STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
Honestly, I get the urge to document everything, but I think it’s getting a bit out of hand. Half the time, inspectors don’t even look at the photos—they just want to know you did it right. I’ve started pushing back and asking for a checklist up front. Cuts down on the “gotcha” moments and saves me from filling my phone with 200 shots of duct tape. Not perfect, but it’s helped me avoid tearing stuff open after the fact.
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
Yeah, I get what you mean—sometimes it feels like the documentation is more about checking boxes than ensuring real quality. I’ve run into similar issues where inspectors just skim through everything, barely glancing at the evidence. Having a checklist upfront definitely helps streamline things and clarifies expectations. One thing I try to do is tie documentation back to energy efficiency standards, since some inspectors care more about that than the nitty-gritty install details. It’s not a perfect system, but at least it gives me a bit more leverage when questions come up later.
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
I hear you on the checklist fatigue. Sometimes it feels like we’re just shuffling papers to satisfy the process, not actually improving the end result. I’ve had a few projects where the inspector was laser-focused on the energy calcs and barely glanced at the actual ductwork or airflow measurements. It’s a bit frustrating, especially when you know the install is solid but the paperwork isn’t “perfect” in their eyes.
One thing that’s helped me is keeping a running log of site photos—before, during, and after install. Even if the inspector doesn’t ask for them, having that visual record has saved me more than once when questions pop up months later. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a lot easier to point to a timestamped photo than try to reconstruct what happened from memory.
I do think tying things back to energy standards is smart, but sometimes I wonder if we’re losing sight of actual ventilation performance. I’ve had to push back a couple times when inspectors got hung up on a minor spec detail that didn’t impact the system’s function at all. Not sure there’s a perfect answer, but I guess it’s about finding that balance between compliance and real-world quality.
Curious if anyone’s found a way to get inspectors more engaged with the actual install, rather than just the paperwork? I’ve tried inviting them out earlier in the process, but it’s hit or miss whether they’ll actually show up.
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
That photo log idea is gold—I’ve started doing something similar, and it’s definitely saved my skin when there’s a dispute months down the line. I get what you mean about inspectors zoning in on paperwork over actual performance. Sometimes I wonder if we’d all be better off if they spent 10 minutes with a flow hood instead of another hour reviewing calcs. Have you ever tried walking through the install with them, step by step? I’ve had mixed luck—sometimes they appreciate it, sometimes they just want to get back to their checklist. Curious if anyone’s managed to make that more consistent...
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
I’ve tried the walkthrough approach a few times and honestly, it’s a bit of a toss-up. One inspector actually seemed relieved to see the system in action—like, he could check things off right there instead of digging through my binder. But another just wanted to see the stamped paperwork and barely glanced at the actual vents. Guess it depends on who you get.
One thing that’s helped me is prepping a quick “cheat sheet” with photos, main specs, and any unique install notes. I keep it handy in case they’re short on time or just want the highlights. It’s not perfect, but sometimes it nudges them toward looking at the real-world setup instead of just the numbers.
Curious if anyone’s had luck getting inspectors to use their own tools (like flow hoods) during these checks? I’ve only seen it once, but maybe it’s more common elsewhere...
