation of that. Documentation of a passed code inspection is simply NOT available in Chicago, and most suburbs.

Make them prove it. Usually, it is a lie.

In this area, I rarely see inspectors on site. In the last 15 years of construction, I have seen a code inspector maybe 20 times, and half of that he usually said.. " you guys know what your doing... " and promptly left. I built my own home 5 years ago, and never saw him at all, although I know he showed up at least once.

[Doug Edwards, CMI]

My sister and her husband contracted their own house too. I happen to be up there one day doing some work for them when the mechanical inspector showed up. He did not know what that yellow piping (CSST) that was installed on the range and fireplace was. When my brother in law tried to inform him what it was he then tried to tap dance around and bs his way out of his ignorance. Unknown to him my BiL was in the gas Service / Tech for about 45 years before he retired a year or two earlier. He just let the inspector talk and told me later the guy didn't know his *** from his elbow.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Some places here do not even have inspector. Thats even more fun to do a home inspection

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Did you say anything about the pickets > 4" apart, even though there is a screen?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I remember hearing a structural engineer say that joists parallel to the house should be a red flag for a home inspector.

What do you guys think about that deck's general design?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by wwilson3

I got a blast from the owner saying...it was up to code...But all was done to code was her agruement

I would have said, "I'm not a code inspector, but since you brought it up, no it is not up to code."

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

I would have said, "I'm not a code inspector, but since you brought it up, no it is not up to code."

Attachment 32551 Attachment 32552

A construction "meets code" at such time that the AHJ has documented that it does. No other opinions matter, regarding "code", after that has been accomplished.

A wise and prudent inspector will refer to acceptable and established building practices to support the argument that you are presenting.

Once the AHJ has ruled that the jurisdiction is satisfied that the minimum basic standard has been met, anything you present to the contrary is wrong...even if you're right.

In the sales process of a home....never be the inspector who says that "code" has not been met when the AHJ says that it has. If your report "kills the deal", you may have just bought yourself a house.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by jbushart

A construction "meets code" at such time that the AHJ has documented that it does. No other opinions matter, regarding "code", after that has been accomplished.

I'm not convinced that is accurate. Getting a CO don't equate to every component of a house "meeting code" in my view. Please show me where it is defined as such.

Just because they don't cite it, doesn't mean it "meets code". A competent person can prove the AHJ didn't do his job in many cases. And lawsuits have been filed against AHJ's in some cases; some of which have been discussed on this board.