- Been there. One week it’s “add more panels,” next week it’s “why so many panels?”—like, pick a lane, right?
- I keep a running list of what each inspector wants, but honestly, it’s starting to look like a choose-your-own-adventure book.
- If it’s something small, I just fix it and move on. But if they want me to rip out half a wall for “better access,” I’ll push back hard.
- Sometimes I wonder if they’re just bored and want to see us sweat...
I keep a running list of what each inspector wants, but honestly, it’s starting to look like a choose-your-own-adventure book.
That pretty much nails it. Last month, I had one guy insist on extra access panels for the bathroom vent. Next inspection, different guy tells me it’s overkill and I should patch a couple up. I’ve started taking photos of everything before closing up walls—learned that one the hard way after having to open up finished drywall twice. Sometimes I think they just make it up as they go...
Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately
That’s the story every time, isn’t it? I’ve seen plans get redlined for “missing” cleanouts that the last inspector said were unnecessary. It’s a bit of a moving target, and honestly, you’re not wrong to feel like they’re winging it sometimes. Documenting with photos is smart—one trick I use is to keep a printed copy of the code section handy, just in case I need to (politely) back up my choices. Doesn’t always work, but it helps. Hang in there... it’s not just you.
“I’ve seen plans get redlined for ‘missing’ cleanouts that the last inspector said were unnecessary.”
That’s hit way too close to home. I remember one project where we literally had three site visits in a week, and each inspector flagged something different about the venting layout. One wanted extra cleanouts, the next said we had too many. Ended up mapping out every code reference on the wall just to keep track. Honestly, I started color-coding my as-builts just to show what was requested by whom—makes it easier to defend your choices when the paper trail is clear. It’s a hassle, but it’s saved me from rework more than once.
Title: Struggling With Ventilation Inspection Requirements Lately
I get the frustration, but honestly, I think we sometimes make it harder by over-documenting every inspector’s preference. I’ve found that if you stick to the literal code language and push back (politely) when someone asks for more or less than what’s written, it actually streamlines things. Inspectors aren’t always used to being challenged with chapter and verse, but when you do, they usually back down or at least clarify their reasoning. The color-coding is clever, but maybe we’re enabling the inconsistency by accommodating every request instead of holding the line? Just my two cents—curious if anyone else has had luck just sticking to the book.
