newinspector1

Speedy you are correct. That is the same way I see it and that is the way it is enforced in many jurisdictions around here.[:-graduat

We inspect by the NC Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Fire Code. They are all in accordance with the International Codes. All codes now are 2009 with the NEC being the exception and that is the 2008. I am on this sight as kind of an outsider, but I hope to get some inspection tips from everyone here, some I can use and some I probably can't. Thanks for the help.

The owner doesn't hire me. I am governed by the state Dept. of Insurance. It does not matter to me what the contractor wants, but if the work is to code, even if just to the minimum code I have to pass it. If the homeowner asks for my advice then I tell them, but alot of times I don't meet with the HO, b/c the work is put in the hands of the GC. I am always involved from the very start, b/c no permit gets issued unless I issue it.

Steven I agree with you that the code is only the minimum. I am also glad to here that your code officials would not allow the footing as it is now. During plan review if I see that a contractor is trying to use the very bare minimum I try to get them to do a little better, although it doesn't always work. Unfortunately if they do go with the bare minimum necessary to satisfy code I can't stop them. Sometimes the lowest bidder is not always the best.

A structural engineer would be very helpful for the footer/foundation of the home. In NC most homeowners have the contractor and the local code officials to ensure that there house is built to code. Home inspectors are not utilized very often in this area of NC. I think hiring a good home inspector or architect is a better option. The structural engineer is limiting and will not be very helpful when it comes to other issues that may come up during the construction (electrical, plumbing, etc..). A footing inspection is not too complicated and should be within the ability of the home inspector or architect. You should find someone that can help your throughout the whole process. Perhaps even a munical inspector from another town that does not have a relationship with the town where you are having your home built.

Mr. Baird Sorry for the misunderstanding. In our state you have to be approved by the code officials qualification boardwhich is governed by the state. That is after you pass an exam through a local college. Experience is also required, however I am by no means a professional engineer. I, too, have witnessed incompetence by contractors and inspectors. There is no doubt contractors/inspectors that manage to get by the college test and the state test. There are times that the contractor and myself disagree on building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire issues[:-thumbu], but for the most part I have a good relatiuonship with the people that come and do work in this jurisdiction. Yes I believe that 95% of HO install double key deadbolts after the C/O is issued.

Mr. Baird Inspectors interpret the code differently as I am sure you know. I am not that new anymore as I have been doing this for a while. I am sorry that you think my view is to narrow, but that is your opinion and I respect it. As far as an appeal goes I am sure that it would hold up. I don't fail contractors for petty things, but this is a life safety issue that will not be passed in my jurisdiction. Unlike the inspector that you made a reference to I am very capable of reading a newspaper. By the way sarcasm is like a second language to me.[:-slaphap[:-slaphap

311.4.4 All interior and exterior doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. If it leads directly to the outside it is an egress door, only one egress door has to meet the required width. In this jurisdiction no double-key deadbolts are allowed. What the homeowner does after I issue the C/O is up to them.

311.4.2 states that the required egress door must be 3 ft wide and 6'8" high. Other doors do not have to comply with the minimum dimensions. 311.4.4 All interior and exterior doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort. I interpret that to mean that only one egress is required, but if you have more than on interior or exterior door it can't have a double key deadbolt.

I would get a structural engineer that will come out. Even if you have to pay it will give you peice of mind. Also talk with your local code officials they can help. I am not familiar at all with building codes in your area since I am from NC, but I think that they are your best options