I understand safety is #1 but many things really don't affect safety. 50 years ago there were no inspections and the vast majority of those homes are still occupied safely.In fact alot of the hundred year old homes I see were built stronger than new homes. Why can't I choose to build my home as I want it as long as its not unsafe? And if the requirments are needed for new homes, why not also apply them to millions of used homes? The used homes have occupants that should be protected by "Big Brother" also, Right?
2006-12-25 00:11:07 · 6 answers · asked by morris 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Other - Home & Garden
Much of the problem is the mindset of bureaucracy. Finding problems validates their job, and the way the rules work the inspectors aren't permitted to use common sense judgment. The working environment tends to drive away the best people and keep the drones.
They aren't allowed to say it's OK because it works and is safe. Yet good and safe construction can easily be done in violation of code, and unsafe and sloppy construction can easily be done within code. Code is the issue. Quality is not.
There is also the personal factor, variable with who you get as an inspector. Some are really quite helpful and improve good construction- others are mostly an obstacle to be overcome. Offend one of the egotistic ones, and he may pick your job to pieces on details. Make him feel important and respected, and he will miss a world of flaws.
In spite of this, building codes serve an excellent purpose, and better builders frequently exceed code requirements in many respects.
2006-12-25 05:02:17 · answer #1 · answered by pegasusaig 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As building codes and safety regulations change so goes the inspection. Many things like asbestos exist in old homes and there are restrictions about how to fix the problems. There are zoning laws in some areas that prohibit how close a home is to a particular area. There are protected lands and other environmental issues. There are county regulations in addition to state and federal regulations. The process is difficult and the rules certainly seem like a burden, but they are in place for a reason. Applying new rules to used homes will adversely affect those owners since 40-50 years ago they were legal and within code at the time. May as well knock down the old house and build a new one with the cost of retrofitting. I know it's a pain but as new technology and safety issues arise, the rules change. The old houses are "grandfathered in".
2006-12-25 00:17:31 · answer #2 · answered by Tellin' U Da Truth! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the answers are valid. Some inspectors do have egos larger than life, some do not. They are doing their job, most likely a job they love. Like anyone, they can have a bad day and make yours worse. Don't look at their job as an inconvenience to you rather, a job that will ensure your life will be safe for years to come.
The reason there are regulations are for your safety. 50 years ago, aluminum wiring was considered safe. Since its inception, there have been significant strides made that show it is not. 50 years ago there were rarely hand rails on stairs or guard rails around decks. A number of significant injuries have occurred since, thus the code. 50 years ago inefficient furnaces and water heating equipment were used. 50 years ago the technology used today was not even thought of. So, as go the new developments, so go the new regulations.
These regulations exist to make your home safe for you and from you. Do yourself a favor, be courteous to the inspector (yes, he/she can make your life miserable), follow his/her recommendations and enjoy your new home that is built to keep you and your family safe.
2006-12-25 06:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by tim r 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most cities and or mortgage companies have the seller bring the old homes up to current code before the sale is allowed. As for the nit-picking arses they feel the need to do so to justify the outragious salary they get for what they do and most times the cited problems require permits or license contractors who are usually friends of the inspectors and get kick backs and perks from them.
2006-12-25 00:23:59 · answer #4 · answered by johndoe915 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its their job they could loss it by not reporting a safety issues and we all need to work right sounds like your a building owner if someone were to get injured or killed you would loss everything from fines legal fees and lawsuits plus possible jail time then where would you be, it sounds like your the real nit-pic here
2006-12-25 05:26:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is their job to nit-pik.
2006-12-25 00:12:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋