Building Inspectors Ensure Safety

Q:
What do building inspectors really do?

A:
Just as the contractor generally seeks to make a profit, the homeowner tries to get the work done as inexpensively as possible. So it's the job of the building inspector to give an unbiased opinion to both.

The inspector's primary function is to ensure everybody's safety according to codes and standards. And as we all know, there's no such thing as a free lunch. That's where the permit fees come in.

At the time, permit fees might seem costly, but in actuality, they only amount to 1 percent or less of the total value of the project. It's very difficult to get an unbiased opinion at that price. Especially one with your best interest and safety at heart.

So the next time you see your friendly building inspector don't think of him as the guy who's going to charge you all sorts of fees. Think of him as a person who may save your life.