Still, I’ve had inspectors contradict each other.
Can’t tell you how often that’s happened to me. I remember once framing a basement wall—one inspector said I needed fire blocking every 10 feet, next guy wanted it every 8. I started taping notes from each visit right to the studs, just in case. You’d think with all the tech nowadays, the rules would be clearer. Guess not. My rule of thumb: cover every base, and hope they don’t change the game halfway through.
I started taping notes from each visit right to the studs, just in case.
That’s actually a smart move. I’ve had similar issues with inspectors on window egress sizes—one guy was fine, next one wanted a bigger opening. It’s wild how much depends on who shows up that day.
It’s wild how much depends on who shows up that day.
Ain’t that the truth. I had one inspector measure my stair rise with a tape, then the next guy eyeballed it and said “looks good.” Makes you wonder if any of them are reading the same codebook. Keeping those notes is just self-defense at this point.
Yeah, it’s like playing code inspector roulette. I had one guy get out a level and laser for my deck posts, then the next just glanced and said “close enough.” Makes you wonder if consistency is just a myth. I keep every scrap of paperwork now, just in case someone decides to get picky later.
Makes you wonder if consistency is just a myth.
That’s a feeling I know all too well. Inspectors can be wildly different, even when you’re following the book. Your approach—holding onto every bit of documentation—is smart, especially when aiming for higher standards. It’s frustrating, but I like to think that striving for quality, even when the oversight seems arbitrary, pays off in the long run. At least your deck will stand the test of time, regardless of who shows up with a laser or just eyeballs it.