Educational Course

[Joe Farsetta]

I never engage in "code" quoting. Anyone who researches my posts can see that I feel that an inspector has no business quoting codes, electrical or otherwise. The crux of the discussion I was having with Will Decker went to the Illinois law, specifically.

I still have a tough time seeing it the way Will's lawyer did, as the average HI is not code certified, and there are far too many changes in any variety of codes which have been adopted through the years, for any home inspector to be able to take on this task as interpreted here. There is literally no end to it.

So, what is Illinois saying? That every home constructed prior to, say 1978, is full of significant defects, and it is up to the inspector to flag evey change to every code applied since then? I cant believe that is the spirit of the law, especially since the inspector is not the AHJ.

As I do not inspect in Illinois, then (mercifully), none of this really pertains to me... thank God.

[William J. Decker]

Joe F.;

I see (and my lawyer agrees) that 'accepted residential construction standards' are not the same thing as local codes. NEC, yes. Fire safety naotional authorities, yes. The Village of Round Lake, no.

Its all a matter of authority. In the area I serve, there are some 73 different AHJs. I cannot possibly hope to memorize or even study their particular sepcifics. BUT, I can keep on top of what is nationally recognized and apply it.

Our law, more than anything else, is an attempt by the state to cut through, in a 'Recommend' fashion, all the BS that each and every little tin pot local village dictator (and recognizing that some big developers apply money liberally to 'lobby' their position and get 'variances' for their particular developments).

Confusing? Yes. But I knew this job was dangerous when I took it.

I have been successful so far and my clients like it.

If it is stupid, but it works, it ain't stupid.