Building inspector horror stories: myth?

[madstat]

I'm a homeowner doing my own work. I had two rough inspections yesterday, one electrical, one plumbing. They were my 5th and 6th inspection from the AHJ on this project. This whole time I've been a bit nervous because every time I tell someone I have an inspection they grumble about how

"dealing with the city is a pain"

"inspectors are pricks"

"they don't like DIYers, we ask too many questions and generally don't know what we are doing".

So far in my experience inspectors have been great to deal with and VERY VERY helpful. I ask a lot of questions and they all spend time educating me on best practices.

I'm beginning to think it's a myth that "dealing with the AHJ is pain" and most frustrations can be eliminated by proper research, organization and scheduling extra-time in case of failed an inspection - otherwise all of a sudden the project is thrown behind because "the damn city this ... that..."

I For my 2cents AHJ has been easy to work with and I think my project is turning out much better than had I tried to do this under the table.

I'm curious if you guys here think differently and care to share your experiences with such "PITA inspector"

madstat

 

[evildky]

it's like anything else, there are good ones, bad ones, and everything in between

first inspector I worked with was great, second was a *****, most I've found to be idiots

 

[Falcon67]

Every AHJ is different because they are staffed by different folks. I haven't had any problems, personally. I have several friends that can describe all the **** they got from a city inspector. Sometimes, it just communications. We had a building come on line a few years back here at work. We needed a COO to move in. Only thing left on the punch list was some landscaping and a few misc items inside. There is a time crunch to occupy based on the start of the semester. Inspector A says go for it on the inside, who cares about bushes. Stuff done, trucks loaded, ready to move in - I mean idling in the parking lot. Inspector B shows up, refuses to issue COO because of dirt work in front. LOTS of phone calls made, we got our COO.

 

[Gary S]

I built my garage in 2004, and I was very lucky. My inspector was fantastic. He told me in advance what he wanted, and when I did things his way, he approved everything.
If I had any questions, he was very helpful with getting me the right answers.

Not all inspectors are like that, but that isn't any different from people in any other job.

 

[tcianci]

I run a small remodeling business, Most inspectors are really good guys who have a job to do. Codes ARE getting more and more restrictive all the time, sometimes tradesmen are not up on every last detail and get called on it. A good contractor and a good inspector work together. And although municipalities are pushing ther building departments to bring in revenue, I have found them to be reasonable for the most part

 

[geologist]

I know a guy that used to inspect houses that had been foreclosed on. I guess when one family left, they turned the thermostat all the way up, and pulled their curtains. He was called about a month after to examine the house so that bank could finally prep it for sale.

When he got in the door, he said that he was immediately overwhelmed by the heat. He used his laser spot-temp on a countertop, and it was almost 140 degrees (or something like that). He was telling me that it was so hot the counter tops were delaminating.

 

[MoonRise]

Some inspectors (AHJ) know their 'stuff' and help the worker-bee (contractor or homeowner doing the work themselves) to do things right.

Some inspectors don't know much. Some inspectors are petty bureaucrats on a power trip.

Heard of an inspector issuing a stop-work order because he 'didn't like the framing'. It went to court, DIY owner was an engineer who had the paperwork to document that 'the framing' was not only to Code but exceeded it. Inspector was thus shown to be an idiot.

Recent Mike Holmes re-run (which is based in Canada) was on a poor guy who not only had an incompetent original contractor but also had the 'fun' of dealing with the building department and inspector(s) who issued contradictory requirements including Stop-Work-Orders for work that was already approved on the building permit as well as such things as flat-out telling the guy the permit/plans/etc would not be approved unless he added a full bathroom with a shower. In his garage/shop/studio.

So yeah, it varies.

 

[darkk]

My home in Ct. The work on my build is very high quality and it's visible. When the inpector has been here, he usually takes about two steps in the door, looks around and says good to go. I'm down to the last inspection now, stair treads, the trim and finish off one toilet and connect a sink. Probably take me another 6 months. hahaha....
When I lived in Ocala Florida about 17-18 years ago, the guy that inspected my brand new house was a straight up *****. I think he was pissed because he had to actually leave his AC office and drive to my house in the heat.

 

[R6 Racer]

I built my garage in 2004, and I was very lucky. My inspector was fantastic. He told me in advance what he wanted, and when I did things his way, he approved everything.
If I had any questions, he was very helpful with getting me the right answers.

Not all inspectors are like that, but that isn't any different from people in any other job.

When I did my basement my experience was almost identical to yours. The guy was great, helped me out, told me exactly what was to be done along with the how & why. Passed all my work, even went so far as to tell me my work was better than most contractors work he sees.
Most likely my OCD coming threw in my work + it is MY home so I didn't have any problem doing great quality, time consuming work.

I have had a few other experiences all with the same results. I have not run into any a$$hats at all

Steve

 

[LutzTD]

Some inspectors (AHJ) know their 'stuff' and help the worker-bee (contractor or homeowner doing the work themselves) to do things right.

Some inspectors don't know much. Some inspectors are petty bureaucrats on a power trip.

Heard of an inspector issuing a stop-work order because he 'didn't like the framing'. It went to court, DIY owner was an engineer who had the paperwork to document that 'the framing' was not only to Code but exceeded it. Inspector was thus shown to be an idiot.
Recent Mike Holmes re-run (which is based in Canada) was on a poor guy who not only had an incompetent original contractor but also had the 'fun' of dealing with the building department and inspector(s) who issued contradictory requirements including Stop-Work-Orders for work that was already approved on the building permit as well as such things as flat-out telling the guy the permit/plans/etc would not be approved unless he added a full bathroom with a shower. In his garage/shop/studio.

So yeah, it varies.

even so he still won in the end by stopping you and forcing you to court to defend, when he was proven wrong, what was the payback? better to just bow to their ego, cheaper and faster in the end.

I have had nothing but great experience with my inspector. he is very helpful and allows me to call him with questions any time I want

 

[signcrafter]

They are human like anyone else. You have good ones and bad ones. Couple points from both sides.

Some inspectors are willing to answer questions and some aren't, they just expect you to know everything and are wasting their time if you don't. Even though they have to go through lots of training each year to keep current on the codes. In my opinion it's in their favor to answer questions. Answer a few questions, give some ideas of how to do it right to pass, etc. The ones that show up and just say it's wrong and fix it or you don't pass feel they have a little power and want people to know it.

Now from the building inspectors point, he goes to hundreds of DIY projects where guys don't care to even try to do it right. They just want a new garage or whatever at the cheapest price and whatever is easier for them to do, least amount of work. These are the guys that will tell you the horror stories. Because they don't want to work with the inspector to do things right.

 

[JimVonBaden]

They are human like anyone else. You have good ones and bad ones. Couple points from both sides.

...
Now from the building inspectors point, he goes to hundreds of DIY projects where guys don't care to even try to do it right. They just want a new garage or whatever at the cheapest price and whatever is easier for them to do, least amount of work. These are the guys that will tell you the horror stories. Because they don't want to work with the inspector to do things right.

Exactly, and often they are the ones giving the inspector a hard time too.

Like anything else, you get more flies with honey than hot suace! Treat them with respect (you do not need to kiss ***), and they will usually treat you in kind.

Jim

 

[wnstwolf]

Education is a terrible thing to waste as the saying goes. Seems the ones I have had to deal with know a lot but hate to continue to learn. We had the project of a lifetime over the past few years in building my home. I had contractors do some but a lot was on me which seemed to be ok with the AHJ. The big issue we had was our foundation. We were the first for this inspector to use insulated Concret Forms and his ignorance was my PITA. We had product reps, a contractor who had completed a dozen and even an entire home with the ICF's as well as a stamped design. He tried to add rebar, bracing and other items that just drove all parties nuts and caused a lot of tension on the site.

In the end all was good but the tension and bad blood at the time of the foundation just seemed to linger all the way through and I felt he did not stay neutral but rather took any gray areas to be wrong and enforced things to the max. Example was our Permit was pulled in summer of 2010 but we did not get finial electrical inspection until mid 2011. New NY electrical code for 2011 stated you needed tamper proof receptacles throughout house. this was not the case in 2010 when design was approved as well as permit issued. Lutron standard Decore 15a are about $1.50 each the same in the new tamper proof are $6 times that by 100 and the labor to change everything out and it adds up. He would not give in and it was fight it not get Occuy permit and miss my closing date or bite it and change out items. In the end the closing miss would have cost thousands so we now have horrible tamper proof recpts throughout the house..

 

[Erampu]

Okay, I'm wondering. What does AHJ stand for?

 

[Angelfire]

The only dealings I had with an inspector was while building a deck on a cabin in the mountains. He was extremely helpful going so far as to mark up my prints with the specific code number he expected to be met. He had no issues dealing with me when I had questions and I'd be happy to work with him again.

That being said, I'm about to embark on a large project at home and the inspector has been so-so thus far. I've heard horror stories from other Owner/Builders in dealing with this guy so I'm walking a tight rope to not piss him off. At the end of the day, they can make or break you on a project. I plan to be very courteous and respectful with him unless he starts being a real ***. Then I have no problem escalating the issue if needed.

 

[1930artdeco]

When I had my garage built, I pulled all of the permits and submitted the plans to the city. They were very helpful, I think, because I was going to them in the first place and trying to do it the right way. There is a house around the corner from me where they started a HUGE two story house, got the walls, roof and framing done. Then they stop for some reason. I assume it was because of money but my contractor said the city hires former inspectors to cruise the city looking for illegal work being done. So who knows.

Mike

 

[Mike007]

Okay, I'm wondering. What does AHJ stand for?

Authority having jurisdiction.

 

[RECox286]

My father was a journeyman electrician, and taught me plenty in the short

time we were together. When my company was building a new bathroom

for one of our customers, the electrician we had lined up to do the work

couldn't adhere to our schedule, and therefore I did the wiring under his

license. When it was time to have the inspector come look at the work,

we were surprised to get one of the inspectors that was on the job when

my father was still alive. Anyhow, when he got to the jobsite, and started

to look around, he said: "This job wasn't done by (and he named the

electrician who was contractor of record) , who did the work ?"

I stepped forward and ventured that I had. "Who are you ?" and I told

him my name. "Any relation to (he named my father) ?" I told him yes, I

am his son. "Oh, Okay, sez he, I've gotta be here for 15 minutes, so

what do you want to talk about ?" We had a very nice chat about old

times, dad, lies and other ********. We got a white sticker. End of story.

Uncle Bob

 

[tcianci]

Ok, now here comes my cynical side... I'm doing a kitchen remodel in the town next to mine. The permit was issued last Friday. Yesterday I get a call from the police in that town telling me there's something missing from my truck (what's missing is the "I support the XXXX police dept" sticker that you get after they shake you down). The cop mentions that (1) I have a truck, (2) I'm working in their town. That information could have only come from the building department and they have done this to me for the last 2 permits I have had issued to me in that town. The guy is looking for "only 100 or 200 bucks". So as usual we settle for 20 bucks. My theroy is that if I didn't "support" the local police, some workers comp. inspector will show up on my job and shut it down until he's happy with my paperwork. I have no facts to back up my theroy but on the other hand, I can't afford to have that happen.

 

[ddawg16]

Ok, now here comes my cynical side... I'm doing a kitchen remodel in the town next to mine. The permit was issued last Friday. Yesterday I get a call from the police in that town telling me there's something missing from my truck (what's missing is the "I support the XXXX police dept" sticker that you get after they shake you down). The cop mentions that (1) I have a truck, (2) I'm working in their town. That information could have only come from the building department and they have done this to me for the last 2 permits I have had issued to me in that town. The guy is looking for "only 100 or 200 bucks". So as usual we settle for 20 bucks. My theroy is that if I didn't "support" the local police, some workers comp. inspector will show up on my job and shut it down until he's happy with my paperwork. I have no facts to back up my theroy but on the other hand, I can't afford to have that happen.

I have REAL issues with that.....not you tcianci...but the fact that a police dept would do that.....

Seems to me that the further East you more, the more of that **** you see.....that would not fly here in California....not at all. That kind of **** just pisses me off...

Yea....we hit up the local businesses every year for donations to our Xmas party for raffle gifts....but it has no bearing on how we serve the comunity....there is no "They didn't donate" list....in fact....some of the business call us asking what they can do for us....one of the big ones is the local refinery....the oil company has x amount of $$ they earmark for things like that....and the refinery likes to help us get equipment....and we also refer them to needy families and/or churches...

Inspectors? I have always had good ones....the one I have now has been doing my inspections for about 4 years. Very fair.....if something is wrong...I have to fix it. If it's something little....he tells me to correct and goes ahead and buys off the step....and I know he will double check it on his next trip so I know not to try anything stupid.

He also knows I want to do it right....and will take the time to explain things and offer suggestions.

He was at my house yesterday....approved my load center.....it was his second trip.....

I hope I keep the same guy until my addition is done.

 

[djkeev]

Old definition of building code inspector........

"A contractor who could NOT make a go at it in the business world thus failing, he now is in a position of unquestioned power to make damn sure that no one else will be able to succeed as well."

Dave

 

[Shadowdog500]

My building inspector was great, he showed up promptly for every inspection and helped keep things moving smoothly during my entire build. He was an old school retired contractor who all of the contractors knew and liked.

Whenever I hear someone bad mouth an inspector I usually assume it is because they wouldn't pass their shoddy work. The foreman for my Morton building said most of them are first rate guys, and he only had to call city hall once on an inspector because the woman who showed up to inspect the footings wanted to wait another day so she didn't have to get her shoes muddy, like it was Ok that he had to delay the concrete shipment and have his crew sit around for a day twiddling their thumbs.

Chris

 

[ForceFed70]

I also had great luck with my inspectors.

The city planning/approval guys and their process was a different matter. What a nightmare.

But once the plans were actually approved and the building permit issued, the rest of the process was fairly painless.

 

[Zeke]

Old definition of building code inspector........

"A contractor who could NOT make a go at it in the business world thus failing, he now is in a position of unquestioned power to make damn sure that no one else will be able to succeed as well."

Dave

People say the same about judges not being able to make it as an attorney. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's a completely different job as is being an inspector.

With that, I'll tell my story. Older guy shows up to look at the framing. This was 30 years ago. He wants to know where all the cut offs are from the various framing members. I say in a pile out behind. He opens the trunk of his car and says he'd like some for the kids at his church to mess around with. I went out back, loaded up and tossed about a wheelbarrow full of 2 x 4, 2 x 6 and 4 x 4 shorts in his trunk.

The guy never crossed the sidewalk, just asked where the job card was.

Right here, sir. They don't do that anymore.

Last guy I had (I don't build much, now and then) was a Los Angeles city inspector. The moment I saw him wall up I knew he should be called Mister whatever-his-name. Took 30 minutes each time pouring over the plans and walking the site. I didn't miss much; he didn't miss a thing.

 

[frankush]

Now for the flip side. I worked as an electrical/mechanical inspector in a high priced suburb for 2 years. It was the WORST job I ever had. The Nec we were using was 15 years old. In one summer we had permits for 77 new houses, all of which were replacing teardowns. That's just the new houses. I had guys that installed temporary services in trees and when I red tagged it, they'd get pissed and complain. Steam generators that were totally in accessible. You would have to cut a hole in an exterior wall to get at it. This was a town with lots of expensive homes and whatever the owner wanted, the owner got. How would you like to buy a $1.5 million house, have it built to 15 yr. old codes and have a boat load of contractors that struggled mightily to pass their inspections. The contactors that knew what they were doing loved me for one reason. I created an even playing field. Everyone had to play by the same rules. Some figured me out pretty quick, they knew what I was looking for. I never asked for something that wasn't in the code and if you failed your inspection, you knew what had to be done to correct it. Well, too many of the rich homeowners complained about I had had enough. I have no problem watching houses burn because you don't want to remove the old knob and tube wiring that's being covered up by brand new drywall. I might even bring a few marshmallows. Not all inspectors are lousy, but they are out there.

The guy that I replaced, retired after 43 years. He did most of his inspections from the car.

 

[jimp]

I have built 2 shops and 2 houses (one with my brother inlaw, his). All my inspectors were great. In the beginning they all looked my work over pretty good. After a couple inspections it was a quick walk though and shoot the **** for a while.

Don't try to get away with anything and I'll bet most well be great, If you try to cut corners or just not follow code, I'll bet they can all be a pain in the ***.

 

[brownbagg]

secret to building inspection, they cant fail you on anything that not in the book, they no gray area, black or white. second, dont follow the inspector around, let him do his job. go do something else.

 

[IHI]

20yrs in the residential remodeling/building trade, as well as very light commercial, i can say as anybody in it this long every day could say, we've had our days going round with them, but by and large they've all been pretty good to deal with. If you know what your doing, and you do the job right...how can there be any problems?? They get very upset showing up to jobsites only to see a hodge podge of messes that dont adhere to code, then have to show up again, and again, and again typically for the same problems they found the first time...and I can understand their frustration and eventual crappy attitude towards that HO or crew doing the work.

MY personal ***** was that every year there were code changes, never were any notices sent out to us contractors telling us which code was being modified and the new way it was supposed to be done...it was only discovered by talking to other contracting buddies that ran into a situation and told me new code, which I would them call the cheif inspector to verify...or we'd do things the way it was called for for years/decades, and when they'd show up for a rough in, they'd inform us this/that has changed, so we'd make the change and all would be good....on my dime of course

Funniest moment, after the floods in 2008 so many things got changed when people rebuilt where their home HAD been, but there were sooo many grey area's, got to watch 2 inspectors and a zoning guy get into a finger pointing cussing match over how they wanted us to build the mechanical room...with floor vents/water equalizing hole or not...one said it had to be fireproof, other said it had to be vented...that was enjoyable

Nother bad time, we had new service/upgraded service intalled in a house, very well know ******* inspector came over to sign off so we could get meter installed...he had both feet on the basement wall, 2 hands on the 2" conduit coming from outside and into top of panel pulling with everything he had...red face/vein popping on forehead tugging...it finally gave an audible "crack"..he jumps down and said, "you did'nt glue it properly", redo it and call me back. Let's just say things got interesting as he "left", billed the city for replacement/rework, and inspector got some time off.

but overall, they've been good with us...they learn quickly who's the hacks/wanna-be's and who knows their stuff...life is easier when you have the rep as a **** SOB since they know the job is correct before they show up.

 

[redrunner]

1st build sucked the inspector was a power hungry SOB and he was going to tell me how it was going to done and to his specks and all. It was all over an overhead door's width and blocking down the opening to meet the code. Said I could not do that. Said I was going to open it up later. Never did open it and he left and so did I later.

2nd build the inspector is an old friend of mine. Ask a question and get a straight answer. He tells you what you need and looks for that when he inspects the place. I still have the final to go and that is all.

 

[BWS]

Chit,ya'll don't have enough bandwidth for the stories......


Heres one......ran into a contractor bud this past w/end.The guy's been in the biz about as long as me(40 years).Anyway because of F**ked up economy he's teaching at local CC.The class?...............its for inspectors.Its their re-cert class.Paybacks are H*ll.....haha.BW

 

[toymn6366]

i have told this story before but when we built my dads house it was replacing a older house just sit back a few feet when the inspector came out she wanted to see the septic tank.i knew where it was so uncoverd lid, showed her she told me that the septic wasn't permited tryed to tell her that there was 3 on the farm all put in by the same man my dad had owned the farm since 1960 but it had been in our familly since 1837 she pitched a fit that i was disrespecting her and left.done some checking she was a trained as a food insector.

 

[Kevin54]

The best way to get along with most inspectors is not to question their decision or reasoning. They can be one of the best until you act like you know more than they do, whether you do or not. I've never had a bad one yet and had the ones that others said was a downright *****.

 

[ddawg16]

The best way to get along with most inspectors is not to question their decision or reasoning. They can be one of the best until you act like you know more than they do, whether you do or not. I've never had a bad one yet and had the ones that others said was a downright *****.

Last week when the inspector was looking at my new load center, he initially questioned my AFIC's....was expecting a blue test button, not a white one....told him it was a combo unit (AFIC and GFI)...he puts on his glasses and says "Yep...your right".

Then mentions "And your doing the bedroom lights as well on those...right?"

I reply...."My plans say outlets only." He says "Outlets, are you sure it doesn't say 'recepticals'?" "No" I say, "Outlets". he says..."Ok".

That weekend I look at the general notes on the plans.

"AFIC required for all bedroom multiwire branch circuits". Translation....Lights too........

So on Monday I left a note with the inspection sign-off form telling the inspector he was right about the AFIC's.....he also approved my load center.

 

[fireguy]

In my community we have 3 building standards
1. People doing their own work gets lots of help and do not need to do work to code

2. Out of town contractors don't have to follow the state adopted.

3. Local contractors have to follow the codes, including some the inspector makes up on the spot and then forgets about.

My trade is fire.
JOB 1 I was doing a job in a resturant. The GC was a residential cabinet maker, beautifull cabinets. He knew absolutly nothing about commercial. The inspector allowed the hood to be installed, even though the mfg said the hood was non-compliant for the appliances that were installed. Non-powered make-up air, no sheet rock around the hood, wheeled table for hte appliances did not meet code.

JOB 2 I was told by inspector to remove unused, non-compliant exhaust hoods. Contractor who did job was not required ot remove unused hoods, used non-compliant access panels with non-compliant sealant. "Family friend" acting as GC, not licensed.

JOB 3 Out of town contractor not required to install make-up air, allowed to mount exhaust fan on side of historical building. Local contractor was told to run duct outside of 2 story building and mount fan on roof.

Job 4 Exhaust fan mounted under combustable overhang.

But some inspectors are great to work with. We did a resturant recently and the Fire Marshall was requesting we install a non-compliant extinguisher in the kitchen. We did not have the currnet code book on site, nor did the FM. My office was 130 miles away, the FM went to the fire station and got his book. The International Fire Code book listed an extinguisher that has not met NFPA Standard 10 for several years. We had a discussion, and agreed the IFC is wrong and whe the IFC is wrong. The Oregon Fire Code lists the proper extinguisher. I expect next time the FM buys a code book, he will get the right book.

Codes change every 3 years. if you are in the trades, you need to keep whatever is adopted in your jurisdiction, and be familiar with the codes. Most contractors do have any code books, and never upgrade their knowledge. if your contractor claims he cannot afford a new book, hire another contractor. My code books range from $40.00 to $150.00 each.

And I have not even gotten to the inspectors who do not keep inspection appointments.

 

[GarageEnvy]

I guess my experience runs the full spectrum. When I did my garage, the economy was grinding to a halt and inspectors were being let go. They had several months of notice so they were still on the job. I had one guy who took the attitude "God has other things in store for me." and another guy who was going to take it out on everyone.

The good
After plan approval my framing contractor realized the Simpson strong wall could not be built as drawn. It made it through plan check but the engineer agreed it was wrong. So a simple change to a double shear and some different bolts did the trick. The inspector said, he could have failed it for not being as the plans indicated but looked over what the engineer provided and approved it.

The bad
350+ pound inspector that you knew had an attitude when he got out of the car. He got on the roof and I watched him put his full weight and effort toward pulling a vent off. It popped off and he almost fell over. "That's loose, you fail."

The odd
So many inspectors were let go that the head of the department was out in the field doing inspections. Framing inspection, OK. Roof sheathing inspection, OK. Final roof inspection, fail. Why? Because the roof had ridge venting and he believed the blocking between the trusses did not have a gap large enough air space. The roofing contractor, a Certainteed certified installer showed all the specs and mentioned that he had approved the framing and the sheathing. End result, blocks came out.

The odd #2
Same inspector (head of department). I have an electrical subpanel installed into the wall between the house and garage. The wall has Type 5/8" on both sides. Electrician asked inspector, "Do you want me to surround the box with 5/8" Type X since it has it on the back side?" Answer. No. Electrical inspection, fail. Why? Subpanel needs to be surrounded by 5/8" type X. Same inspector.

 

[geologist]

Cops should sell stickers that look like a bacon strip. I'd buy one.

 

[djkeev]

Ok, recent real story.......

Wealthy Northern NJ town. I oversee the property that has 5 public pools.
All pools must be electrically bonded. We've used the same licensed company to do our bonding certification for a decade.

A new inspector for 2010 comes in, asks "who does your bonding?" I tell him, he snorts and asks "why do you use him?" we explain our history blah blah blah, he grumbles a little and asks "where are the pools?". I take him to the pumps, he looks at the certification paperwork, goes to a heater, grabs the tight bonding lug and with all his strength lifts up on it, pushes down until it is loose. Calls me over and states "Look at this! It's loose, I'm not going to waste anymore of my time! Get him back n here and do this properly!" and leaves!

WTF? I probably wasn't supposed to see him vandalize my property?

Yep, a good honest system we've got going here in the 21st Century!

Dave

 

[CoconutPete]

I've had good experiences with the few I've dealt with. When I did my deck, the inspector wanted the concrete pad at the bottom of the stairs extended so put it as "pending". When I finished it, I emailed him a picture and said "come on back" but he ended up replying that the picture was enough.

 

[Zeke]

Since I've been on the interweb and various forums, I've learned that few read a well written post the same way. Interpretation of the post is always going to differ. After they think they know what to say, they start typing. Inspectors interpret the codes just as you do when it is an unusual circumstance. When there is more than one way to do is when you know what kind of inspector you have.

 

[Norcal]

Last week when the inspector was looking at my new load center, he initially questioned my AFIC's....was expecting a blue test button, not a white one....told him it was a combo unit (AFIC and GFI)...he puts on his glasses and says "Yep...your right".

Then mentions "And your doing the bedroom lights as well on those...right?"

I reply...."My plans say outlets only." He says "Outlets, are you sure it doesn't say 'recepticals'?" "No" I say, "Outlets". he says..."Ok".

That weekend I look at the general notes on the plans.

"AFIC required for all bedroom multiwire branch circuits". Translation....Lights too........

So on Monday I left a note with the inspection sign-off form telling the inspector he was right about the AFIC's.....he also approved my load center.

You must have got your permit issued prior to Jan 2011, because you would be under the 2008 NEC otherwise, & almost everything would require AFCI's (IMHO snake oil), unless it requires GFCI's....