To answer this question honestly, let’s first consider typical perceptions of a building inspector and then look at the advantages of contacting one when you are thinking of doing an improvement project on your Erie Colorado real estate.
A lot of people think that a building inspector exists only to delay their building projects and increase the cost of these projects. They are regarded as nit picky and totally negative bureaucrats. For instance, he was due to show up for inspection at 9 a.m. in the morning and only showed up in the evening. You are sorely tempted to take your hair and scream at him even though you are normally highly courteous and accommodating. However, you force yourself to be polite because you need him to sign off on the paperwork for your permit. You are sorely tempted to go ahead next time without bothering about permits.
Let’s be fair here. Local authorities insist on permits because they want to impose a minimum standard on all building codes for reasons of public safety. The standards ensure that if you buy a home, it is not going to collapse around your ears or otherwise damage you or members of your family. It is possible to do a lot of cosmetic work such as painting without permits but as a thumb rule, Major renovations or refurbishments will generally require permits. If you want to redo your foundations or replace all your plumbing, check with your local authorities whether permits are required.
The unfortunate building inspector is the representative of the local authorities in ensuring that the minimum standards are maintained. In fact, think of the plus points of his inspection. In an effort to obtain your business, your contractor may tell you that permits are not required and that you can save both time and money. He may be unlicensed or he may be looking to cut corners on the job. In the first place, the building inspector could save you money because he will reject any work from the contractor that is substandard or shoddy, the contractor will then have to bring the work up to standard at his own expense. If you proceed without permits, it will cost you a lot more than if you save to make things regular. And you will still have to deal with an inspector.
The other major benefit of obtaining all the right permits and going through the inspections is that it enhances the market value of your house and makes it a whole lot more saleable. Many house sales have been known to fall through on the issue of permits. It will also cost you a considerable amount of money to regularize all your unauthorized construction at the time you wish to sell your house.
To answer the question we asked at the beginning of this article, inspectors and permits are necessary evils and it is up to you to turn inspectors into friends or foes. You may as well make the attempt to be friendly in order to speed up your projects. If you antagonize an inspector, particularly in a small town, he can choose to delay your projects indefinitely.
In the end the building inspector can be both your friend and your foe but it is up to you how the relationship unfolds. Each city has its own inspectors so be sure to contact the appropriate ones for Sedalia CO and Loveland Colorado when you want to do a home improvement project in these areas.
