Yeah, you know I should stick my head back in here, up till the collapse of the economy, I was working as a Superintendent for a up-scale commercial contractor doing higher-end retail (we where never the low bid...).
For those who don't know what a Superintendent does, I represent the General Contractor, on the job site, part of that job is getting the permits, calling for inspections, and getting the final and the occupancy permit. So suffice it to say, Ive worked with some inspectors....
Anyhow, I dealt with inspectors from coast to coast. Mostly the west coast. Building chain stores, I rarely dealt with the same inspector twice (as far as different jobs). So Ive met more than my fair share of these clowns.
I have had many negative experiences, and one positive experience (that I remember anyway). I had one that I had to get the mayor involved with, it spiraled so far into the stratosphere. I have found that the job seems to attract those males that have a need to "control" others, not that they give to shits about safety or the actual work. I have had to get the state electrical inspector involved because a local inspector had "his ways" and would not sign on off the job, even though it CLEARLY met code, and said inspector could not and would not show me how it didn't, he just didn't like the elevation of a panel.
Ive also seen revenue rackets with local munis. I was given "verbal" ok to occupy and open store, only to be fined $250 a day until the occupancy permit was actually provided (no, they didnt tell me they where going to fine me evey day the store was open after he told me it was "ok, go ahead".
The only positive experience Ive had was in Portland, OR, they sub-contract there inspection process on commercial projects. Smoothest job Ive ever done. Yes, they sub contract the whole process, and its funny, the inspectors are NOT on a power trip,.... and actually looked at what we where doing and worked with me on process and schedule, it was almost "twilight zone-ish". Who knew the private sector could do it better than government, things that make you go hmmm.
Ive also had more "drive by" inspections than I can remember. Thats where the inspector really doesnt have time to "come by" and do the inspection himself, so they will ask you on the phone, "if everything is "right", then go ahead and close it up, I will sign off next time Im there". Now what they are actually out doing, that they cant make it to do the inspection I dont know, you can let you imagination wander with that one.
I should also note, the GC I worked for, only contracted with WELL established union shops, no corners where ever cut on anything, it was top shelf and on time, that was what we sold. If you wanted it done right and on time, you hired us, and we where busy.
So when I'm doing anything myself, which Ive always got something going on, I dont ever pull a permit. I dont need a moronathon going on, not on my time and dime. I dont mind managing it on someone else's dime, but not on mine.
So after my own experiences, and being half way through my adult life, looking back, Im going to wager that the inspectors themselves have created an enviroment that helps to foster the lack of permits being pulled. Yeah, Ive taken hacked work apart, I get it, just thought I should point out that the solution is part of the problem, which is probably not "news" for anyone that builds anything.
Couple water issues as well, and it's probably PVC (not CPVC) on the hot water too, hard to tell as everything looks yellowed.
I don't need government and regulations to save me. If you don't know what you are looking at or doing, find someone who does.
2) If anything happens and there is a fire or some kind of loss, my insurance can deny coverage if I don't have a permit. 3) Around here they are really cracking down. Especially since the economy has slowed. People get caught regularly working without permits and I have enough aggravation.
