Called for Final Inspection today, nervous

[MNMike]

I'm putting the finishing touches on my 28x32x10 detached. I have my electrical final complete and signed off. During the electrical inspection I hadn't put in my final lights on the ceiling, I just stubbed in some cheap single bulbs, they weren't even screwed into the outlet box. The inspector considered that final and signed off on the project.

I called the building inspector to inquire what he will be looking at during the final so I can be prepared. I mentioned that I didn't have my final lighting secured and he was surprised and asked in the electrical inspector signed off on it. He did.

So I ask him what he will be looking for and he mentions a few things then says an entrance foundation ??? Basically a foundation going into the garage from the outside using the man door. UH Oh!! My neighbor built his garage a couple of years ago and doesn't have this.. Inspector says that it can be concrete, wood or even pavers. Needs to cover the width of the door and 3' out.

This all brings me to my question, Is there anywhere that lists all the codes for accessory buildings?

I know it's a little late but I've been searching everywhere and can not find anything. I am nervous because I didn't know about something as simple as the approach needing to be done. For that matter on my electrical inspection I had to replace all of my recepticals because they weren't Tamper Resist.

Any help would be appreciated, located in Lino Lakes Anoka County MN


Thx,
Mike

 

[ddurrett896]

Not worth risking it. Drop some pavers, get the final then do what you want.

 

[66Caprice]

You would go to the county or city building department. The same people who are doing the inspection. They might had it all on line or in the office where you apply for your permits an such. Like here in Snohomish County they have a wall full of all the different building permit information.
But for now,just go get some pavers and put them down and let him inspect it.

 

[jon.j.shields]

I'm putting the finishing touches on my 28x32x10 detached. I have my electrical final complete and signed off. During the electrical inspection I hadn't put in my final lights on the ceiling, I just stubbed in some cheap single bulbs, they weren't even screwed into the outlet box. The inspector considered that final and signed off on the project.



I called the building inspector to inquire what he will be looking at during the final so I can be prepared. I mentioned that I didn't have my final lighting secured and he was surprised and asked in the electrical inspector signed off on it. He did.



So I ask him what he will be looking for and he mentions a few things then says an entrance foundation ??? Basically a foundation going into the garage from the outside using the man door. UH Oh!! My neighbor built his garage a couple of years ago and doesn't have this.. Inspector says that it can be concrete, wood or even pavers. Needs to cover the width of the door and 3' out.



This all brings me to my question, Is there anywhere that lists all the codes for accessory buildings?



I know it's a little late but I've been searching everywhere and can not find anything. I am nervous because I didn't know about something as simple as the approach needing to be done. For that matter on my electrical inspection I had to replace all of my recepticals because they weren't Tamper Resist.



Any help would be appreciated, located in Lino Lakes Anoka County MN





Thx,

Mike

I too had the same problem when I built my shop. Seemed the inspector would come out and find something “wrong” or missing. I would fix it only to find something else. The Inspectors locally here aren’t really helpful to the DIY guy.

Most jurisdictions adopt the International Building Code and it is literally hundreds of pages...

I found this to be helpful. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1889892939/?tag=atomicindus08-20




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[MNMike]

Thanks guys, yes I put some pavers down to solve that issue, I guess I'm worried about other small issues that will delay the Final.

Mike

 

[Richard Cranium]

Here in Washington State, If you fail your first and then fix that and request a 2nd inspection, then they can only inspect what they had failed you on, nothing new can be added.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

It's funny you mention "accessory building" specifically. Because with it not being a primary/habitable structure it doesn't fall under the same previews as a residential structure- especially in regards to landing pads. However, i digress.

The best answer is...
Whatever they want give it to them, it's better and easier than pissin' up their tree. Over the years I've gone toe-to-toe with a couple of inspectors that interpret code to "their" will and not the intent of the code! Needless to say, but those few instances were handled by the chief inspector in my favor.

 

[Tinkerman66]

I The Inspectors locally here aren’t really helpful to the DIY guy.

Same here. Ask the same question to three different people over the phone and I would get three different answers. Distance from existing house/structure, prep and depth of holes, rating of cca lumber for posts, expansion material between post and concrete, etc., etc. Found the county codes info myself, built garage, done! In a rural area and nobody said a thing but building was on my property taxes the following year. This was 20 years ago.

 

[matt_i]

I had the P.E. show up for my final, he spent more time there than all of the other inspectors combined.

From memory he looked at

- uplift connectors to trusses
- anchor bolt placement (2 in each plate, some max distance from ends, and some max spacing...I forget the exact numbers)
- I had the paver "landings" for the two man-doors
- I had the GFI - TR outlets
- I had the "one exterior light per man-door"
- I had the stamped truss drawings on-site but they were not called for
- he made me label the breaker in the electrical panel for my 1 circuit while he was there (write on the door in the previously blank space)

 

[MNMike]

The best answer is...
Whatever they want give it to them, it's better and easier than pissin' up their tree. Over the years I've gone toe-to-toe with a couple of inspectors that interpret code to "their" will and not the intent of the code! Needless to say, but those few instances were handled by the chief inspector in my favor.[/QUOTE]

I would have no problem giving them what they want............... I don't know what they want. I can't find any documentation.

They already did the framing inspection which includes anchor point, hurricane clips ECT.

 

[RivennHewn]

Here in Washington State, If you fail your first and then fix that and request a 2nd inspection, then they can only inspect what they had failed you on, nothing new can be added.

Not really the case.

If they see something new, they’ll call you on it.

 

[6768rogues]

If the inspector finds something that does not conform to the code, he has to give you the specific section of the code that is not in compliance. Sometimes they do not and I insist on it. They cannot tell you that you violated some law without telling you specifically what law you are violating. Many times, they quote something in the code that does not apply to my situation or they make a mistake. I have a good success rate challenging them on things that I do not agree with. I had a situation last fall where the inspector and I disagreed, so he called the state to check. I was right and he called me back to tell me.
On a second inspection, something that was missed on the first inspection can be brought up. Also, anything that is not part of the project but is in plain sight can be brought up. For example, if it is illegal in your jurisdiction to have a junk car and one that you have hidden is obvious when the inspector is doing what he is supposed to do from a place where he is supposed to be, that car can become a violation.
No reason to be nervous. He is just doing his job.

 

[jetnow1]

I have found most inspectors to be reasonable people. There are exceptions, but as stated above most are just doing their job to the best of their ability. Be available for the inspection, but do not be too worried, at most the inspector will tell you to fix something.
I have had inspectors who could not go up stairs or even look up (90 plus years old), and others who just were looking for something to write up., but the majority want to help make your project a success. Treat them as an equal, show respect, they can be a great resource.

 

[ard]

I mentioned that I didn't have my final lighting secured and he was surprised and asked in the electrical inspector signed off on it. He did.

Electrical guy did you a favor...why bring it up with a different inspector??

'Yes sir'

'No sir'

Skip the chit chat...

 

[Norcal]

Electrical guy did you a favor...why bring it up with a different inspector??

'Yes sir'

'No sir'

Skip the chit chat...

Don't tell them anymore then what they ask for, mention the wrong thing & you could dig a hole for yourself.


Bold in quote by me.

 

[machsnell]

My inspectors were easy. All of them.

I chatted them up abput all sorts of ****.

All were cool and easy.

Besides if you have somethimg thats wrong you most llikely (not always) want it done right anyway.

For the most part they are there to protect you.

Inspectors here are harder on the gc as opposed to the homeowner because in mamy cases they are the only line of defense for the unknowing homeowner from a possibly crooked contractor.

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[Blazinzuk]

I will echo some above. Only real experience I have had with inspectors we're good and bad. Good greif when I got my framing inspected years ago he literally walked in the front looked around from right there. Said " looks good" and that was it. While the electric inspector made me disconnect some outlets so he could verify wire size...........with calipers. Fortunately it was super simple and fine.

But I will say with just about any authority figure I rarely volunteer information. Yes sir. No sir. Mostly what they get

 

[GregL2015]

Our building inspector was great, here in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He even answered questions on his day off, because he knew I've never tackled a project like this before. Very helpful!

The grading inspector, on the other hand, was a complete a@#$#$!

Because our town requires a $10,000 security deposit. I called for my grading pass as soon as I got the final building inspection pass. So I could get my 10g back.

Guy, would not talk to me on the phone. Then comes out gives me a ton of attitude for asking him to come out, then has the nerve to tell me "I'm crying the blues because I want my 10g back!!"

He was mad because I did not have eve's or grass put down in January!.. I was under the impression that the grading permit was just to make sure I didn't change any elevations.

Simply talking to me on the phone would have saved him a 20-minute drive to my place. Instead, he chooses to come out and be a complete d@$#! about it.

 

[purplezr2]

Thanks guys, yes I put some pavers down to solve that issue, I guess I'm worried about other small issues that will delay the Final.

Mike

For electrical the DOL website had a cheat sheet with general rules that need to be followed for most situations.

Not sure if have the same for building codes, maybe poke around there. I am not subject to an building inspections in my part of the state. I actually didn't even have a building permit.

 

[rburke65]

A suggestion....do not continue to offer information to the inspection dept. " I don't have 'my final lighting secured". STOP! Do not offer any info. If they ask...ok. Better to be quite and listen. Dad would tell me, that's why you have one mouth and two ears. God knew what He was doing! Good luck.

 

[XRlifer]

My first two inspections on my 36x48 (post holes & rebar hairpins to posts) lasted all of 2 minutes each. The inspector who checked the holes couldn't walk the perimeter fast enough. I told my son who helped me dig the holes I didn't know if I should be happy, or pissed off. We spend a lot of time making those holes precisely 48"deep.
The inspector for my final spent more time talking about my sons 71 Ford project that looking at anything in the building. I have to admit that I was a surprised at his lack of interest.

 

[MNMike]

For electrical the DOL website had a cheat sheet with general rules that need to be followed for most situations.

Not sure if have the same for building codes, maybe poke around there. I am not subject to an building inspections in my part of the state. I actually didn't even have a building permit.

I spent more time than I want to admit on the DOL website.

I'm not worried about the actual inspector, I've had a lot of contact with him ie: past projects. He is a great guy.
You kind of can't miss the dangling lights, I'm planning on painting the ceiling this week so I can secure the permanent lights before inspection.

Again, I'm not worried about the inspector, more about little things. Each time they come out there is a charge.

 

[6768rogues]

Ask him to give you a final inspection and if he notes the lights, ask if you can send him a pic of the lights after they are done.

 

[lakelandcat]

I found that sometimes it is influenced by the HOA. I.E. my shingles on my detached have to match the shingles on my house. Make sure you have fire stops and proper sofit vents. As long as you don't have your sheetrock up so he can inspect the walls, you should be ok. If something is wrong he will let you know, just be adult about it, thank him and assure him you will call him when you complete so you can get your final write off. Don't sweat the small stuff, it's all small stuff. Congrats on the final electrical, I found thats the hardest.

 

[graffix000]

Electrical guy did you a favor...why bring it up with a different inspector??

'Yes sir'

'No sir'

Skip the chit chat...

This was my first thought. Almost setting yourself up. Good luck.

 

[bwringer]

If the inspector shows up and it looks like you generally know what you're doing, things are fairly neat, and you seem to be paying attention, you'll likely get the "express" inspection.

Most reserve the "picky *******" version for the truly clueless and contractors trying to cheat...

 

[MNMike]

Well passed Final Inspection. He was there all of two minutes. We spent more time talking about his build then mine.