Man, I totally get the frustration with the “interpretation” side of things. When we did our build, I thought I had every duct and vent spec’d out to the letter, but the inspector flagged my bathroom fan for not being “robust enough.” It was literally the model listed in the codebook appendix. Ended up swapping it for a bigger one just to avoid the back-and-forth.
It’s wild how much it depends on who shows up. Some folks are super by-the-book, others just want to see that you made an effort. I started keeping a binder with printouts of every relevant code section, product spec sheet, and even emails with my HVAC guy... just in case. Feels a bit overkill, but it saved me from having to redo a kitchen vent later on.
Honestly, I wish there was a way to get a pre-inspection consult or something, just to make sure everyone’s on the same page before you start cutting holes in drywall. Would save a lot of headaches and cash.
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
Honestly, I get the urge to want a pre-inspection consult, but in my experience, even that can be a mixed bag. Had a project where we did a walk-through with the city’s “senior” inspector before rough-in, and when the actual inspection rolled around, a different guy showed up and still wanted changes. Sometimes I think the binder method is just as reliable... at least you’ve got receipts when things get weird.
BINDER METHOD, ALL DAY
Honestly, I trust my own documentation more than any “pre-inspection” feedback. Had a city guy tell me one thing, then the next guy wanted the opposite. At least with a fat binder, you can show your work when they start nitpicking... It’s not glamorous, but it works.
BINDER METHOD, ALL DAY
That binder trick’s saved me more than once. Had an inspector last fall who insisted my bathroom vent was “too close” to the attic hatch, even though the previous guy said it was fine. Pulled out my photos, code printouts, even the email thread—he backed off real quick. It’s ridiculous how much things change depending on who shows up. Not sure it’s foolproof, but at least you’ve got receipts when things get weird.
STRUGGLING WITH VENTILATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS LATELY
That’s exactly why I keep a running site log and snap photos at every stage. It’s wild how one inspector’s “too close” is another’s “good enough.” If I can, I’ll even mark vent distances with painter’s tape and jot the measurements right on the subfloor. Never had an issue stick when I’ve got that kind of backup. Still, wish there was more consistency—you’d think the code would be enough, but guess not.
