My contractor bailed. Need help with building inspections

[Flexia]

Long story short, I had a contractor (actual friend of mine) lined up to install the poles for my 26x40 building and after he had a scheduled date for me he kept pushing me off. After 2 weeks of him pushing me off he finally said he didn't have time in his schedule to do it anymore (some friend.....). So I figured I would just handle it all and save some money.

Now I need help with building inspections. What need inspections for a pole building and how long in advanced do you typically schedule in inspection for?

Only reason I ask because today is Veterans day and building department is closed right now.

 

[arms1970]

DOn't know that answer. bUT ONE THING, I'D "WRITE" him off as a "friend"

 

[Shadowdog500]

Call the building inspector and ask him how much lead time he needs and what days he works. Our guy only works Mon, Wed, and Fri, and has to be asked on one working day to show up on the next. Find out what your guys schedule is.


I would also find out what needs to be inspected as your building goes up. When my pole barn was put up the inspector wanted to inspect the holes before the concrete and backfill to make sure they were deep enough. It would be a shame if you miss a required inspection and would have to tear a wall back apart or dig the posts back out.


Chris

 

[Coolerman]

Call you local county building inspector department, they will have ALL the information you seek. Depending on the county, they may want a copy of your building plans.

When I built my steel garage I had to have the foundation/floor, structural steel and electrical inspected. The inspectors all needed a weeks notice.

 

[Flexia]

DOn't know that answer. bUT ONE THING, I'D "WRITE" him off as a "friend"

Thats another thing. He got some stress going on with his 3 year old having huge medical issues. So i kinda understand but I just wish he would have told me he wasnt able to fit me in 3 weeks ago

 

[willymakeit]

First, Do you have a permit?
Then call the inspector or building dept. and discuss with them.

 

[59 wagon man]

go to the building dept tomm. morning unless someone posting is aware of the codes in your exact city any info they give you would be useless. go to the city, be honest ask there help ,some cities dont have any codes or permits necessary

 

[nolimits76]

Been there, done that. Lost a few friends over stuff like that and then learned it was easier to keep business and friendship separated. Same deal with family. It only works in rare cases when both parties are brutally honest about what is expected and what can be delivered.

Before you call anyone, the first thing you need to determine is do you actually have a permit? If you (or buddy) didn't apply and receive a copy of the permit, that is your first step of action. Calling to request an inspection without a permit will open a can of worms as you can imagine. I realize this should be obvious...but buddy doesn't seem the most credible at this point.

In either case, calling the building department (or visiting their website) will provide the information you are seeking.

When I added a game room onto an old house I owned, the permit process was a joke. It was basically a money generating scheme for the county. Technically the inspector came out to perform a rough-in inspection when framing, electrical, plumbing & HVAC was performed. Then he did another once it was closed up. Total time between both visits was less than 10 minutes. The second visit was less than 2 minutes.

In regards to the MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) trades, I learned the old county I lived in had less stringent rules for HOMEOWNERS self-performing some of that work vs hiring a contractor (providing you stayed and didn't sell for 2 years following completion of the work).

Your experiences will vary greatly I am sure. I live in a different county now and things are much more stringent.

 

[Diesel Dan]

the permit process was a joke. It was basically a money generating scheme for the county.

Yup, pulled a permit for a pole barn in the past and the inspector NEVER showed up. He did meet with me off site to collect the permit fee.

Taxation department had no issues raising my assessed value for that of a finished barn with concrete floor and electrical, which it had neither.

 

[Flexia]

I do have all the necessary permits and drawing for me to build. I pulled them all myself and am basicly gerneral contractor but I have never delt with the inspection process. I guess I'll have to wait another day to find out.

 

[jpinca]

I'd start with the governmental website assuming your justification has put their requirements online.

You may have to visit several sites to get the full requirements. For example, my county requires permits to be reviewed by: Planning, Geology/Hydrology, Roads and Airports, Fire Marshall, Environmental Health, and finally Building. Each has their own set of requirements and process.

I'd suggest fully understanding the requirements prior to even inquiring about a permit. It may turn out in your situation you'd be better off not getting a permit and it's harder to play dumb (if ever caught) when you've already talked to the officials.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Around here, inspection are done in 1 or 2 days.

 

[Flexia]

Just got off the phone with the Building department. They said usually one day in advanced since they have 4 inspectors. So looks like my holes will be inspected Wednesday morning and then the afternoon will be concrete in them and poles go up Thursday. Im starting to get excited.