Sometimes I wonder if being “over-prepared” just puts a target on your back.
I get that. I tried showing up with every document and diagram possible for my first inspection, and the inspector just seemed annoyed. Honestly, I think you’re right—it feels like it’s more about personalities than paperwork sometimes. Hang in there.
it feels like it’s more about personalities than paperwork sometimes
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. You can have every T crossed and I dotted, but if the inspector’s having a rough day or just doesn’t vibe with you, it barely matters. I’ve had times where I brought a full binder and they barely glanced at it, just wanted to walk the site and chat. Other times, they nitpick every little thing. It’s a weird dance—sometimes less is more, honestly.
You can have every T crossed and I dotted, but if the inspector’s having a rough day or just doesn’t vibe with you, it barely matters.
That’s been my experience too, though I try not to let it get to me. A few things I’ve noticed:
- Consistency helps, but it’s not a guarantee. Some days, it really does come down to personalities.
- I’ve had inspections where the paperwork barely mattered, and others where they wanted every calculation double-checked.
- Honestly, I’ve started focusing more on clear communication and walking through my logic with them, rather than just handing over a stack of documents.
It’s frustrating, but you’re not alone in feeling like it’s a moving target.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally convinced it’s all down to personalities. I’ve had a few inspections where I thought the inspector was being picky, but later realized they were just really passionate about the ventilation standards. Like, one guy actually pulled out a CO2 meter and started measuring right there—caught me off guard, but it made me rethink how I prep for these things.
Some days, it really does come down to personalities.
Maybe sometimes, but I wonder if we underestimate how much our own approach matters? I’ve noticed when I show genuine interest in the green aspects or ask questions about their reasoning, it shifts the vibe a bit. Not always, but enough that I don’t chalk it up to “bad day” as often anymore.
Honestly, I hear you on the personalities thing, but for me, it’s more about the rules changing every time I turn around. Last time, I thought I’d nailed the basics—nothing fancy, just what the regs said. Inspector showed up and started talking about “best practices” like they were law. I get wanting to go green, but when you’re watching every penny, it’s frustrating to get dinged for stuff that feels above and beyond. Maybe my attitude shows sometimes, but it’s hard not to get a bit defensive when the goalposts keep moving.
