Your point about human error is spot-on. I've seen some beautifully organized projects hit snags because someone overlooked a notification or misunderstood a date. Still, digital tools can be lifesavers—especially when you're juggling multiple contractors and city regulations. Had a friend whose remodel almost got derailed by a misplaced paper permit... going digital saved his sanity. Sounds like you've got a solid handle on things, just keep trusting your instincts along with the tech.
Digital tools definitely help, but they're not foolproof either. I've seen plenty of projects go sideways because someone assumed the software would catch everything. Tech is great, but it won't replace good old-fashioned double-checking and face-to-face communication—especially when dealing with city officials who sometimes interpret rules differently depending on who you talk to.
One thing I've learned the hard way: always follow up digital submissions with a quick call or email to confirm receipt and clarify any gray areas. It might seem redundant, but trust me, it's saved me from headaches more than once. Had a project last year where the online portal showed everything approved, but when I called to confirm, turns out one inspector hadn't even looked at it yet. Caught it just in time.
Bottom line: tech is a tool, not a substitute for due diligence. Keep your eyes open and don't hesitate to double-check things yourself.
Totally agree on the follow-up call. Last summer, our deck permit got stuck in limbo because the online system said "processing," but turns out someone forgot to click submit internally... Quick phone call cleared it right up. Lesson learned—tech glitches happen!
"tech glitches happen!"
Yeah, true, but honestly it's not always just tech. City offices can be notoriously disorganized... I've seen permits delayed because someone was on vacation and nobody else bothered to check their inbox. Always worth double-checking with a real human.
Yeah, good point about city offices... but do you think it's more about poor communication or just understaffing? I've noticed sometimes they're juggling way too many projects at once, and things inevitably slip through the cracks. Maybe calling directly helps speed things up?
