Couldn't agree more about checking city guidelines beforehand. I've learned the hard way that even small code updates can sneak up on you. Had a similar experience with setbacks—luckily caught it early enough to adjust plans without major headaches. And yeah, keeping things friendly with inspectors definitely helps smooth things over when issues pop up... they're usually more willing to work with you if you're approachable and prepared.
Totally relate to your point about inspectors being more flexible if you're prepared and approachable. Had a similar scenario myself—initially thought some city rules were overly cautious, but later realized they're usually there for good reason. Curious though, anyone notice if certain inspectors are stricter than others? Seems like there's some variation depending on who you get... Glad your setback issue didn't escalate into something bigger.
I've noticed similar differences myself. Last year, during a kitchen remodel, I had one inspector who meticulously checked every detail—down to cabinet hinges and outlet spacing. A bit frustrating at first, but honestly, his thoroughness caught some issues my contractor overlooked, saving me headaches down the line. Another inspector (same city, mind you) barely glanced around and signed off quickly... convenient, but it left me wondering if something important got missed. Definitely varies by individual inspector, and preparation helps immensely.
I've had similar experiences with inspectors—some seem overly meticulous, others barely glance around. While thoroughness can be frustrating, it does catch important oversights. Still, I wonder if there's a clear standard inspectors are supposed to follow, or if it's mostly down to personal judgment? It seems odd that two inspectors from the same city would approach their jobs so differently... maybe training or guidelines aren't as consistent as we'd hope.
I've noticed the same thing with inspectors during my own build—it's definitely not just you. A few thoughts from my experience:
- Inspectors seem to have a baseline checklist, but beyond that, there's a lot of room for interpretation. One inspector flagged minor wiring issues that another didn't even glance at. It felt arbitrary at times.
- I asked around and apparently, while there are official guidelines, inspectors have some discretion based on their experience and judgment. Makes sense, but it can be frustrating when you're trying to anticipate what's expected.
- Consistency would be ideal, but I guess it's tough when you're dealing with human judgment. Maybe cities could benefit from clearer training or periodic refreshers to keep everyone on the same page?
- On the bright side, even though meticulous inspections can slow things down, they do catch important safety issues. I'd rather deal with a picky inspector now than expensive repairs later.
Hang in there—it's stressful dealing with city rules and inspections, but it'll pay off in the long run.
