In co-op and condo lore, the city inspector is an evil character that pops into unwitting buildings to conduct unnecessary inspections. But the truth is that many building inspections are necessary and required by law.
For instance, residential building inspection for footings occurs before concrete is poured. And New York City regulations require visual apartment inspections to prevent lead-based paint hazards in apartments where children live.
Building Permit Process
A residential building inspector ensures that all construction work on your property complies with local residential codes and meets health and safety guidelines. Municipalities set these standards to keep their citizens safe and are updated regularly as new building methods and materials come on the market. Generally, when you need to build or renovate a structure on your property, you will need to apply for a permit. It involves submitting plans for the project and undergoing inspections at different intervals to ensure that your work is up to code.
Applicants should know that the application process can take several days or weeks. The city will examine the plans, make necessary corrections and revisions, and approve them for construction. It could require a lot of time and energy, so it’s best to submit your plans as soon as possible.
The next step in the permit process is an inspector’s visit to your construction site. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, as the inspector will review all the work being performed. He will ask questions like: Does the job match the plan on which the permit was based? Does it use materials that are up to date? This type of inspection is intended to catch mistakes before they become serious.
While residential building inspection are often a stressful part of the building process, they’re also essential to prevent serious issues. A violation found during construction can cost you a lot of money and could put your home at risk of structural damage or fire. Regular inspections can help you avoid these violations by ensuring your work is done according to the original plan. It’s important to note that the inspector will only look at the work covered by the permit, so you don’t need to worry about him nosing around your house or looking for things that aren’t “up to code.” This inspection only verifies that your construction matches your original plan.
Inspection Reports
Home inspectors use reports to document the results of their work. These documents contain photos, information about the structure, and observations the inspector has made during their visit. These inspections are not just for homes; they can also be conducted in buildings like apartment complexes, hotels and commercial structures. They can be a critical tool for the real estate buyer and their agent in making an informed decision about purchasing a property.
Several factors determine what will be included in an inspection report, including the information’s intent and who will read it. Some inspectors will write essays for their use, while others may prepare them for regulators or real estate agents. Inspecting a building is not easy, and the results of these inspections can be significant for a buyer or seller.
A good home inspector will include a detailed description of the structure and a list of all major systems. These include plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical systems. The inspector will also describe any problems that they find, as well as the reason why those issues are problematic. They may recommend any necessary repairs and will also give the estimated cost.
Many inspection reports will include a key that shows what the symbols or codes on the word mean. It allows the reader to understand the information in the account quickly. For example, a residential building inspection report may note that “I = Inspected” while “NP = Not Present.” The information will then proceed to highlight areas of the structure that require attention with comments such as “R” (repairs needed), “S” (safety concerns) and so on.