Construction Inspector Career Training Guide

Question: what do i have to do to be a building inspector.construction experience since 1987? i worked since 1987 in residental homes.some comercial.

Answer: find local collage or private coursehttp://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos004.htm

Question: If I what to become a construction site safety inspector, what coures do I need to take? I have many years of road contruction experience but would like to make a switch to safety inspector.

Answer: Check out safety courses at your local college.

Question: Interested in starting construction business, would training for a home inspector be a good start in college? Im a Accounting/Business major but have considered getting into the construction business after I graduate. I dont have any experience but would becoming a home inspector be a good start while I am in college???...Also how profitable is a construction business it seems like its always booming and always profitable. More so than the decent salaries accountants make...So any input?

Answer: Your major now is a good start. Building ispector is helpful but you will need more practicle hands on building experience too. Get into architectural and drafting to learn how to build it and then get into the building codes and requirements.

Question: Where might I look to get info on school... construction inspector, nightschool or school on computer? I'm looking to study as an inspector on job sites and would like to go to school and learn all I can on all the different inspection jobs that are needed on a job site. Thank you

Answer: depending on where you live there are classes at jr colleges (take a long time) or private classes which cost a little more but can have you ready to pass your certification exam in a couple months. do a search online for the international building code and search building inspector you should see more info to help.

Question: I just bought a brand new construction home and need a home inspector.? How do i know if I'm getting a good deal or not or how much one generally costs?

Answer: Home inspectors do not ensure that you are buying a home without latent, hidden defects. In fact, most do not know codes or even much about what they are looking at. You can do as good a job as most if you take the time. They look for evidence of water coming into the house as around windows, through basement walls, thought the roof by looking for staining and tracking, which you can do. They then test everything to make sure it works, outlets, GFI outlets which require an outlet tester with a button, faucets, sink drains, machines such as furnace, dishwasher, fridge,etc. They do not look for anything that is not obvious, they might find a big crack in a foundation but will not normally care about small things like driveway cracks. While this will find the obvious, that is all it will find. They generally cost in the neighborhood of a couple hundred. Your mortgage company will probably require one unless it is new construction. The code compliance building inspectors have done a much better job inspecting new construction than an after the fact inspector can do. If I were you I would look the place over carefully myself including going into the attic with a flashlight to look for leak stains and forget the inspector.

Question: What are the duties of an Owner's RESIDENT Inspector in a building construction site?pls answer in details . I would like to know what ARE and what ARE NOT the responsibilities of an Owner's RESIDENT inspector. Details are very important to me. Thank you in very much advance.

Answer: Check out http://www.bh-ba.com/construction_jobs.html

Question: I am a 65 year old man trying to do his job(construction inspector). my company is closing my office. Should?

Answer: Hi Ed, I'm not sure if you finished your question but I say let them close your office. You should'nt have to work so hard at your age, you should be enjoying life. Email me and I will direct you to a opportunity that I think you will love. Nothing to sell just help people like yourself. Sincerely, Val fortune@hotmail.com

Question: In the UK, What are the duties & Responsibilities of a Approved Inspector?? Construction Inspector. Thanks.. direct answers or links to decent websites would be most helpful thanks.

Answer: Probably his first would be health & safety on site Making sure everyone has Hard hats,proper boots, yellow jackets

Question: What type of attire should i wear for an interview as a Construction Inspector for the City? I've always heard that you should dress for the job you want. Usually on these types of interviews I go all out with my best suit and tie. The last time I did this, I had better attire on than the boss did. So, I'm kind of debating what should I wear now? So as in dress for the job I want, most Construction Inspectors never even come close to ever wearing a suit, or slacks and a long sleeve shirt with a tie.

Answer: Wear nice slacks, a long-sleeved shirt with a tie, nice shoes. You probably should cut out the jacket part of the suit when you go in because I don't know of many office professionals that wear full suits to work. _______________________________________________ Yeah, those inspectors don't come close to wearing the same attire on the job, but I bet they wore nice professional clothes to the interview... The point is that your spoken interview answers as well as all the non-verbal cues are all a part of selling yourself and your skills to a potential employer. If you're already dressed like you've worked there for years, they won't take you seriously. So what if they didn't dress up for your last interview?? They ALREADY work there. They are the one with the upper hand- you're the one trying to impress them.

Question: physical therapy assistance or construction inspector, which is better? im not good in algebra and science. should i get a construction/ building inspection certificate or become a physical therapy assistance ? tell me more about what you do. and which is better? also to become a physical therapy assistance, do i just need associated degree or masters? thank you

Answer: PTA no math, just anatomy and physiology 2 year AAS degree Two totally different degrees, it is very personal http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Career_as_PT_PTA&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=242&ContentID=31095 The Physical Therapist Assistant Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs help people of all ages who have medical problems, or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. PTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, nursing homes, schools, sports facilities, and more. PTAs must complete a 2-year associate's degree and are licensed, certified, or registered in most states. Care provided by a PTA may include teaching patients/clients exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation. WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS EARN? The median income for a physical therapist assistant is $46,000 depending on position, years of experience, degree of education, geographic location, and practice setting. WHERE DO PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS WORK? Today, physical therapist assitants provide health care services to patients of all ages and health conditions in a variety of settings, including: Outpatient clinics or offices Hospitals Inpatient rehabilitation facilities Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities Homes Education or research centers Schools Hospices Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments Fitness centers and sports training facilities WHAT ARE THE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PTA? To work as a PTA, an individual must graduate with an associate degree (two years, usually five semesters) from an accredited PTA program at a technical or community college, college, or university. Graduates must pass the national examination for licensing/certification/regulation in most states to be eligible to work. PTAs work under the direction of a physical therapist (PT). The PTAs' duties can include assisting in instructing patients in exercises and activities of daily living (including physical modalities), using special equipment, collecting data on the patient's progress, and documenting and reporting on the patient's response. There are currently 235 institutions supporting 252 PTA programs across the country. WHAT ARE THE LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A PTA? Forty-eight states and the District of Columbia PTAs to be licensed, registered, or certified. States requiring licensure stipulate specific educational and examination criteria. WHAT IS THE EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK FOR PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow much faster than average because of increasing demand for physical therapy services. Job prospects for physical therapist assistants are expected to be very good. The American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA's) most recent data indicate an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent. For more information on a career in physical therapy, click here, or contact APTA Public Relations, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-1488, telephone: 703/706-3248, fax: 703/706-8578.

Question: what is a construction lawyer and what area does the law student specialize in while attending law school.? I have 25 yrs in the construction industry as a contract administrator and Inspector, I plan on attending a local law school but i don't want to waste my time as this will be my second career.

Answer: Here's a link to a construction attorney's blog that might be useful. My guess is that you could focus on a variety of things, depending on what exactly you want to do (i.e. labor and employment, administrative law, contract negotiations, etc).

Question: Is becoming a home inspector in IN worth the trouble? I am think about becoming a home inspector in the State of Indiana and am just wondering if it is worth the trouble. I have a pretty extensive background in the construction trades so am not completely without knowledge or this field, but would still like to get some idea of the earning power of a licensed home inspector in the State of Indiana and or the job outlook for this career. I know what kind of training is involved and insurance requirements and all that, I just don't know if it's all worth it or not.

Answer: I think the answer to this really depends on you and what you think will happen with the economy the way it is now. Home sales are way down so I would think there isn't as much call for inspectors as there was and there may be many already out of work right now. Good luck.

Question: Where do we get a Home inspector who has good track and experienced ? We have put an offer to a house and once we know about if the offer is accepted, we have to get the home inspected. Its a 2006 construction, but i guess its always good to get a home inspection done. I know our realtor always recommends or has someone who can do the home inspection. Is there anyway I can search online or look for home inspectors nearby my place and ask them to do ? How to get a good experienced home inspector ?

Answer: try housemasters. They have local franchises across the country. www.housemasters.com

Question: Do roofing project management/ consulting inspectors need construction licenses? Our condo hired a roofing consultant to oversee the replacing of our roof and get the best materials and labor to make sure the job done right. I was told that the consultant may need construction licenses even though they do not actually do the work.

Answer: Unfortunately they don’t. In fact many inspectors and consultants are nothing more then well groomed laborers. If you are looking for a consultant, inspector, or just somebody to come out and do an analysis / give opinions. you will want to seek out a credentialed observer or consultant. By credentialed I mean one who has met a predefined level of experience and class room knowledge on the given topic. The RCI institute currently is the only registry I know of where you can find certified and credentialed Roof Observers, Roof Consultants, and Waterproofing Experts. check them out at www.rci.org I myself am an RRO (Registered Roof Observer) I work for a company that performs inspections, and am currently studying to sit for the test to earn my RRC (Registered Roof Consultant) certificate. RCI is the place to find the people you need, everyone else is just a self proclaimed expert...

Question: Elect./instrument receivng inspector for what i hv to know for apply for a Construction & Oil field Co.? Looking the minium criteria for the post of Elect.cum instrument inspector

Answer: electricains license

Question: Prerequisites for a Texas home inspector? I have a limited construction background, and the career of a home inspector sounds exciting. This may sound stupid, but are there any prerequisites before going to a school to get my license? Should i know everything about electrical, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, etc before going to the school or will they teach me everything i need to know?

Answer: I don't have much experience with this, but here's a fantastic link! Good luck! http://www.trec.state.tx.us/inspector/default.asp

Question: How long does it take for a permit (construction) to get approved? I am replacing an old front porch with a new one. We need new footings and need a permit to do so. Ok, we've applied 2wks ago and all my other projects are on hold until we get a permit for the front porch. I've personally went to our town's building dept and the lady in charge just told me, "It's on the inspector's pile with all the other permits". Can I do something more to speed up the process?

Answer: some towns take up to 3 mos and don't dare try to start without it or they will really punish you. you can try to find someone that may know the inspector that can influence him to make it a higher priority

Question: What should I get my dad for Christmas? He likes the yankees, cowboys and the UConn Huskies for sports. He LOVES the color blue. He is a construction inspector, and a part time machine operator and supervisor. He watches movies like there is no end. He likes country music (though i thoroughly do not.) my budget is up to 100$

Answer: Starbucks gift card Collapsable hammer tool (containerstore.com) Keith Urban CD blue scarf or beanie Sports jerseys are really expensive, but if you can find them on sale, I reccomend one of those.

Question: Home/cosntruction inspector in Chennai? I recently built a house in Chennai. I would like to get a home/structural/construction inspector to inspect it and tell me whether all is fine (and if some things need to be improved). Is there anyone or a professional agency (as is common in US) that can do this for me?

Answer: Contact any professional architectural firms in the city, they will inspect your house and the documents you have to tell you whether you have constructed according to the existing building bye-laws, all your papers are in order and, if you need further, whether your house is structurally safe and sound. Best to you.

Question: Is it possible to learn to be a home inspector through an online course? I have an engineering background, but not construction. I'm thinking of taking a course through ed2go.com. Has anyone, or does anybody know of someone, who successfully learned the profession this way?

Answer: i personally would not higher you to inspect my house if you got your degree off of the Internet. this is one of those jobs that you need constant hands on experience to learn. it takes years of experience to really be good at something like that in my opinion.

Question: Would are some sure ways to tell if construction is CBS or frame? Hi, I have the plans of a house I am trying to buy and the problem is that it is listed as CBS and some inspector I hired said it was frame (i dont trust him too much either) I emailed the city and they coulnt find the info either so, they believe is cbs but they sent me the plans etc... I wish I had a way to upload for you all to see but I dont. So, my question is what are some sure way that you are able to tell.

Answer: CBS construction means that all the outside walls are built with concrete block. The roofing and floors and well as all the interior walls would be standard construction using construction lumber. Was the inspector from the building department or a house inspector? If you asked a house inspector then the first thing you could try is to take the plans to the building department and have a building inspector look the plans over. One other thing you could try is to get a measurement of the thickness of the outside walls. This can usually be done in a door or window opening. Open an outside door and if the thickness of the wall is 6" or less, then it is most likely conventional wood construction. If the thickness is 9" or greater then it is most likely CBS because the concrete block wall would have to be a minimum of 8" thick plus the thickness of the interior and exterior wall coverings. If you still run into a dead end, you could take the plans to an architect and have them look the plans over and determine which it is. I hope this helps. Rick

Question: I want to be a Home Inspector~ where do i start? The ones that inspect the houses so they can go on the market to sell. I live in California and i have a bit of Real estates and construction backround. I just don't know where to start.

Answer: This is the best place to start gathing information: The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors http://www.nachi.org Or here: The National Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. http://www.nahi.org

Question: new home construction - independent inspection required ? We are closing this week on a new construction home. The builder will get an inspection done. Builder will also provide 1 year warranty. Is it necessary for us to get the house inspoected by an independent inspector ?

Answer: i would

Question: Is it necessary to use a buyer's realtor for a new construction? I found a place and my rommate and I are still in decision mode. We had a realtor that showed us some properties but we told her that we would contact her once we've gotten loan approval (Although we've gotten verbal approval). I did not want to waste her time. Also, I felt like I was looking for properties and giving her the MLS # and she was scheduling the appts. I realize that without a buyer's broker the seller's broker would get the full commssion, it would not have to be split. Recently went to the open house and was curious about construction materials and appliances that will come with the apt. I'm sure the latter was taken into account when the price was determined. I figured it might be a good idea to find out if they used cheap hardwood floors vs. top of the line. With whatever property we decied upon, we plan on utilizing the services of an inspector. But from what I've read, we cannot have a property inspected unless we've made an offer.

Answer: I've never used an agent to buy a home. I don't think it's necessary. It also gives you room to negotiate becaue they've worked in 2-3% commission for a buyers agent. Always have the home inspected by someone you choose and are paying. I would NEVER accept a home inspection from a builder's representative. good luck!

Question: I have a question for those in the construction industry.? I am a service person who went into a commercial building to make a repair, while I was there I noticed signs of a major construction flaw that could potentially cause harm or even death to those people who work in the building. Should I make a big deal about this and file a formal complaint with the state and potentially cause the loss of jobs for the engineer who designed the building and the inspector who approved the plans or should I just fix the problem and let it go. The building is only 3 years old and anyone with any sort of education in the field should have noticed the problem before the building was erected.

Answer: Tell the building owners...they are the only ones who have standing to complain. They can retain legal counsel to sue for compensation to make the repairs. Contractors, engineers and architects usually carry insurance for situations like this...to pay for mistakes they made.

Question: In construction terms, what is a bird box? An inspector said we need to replace the weathered bird boxes located around the house.

Answer: its the box like shapes that are at each corner of your roof...

Question: How can i get design reference ebook on plumbing & fire protection installations for building, hotel? I'm working as a mechanical engineer(inspector) for hotel construction project. I had reference for HVAC but i couldn't find handbook as a guidance of design of system components & integration of the building plumbing & fire protection, HVAC piping installations. Thanks in advance.

Answer: It depends on very many factors In Africa they have extremely different requirements than in some US! Google your question Check with local authorities… Very often it is integrated with the ventilation system With doors operation… Hope this properly answers your question Guru

Question: I want to work in New Zealand, Im working as Consultant as Civil Inspector in KSA .? Could you find me a good company I have 15years working in KSA as consultant for bldg construction.presntly I am connected in Consulting Firm in KSA. I want to work for my future advancement. Please advise and recommend to New Zealand company.

Answer: How much will you pay me to look for you? You wont pay? then why should I do this for a stranger? . It is your job and YOUR responsibility to find a company and a job - unless you are willing to pay a head hunter (recruiter) who is familiar with NZ and Australia.

Question: By analogy, the mRNA would be what on a large building construction project? A. The working drawings for one floor B. The steel and rivets C. The filing cabinet with all building plans D. The building inspector

Answer: A, the working drawings for one floor. mRNA goes to the ribosome which makes a protein according to the information on the mRNA. It does not make all the cell's proteins, just the one. The raw materials, amino acids, are the steel and rivets, which are used to build the protein/one floor, but are not contained in the mRNA/prints. The filing cabinet would be the nucleus. The building inspector would be an immune cell looking for a cancer cell to kill, or perhaps a protease that handles improperly folded proteins.

Question: How to determine, amount of natural light in a room to be up to code? Here is my story-putting an addition on to home-inspector has a copy of floor plan-after 5 months of construction (ourselves) we had to have inspector OK everything again, so we could insulate,drywall etc. He said that we do not have enough natural light coming in and have to put another window in! There is only 1 exterior wall and 2 --2'2'' x 3'10" already installed in our 14" x 18" bedroom and we do not want a skylight in our room, so we are not sure what were going to do. Anyway I think this should have been known, before building and the plan not OK'd. So, I think he is wrong in how he calculated #"s on my walls yesterday or the possibility that the designer was wrong in determining size of windows and inspector was still wrong for obviously not reviewing plans before. I can't figure his scribble #s out. Can anyone help me, please? I am ready to go insane with this entire construction nightmare! I hope everybody is having a good start of 2007! GOOD DAY!

Answer: Natural light required for a habitable room has to be 10% of the internal room floor area. If a room has 20 sqm of floor area, the window must at least has 2 sqm of area. Say a window that measured 1.2 m D x 2 m W complies with the requirement.

Question: how to inspect house construction? as a building inspector

Answer: BUILDING INSPECTION CHECKLIST Location: Exterior: 1. Is the building address or identification clearly visible? Yes No 2. Are exterior lights in working order? Yes No 3. Are periodic inspections conducted and documented? Yes No 4. Is an unobstructed access road to the building provided? Yes No 5. Are the exits onto public streets free from visibility obstructions? Yes No 6. Are trees and shrubs pruned and documented? Yes No 7. Are roots pruned and documented? Yes No 8. Are all building sides accessible to emergency equipment? Yes No 9. Are fire hydrants accessible? Yes No N/A 10. Are sprinkler/standpipe connections accessible? Yes No N/A 11. Are sprinkler/standpipe connections clearly marked? Yes No N/A 12. Are landscape sprinklers at least 6 inches from walkways or pathways? Yes No N/A 13. Does the building appear to be in good repair? Yes No 14. Is building free from signs of vandalism? Yes No 15. Are exterior walls free from cracks or other damages? Yes No N/A 16. Are windows free from cracks or broken panes? Yes No N/A 17. Has vegetation been cut back from the building? Yes No N/A 18. Are turf areas inspected for holes, exposed roots, etc. and documented? Yes No N/A 19. Are paved surfaces inspected and repaired (i.e., lifts, cracks, etc.)? Yes No 20. Are combustible materials stored away from the building? Yes No N/A 21. Is the building free from signs of exterior damage? Yes No N/A 22. Are stairs, landings and handrails in good repair and fastened securely? (inspect the bottom of each step) Yes No 23. Are facilities periodically inspected and documented? Yes No 24. Are all sewer clean out caps in place? Yes No 25. Are all irrigation covers in place? Yes No N/A 26. Are housing authority owned light post bases free of rust and/or deterioration? Yes No N/A 27. Do entrance doors close slowly to avoid hazards to fingers? Yes No 28. Are utility/cable boxes marked "Keep Off"? Yes No N/A Interior: Electrical System: Building Inspection Checklist Page 2 29. Are all electrical panels secured? Yes No N/A 30. Is a 3' clearance provided around all electrical panels? Yes No N/A 31. Are all electrical rooms free from combustible storage? Yes No N/A 32. Are all electrical panels cool to the touch? Yes No N/A 33. Are all electrical panels free from evidence of burning? Yes No N/A 34. Have all electrical circuits been identified? Yes No N/A 35. Are all electrical switches and receptacles in good repair? Yes No N/A 36. Has the use of extension cords been discontinued? Yes No N/A 37. Have Ground Fault Interrupter's been provided on circuits in proximity to water? Yes No N/A 38. Is there a "lock-out" procedure in place? Yes No N/A Heating System: 39. Is a 3' clearance provided around all heating equipment? Yes No N/A 40. Are furnace/boiler rooms kept locked? Yes No N/A 41. Are furnace/boiler rooms free from combustible storage? Yes No N/A 42. Are residents reminded to keep combustibles away from heaters? Yes No N/A Smoking: 43. Is smoking prohibited in the building common areas? Yes No 44. Are designated smoking areas properly identified? Yes No N/A 45. Are non-combustible receptacles provided in smoking areas? Yes No N/A 46. Are smoking materials disposed of properly? Yes No N/A Housekeeping: 47. Is trash removed from the building daily? Yes No 48. Is storage restricted to designated areas? Yes No N/A 49. Is storage neatly arranged and secured from rolling away? Yes No N/A Building Inspection Checklist Page 3 Private Protection: 50. Is building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system? Yes No 51. Is the main sprinkler control valve accessible? Yes No N/A 52. Are all valves supplying water or air to the system open? Yes No N/A 53. Is system operation monitored by an alarm company? Yes No N/A 54. Is valve operation monitored by an alarm company? Yes No N/A 55. Is the sprinkler system tested on a quarterly basis and documented? Yes No N/A 56. Are spare sprinkler heads available in the building? Yes No N/A 57. Is the building equipped with a fire detection system? Yes No 58. Does the system protect the entire building? Yes No N/A 59. Does the system provide an alarm signal in the building? Yes No N/A 60. Is system tested on a monthly basis and documented? Yes No N/A 61. Is the main alarm panel in normal operating condition? Yes No N/A 62. Are portable fire extinguishers provided? Yes No 63. Are all extinguishers inspected on a monthly basis and documented? Yes No N/A 64. Do all extinguishers have a current inspection tag? Yes No N/A Emergency Evacuation: 65. Are all exits and travel paths identified with illuminated "EXIT" signs? Yes No 66. Are travel paths leading to exits free of obstructions? Yes No 67. Are exits unlocked and operational? Yes No 68. Are working emergency lights provided in the building? Yes No 69. Are emergency lights tested periodically and documented? Yes No 70. Are evacuation diagrams posted throughout the building? Yes No Miscellaneous: 71. Has flammable storage been limited to designated areas? Yes No N/A 72. Is all cooking equipment protected by extinguishing systems? Yes No N/A 73. Is cooking equipment clean? Yes No N/A 74. Are filters inspected periodically and documented? Yes No N/A 75. Are all computer areas free from combustible storage? Yes No N/A Building Inspection Checklist Page 4 NOTIFY YOUR SUPERVISOR IF ANY QUESTIONS WERE ANSWERED "NO" Inspected By: Date: The following items have been followed-up on. This has been accomplished by putting them on a work order: Item No. Work Order # Item No. Work Order # Item No. Work Order #

Question: Do home inspectors have to be licensed in the state of Indiana? We're purchasing a home and need an inspection. I have a family member that is an engineer and very familiar with construction. we were wondering if we could use him as our inspector or if this isn't legit for loan closing reasons?

Answer: I don't believe anyone would approve an unlicensed person to do a home inspection no matter what the State.

Question: Construction permit - lady at Twp. delays by playing games? Applied for permit for construction of residential house, lady at tpw. who has been employed for More then 15 years or so intentionally delays by playing games, eg: hand writing not clear so files in other folder that has same house number, states plumbing dept. is looking in to but plumbing dept. cannot find my permit, was told to wait 20 days for processing but after 25 days cannot find my folder. IS THERE ANY LAW WHERE I CAN FORCE HER TO TAKE LIE DETECTING TEST TO PROVE SHE IS RACIST AND SHOULD BE FIRED AND TO INITIATE LEGAL ACTION WHICH state dept. can iinvestigate her she is too fishy and suspicious something is rotten how can i make her pay for her dirty games, she is not iilliterate uneducated or, untrained she is ........construction is not finish so scared for inspectors during construction will always find errors and will harrase me more

Answer: If you live in a township, then go to the county and file a complaint or to the nearest city and file a complaint. The building departments is where a contractor would go to file a complaint for unfair work stoppage or harassment. You should handle this not as a race issue but as a money issue. see that she is fired, get her name, function and her supervisor or manager or person above and put the screws to him or her and put her on unemployment.

Question: What should I look for during a new house walkthrough? I purchased a new construction inventory home and have the initial walkthrough tomorrow with a home inspector. Can you give me any tips on things I should look at/for? The house is in Florida, is 2 story frame build, 2 car garage.. Please skip the obvious items like flicking switches and opening doors. Thanks in advance!

Answer: Go in daylight, but bring a flashlight anyway to look into crawl spaces and the attic. 1) Nail pops -- along seam lines, corners, ceilings. 2) Sight along walls for waves. 3) Gaps along countertops (against the wall), baseboards, trim. 4) Gaps where flooring doesn't meet edges (vinyl, tile, carpeting) 5) Doors hung straight in frames, all latches open/close easily (doors hung crooked don't 'click' closed) 6) All screens are in, and without holes. 7) Cabinet doors hung straight and level, countertop seams are lined up and sealed correctly. 8) Hole for dryer vent is cut thru the outside (mine wasn't!) 9) Water works in all sinks/faucets - even outside. 10) GFI breakers are on all outlets near the kitchen or bathroom sinks. 11) Tile in bathrooms is straight and level, with no gaps in the grout or sealant. 12) Shower door is hung straight (opens/slides correctly) 13) Turn on heat for several minutes (check for warm air in vents), then switch to AC for cool air flow. 14) Garage door opens smoothly, doesn't catch or slip.

Question: The pocket doors on plan got approved at 2' 6" but inspector wants 2' 8" minimum per code. What should I do? My new construction has many corrections and this is one of them. The whole correction paper is full. Contractor wants architecture to take it back to the city and have them write note and stamp on it that those doors will be 2' 8" So, we won't have problems when we changed. He's concerned b/c inpector wrote on correction sheet "JOBSITE CONDITION DOES NOT MATCH PLAN" Architure on the other hand thinks it is a waste of time to back to the city since inspector has already said that he want 2' 8" (32"). So, why waste time and money for something so little. They may have to do a plan check again and it may cost me $500 for plan check fee. So, he refused to go. Now, I got stuck. I kind of leaning toward my contractor that I should take the plan back to the city. What do you think I should do? I will definitely change it to 2' 8" but do I need to go back to the city to make change on the plan too?

Answer: Your best option is to do what the building inspector wants. It doesn't matter what the architect wants, they aren't the ones who sign off on your project. Additionally, if the building inspector comes back and it isn't doen to code, it can contribute to a fails inspection, and if the guy wants to be a turd he can shut you down by issuing an order to stop work. As you can see, it can become really expensive really fast. That's why it's easier to just make the door 2'8", in the end you'll have to do it anyway. I have had our state inspector shut projects down for all sorts of minor things. In the end the Uniform Building Code is (or should be) a builders bible. In fact I think page three states the types of fines authorized under the UBC (2003 edition)

Question: Do you think building codes should require oil-based paint in bathrooms and kitchens? In new construction or remodeling where permits are pulled, do you think the building inspectors should require that bathroom and kitchen walls/ceilings be painted with oil-based paint? It is far more durable than any latex paint, especially near water or moisture. It's all I ever use in those areas. If I was a building inspector for the city of Livonia, I would require it.

Answer: Hi, Not at all, oil can trap moisture while 100% acrylic latex will allow moisture to "escape" without blistering. Acrylics have come a long way while the EPA is regulating the VOC content that oil paints need to be a superior product. An excellent kitchen & bath paint made by Zinsser is called Perma White. It's designed to prevent mildew & doesn't peel in damp conditions. While it comes in white most paint stores can tint it up to a mid tone color.

Question: How do you set up proper protocols for your work, rather than just respond to what's dumped on your desk ? for example, all your plan should perhaps have a built-in emergency exit. a building inspector might be supposed to be involved thoughout a building's construction, not just called in at the end to rubber-stamp. how do you set up such protocols for your work ?

Answer: Assuming you are not working for the mob or crime family, following the law may be a good idea. As your work performance effects a rise or fall in work condition quality for other workers (at least one) and clientele, it may serve you good to serve them good.

Question: Purchased a new construction home- just found out no certificate of occupancy? My husband and I just purchased a new construction home that had been on the market for about a year since construction was completed. We have been living in the home for 2 1/2 months and just received a letter from the county planning and development office that the building permit expired a year ago. No final inspection of the home was performed and the home has no certificate of occupancy. A temporaty 30-day certificate of occupancy was granted a year ago but has long since expired. I am wondering whose legal responsibility it is to obtain this occupancy certificate and final inspection of the construction. How could I be sold a home with no certificate of occupancy? When we bought the home we hired an inspector. I am not worried about construction problems, but am worried that we are living in the home illegally. Anyone familiar with WA state real estate/constuction laws regarding this?

Answer: This is a good question for your lender. They should have required a copy of it. All ours do and I haven't seen a lender yet that doesn't. I work in new construction in the Puget Sound area & every CO we get has to be provided to the buyer's lender and also escrow. Once the builder gets it from City of Everett Building Department, they deliver it to our office and we fax it to all everyone that needs it. If a temporary CO was issued, it should not be a huge ordeal to get a final CO. Call the county building department, tell them your circumstances and inquire about the procedure to follow. I'm not sure what county you are in. It should be listed on the notice you received.

Question: I'm closing on new construction home, with walk thru and closing dates set very close together.? My builder told me that the walk-through for my new home would be on a Friday (24 Aug) - that my inspector should be scheduled on the Thurs (23 August) , and to get the report submitted to the builder 1 day later on Fri (same day as walk-thru). THEN the final walk-thru to be on the Monday (27 August), followed immediately by closing (an hour after final walk-thru). My gut feeling is - what work can possibly be done between the walk-thru on Friday and the final walkthru on Monday...and the closing set just 1 hour after the final walk-thru. The builder assures me that any work needed can be finished in hours and the final walk-through should not take more than 20 mins, and thus closing can be done just one hour later. I get the feeling the builder is in a hurry to close before the end of August for some reason. It is 5 August and the house is not even ready (floors, fixtures etc all not in). I need some advice as to whether this rushed timeline is typical of new home construction.

Answer: Yes, rushed timelines are typical. HOWEVER, you are never mandated to close if things are not completed to your satisfaction. That's the purpose of a walk through and inspection. If there are unfinished issues which are not addressed by the time you reach closing, THAT is the time to raise a complaint and request an escrow amount be held until the work is satisfactorily completed. If you estimate that $10,000 worth of work remains, insist on an escrow of $15,000, to give yourself a cushion. The escrow money will be paid by you to the title firm, with an agreement that it cannot be released to the builder without your signature and agreement. Feel free to speak to the builder about your intentions, should he not have the work timely completed. If the builder refuses to agree to this escrow, your option is to refuse to close because he did not meet his contract on time. Consult an attorney for further guidance.

Question: what are the duties and responsibilities of civil inspector? For Building Construction

Answer: No clear answer for this one, depends on the country, type of building and a host of other variables, can you be more specific re the type ?

Question: Is builder responsible for fixing new home that is not up to code? We are currently purchasing a new townhome and after the offer was accepted, we had our home inspection. The home inspector found several issues that need to be fixed due to shoddy building (like putting in a spa tub but not putting in the motor or an access panel and not hooking up the dishwasher) and stated that some things are not up to code (like the location of the upstairs dryer vent). Is it reasonable on new construction to expect the builders to fix these issues due to poor construction or should we be ready for a "split cost" situation?

Answer: I sold new homes for the past 4 years. This falls squarely on the builders shoulders. You should have those items repaired before you close. Sometimes they will disagree with you on which building code book is being used, so be sure to contact the city code enforcement office and be clear on these issues just in case you need to know that information. Not hooking up the dishwasher is a final hotcheck item for the electricians and is sometimes overlooked. That is not something I'd get concerned about. Also, remember that home inspectors are paid to find things wrong. This is their job. Perhaps the construction manager was overloaded and wasn't able to keep an eye on his trades like he would've liked to? I don't know which homebuilder this is and therefore their reputation. But, I'm not seeing anything here about foundation issues, settling, post-tension cables, no HVAC system, electrical wiring being compromised, etc. -- which I've seen all the above -- so I don't thus far see any need for alarm. Without conforming to the proper code 100%, they will not be able to get a CO (certificate of occupancy) and you will not be able to close without the CO. So, it's just as much in their favor as it is yours to get those repairs done as quickly as possible. Have you already done your walk-through list? I would try and get those items done before closing, too, just because it's such a hassle once you're already moved in to get them to come back, take off work (they only work usually M-F 8-5), meet them, show them the item(s), get the work done, wait for them to finish, then drive back to work. We just moved out of the new home we bought about 4 years ago and we still had blue tape in the master closet!!! Also, if something doesn't get done, it's not like that's your very last chance either. You have a warranty with a new home. Ask for a copy of it and review it as it will go over everything that is covered. I always recommended to my clients that in the 11th month (my old builder's bumper to bumper warranty was up after 1 year) to have the home re-inspected and anything that needed to be done, to have it done while everything was still under warranty. It will not cover items that were not maintained, however. Hope this helps, Terri

Question: construction inspection tracking/reporting program? Im in the construction inspection field. is there a way that all involved (architect, builder, inspector) can input inspection requests, and i can report on the request and all involved can see reports, also can i use it to track daily activity on the job site. i heard one person uses a program like "quickbase" are there any other programs out there?

Answer: Sounds like you need to have some software designed for you. Most of the time, these are customized.

Question: Should there be a Law requiring New Home construction include a renewable energy source? i.e. solar or wind? Building inspectors would not allow the sale of a house if it didn't include toilets. Doesn't have to be to elaborate, just something to permit the new owner to expand if he wanted to and had the money. Maybe 1/4 of a roof with solar panels, an inverter, and the right meter.

Answer: Eventually this law will be passed into effect for new residential homes and rehabs. This is already happening in commercial construction. There is a "LEED" or green rating system set in place by the US Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org. Most commercial building owners are looking to "green" their buildings and become LEED certified under their rating system - they are being pushed by financing companies, employees and the industry in general. The construction industry for commercial is being pressured to conform to green standards with the effects of global warming. Energy from buildings released into the atmosphere is 60% of the total. Owners are being pushed into creating energy efficient buildings to reduce carbon emissions which contribute to global warming. Some cities like Boston (where I live), Seattle and Chicago are placing mandatory requirements on new construction to aid in creating sustainable buildings with energy efficient systems. These are incorporated into your building permit and you cannot receive an occupancy permit unless you follow these provisions. Read up on LEED certified buildings. There are rating systems for new construction, rehabs, healthcare facilities, warehouses, residential and campus complexes. Eventually with all the rebates and tax deductions for homes with Energy star appliances and windows, I think that within the next 10 years or so, green requirments for homes will work its way into the building codes. They will probably offer more incentives along the way too for people who are creating improvements or replacements to their property.

Question: Can you get unemployement benefits if you're an independent contractor? My boyfriend currently works as a building inspector, but has had very little work in the past year due to the decrease in construction. He is, and has been, an independent contractor for a year or two, but previously had a corporation that did pay into unemployment. He also paid into unemployment as an iron worker years before that. He hasn't paid his last year's taxes due to money constraints. Can he collect unemployment? Or is he ineligible since he didn't pay into unemployment this past year?

Answer: this is a big misunderstanding I see a lot on here. Unemployement benefits is really unemployement insurence. It's paid by the insurence company of the company he works for, not by the governement at all. If you are corporation, you required to have such insurence for just such a case. It really doesn't matter if he's paid into it before, all that matters is if the company he's working for now has it. If he worked for himself and did not have such an insurence policy in place, then he is nothing to fall back on. Just like if you hit a car and you have no insurence. unemployement is insurence, not a government benifit you get by paying taxes. It's managed by the government, but not paid for by government. Taxes go toward keeping the buildings open and paying the employees of said buildings, not paying the actual benefit. to avoid this in the future, incorperate, then become an employee of your own company so you can get unemployement insurence so you can collect should this ever happen again.

Question: Home Inspector or similar? How do you become a home inspector or do work similar to this? My boyfriend has been working in construction for a while and he would like to find out how to switch from the manual labour side of the industry to the office side, issuing permits and inspecting home or the like.

Answer: For information about becoming a home inspector, contact any of the following organizations: American Society of Home Inspectors, 932 Lee St., Suite 101, Des Plaines, IL 60016. http://www.ashi.org Housing Inspection Foundation, 1224 North Nokomis N.E., Alexandria, MN 56308. http://www.iami.org/hif.cfm National Association of Home Inspectors, 4248 Park Glen Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55416. http://www.nahi.org From the BLS webpage (see source): Because inspectors must possess the right mix of technical knowledge, experience, and education, employers prefer applicants who have both formal training and experience. Most employers require at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, even for workers with considerable experience. More often, employers look for persons who have studied engineering or architecture or who have a degree from a community or junior college with courses in building inspection, home inspection, construction technology, drafting, and mathematics. Many community colleges offer certificate or associate’s degree programs in building inspection technology. Courses in blueprint reading, algebra, geometry, and English also are useful. A growing number of construction and building inspectors are entering the occupation with a college degree, which often can substitute for previous experience. The level of training requirements varies by type of inspector and State. In general, construction and building inspectors receive much of their training on the job, although they must learn building codes and standards on their own. Working with an experienced inspector, they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties. Supervised onsite inspections also may be a part of the training. Other requirements can include various courses and assigned reading. Some courses and instructional material are available online as well as through formal venues. An engineering or architectural degree often is required for advancement to supervisory positions. Most States and local jurisdictions require some type of certification for employment. Even if not required, certification can enhance an inspector’s opportunities for employment and advancement to more responsible positions. To become certified, inspectors with substantial experience and education must pass examinations on code requirements, construction techniques and materials, standards of practice, and codes of ethics. The International Code Council (ICC) offers multiple voluntary certifications, as do other professional associations. Many categories of certification are awarded for inspectors and plan examiners in a variety of specialties, including the Certified Building Official (CBO) certification, for code compliance, and the Residential Building Inspector (RBI) certification, for home inspectors. In a few cases, there are no education or experience prerequisites, and certification consists of passing an examination in a designated field either at a regional location or online. In addition, Federal, State, and many local governments may require inspectors to pass a civil service exam. Being a member of a nationally recognized inspection association enhances employment opportunities and may be required by some employers. Because they advise builders and the general public on building codes, construction practices, and technical developments, construction and building inspectors must keep abreast of changes in these areas. Continuing education is imperative and is required by many States and certifying organizations. Numerous employers provide formal training to broaden inspectors’ knowledge of construction materials, practices, and techniques. Inspectors who work for small agencies or firms that do not conduct their own training programs can expand their knowledge and upgrade their skills by attending State-sponsored training programs, by taking college or correspondence courses, or by attending seminars and conferences sponsored by various related organizations, such as the ICC.

Question: I want to get in to CB radio? I work construction, and I am an Inspector. So shat I need is a radio but I dont want a huge whip hanging off the back of my pick up truck. I've also heard that the old radios are much more pwerful than the new one that they make today due to terrorism or some BS. Thats what a trucker told me once. What are my best options and what will it cost me?

Answer: Every CB antenna is exactly the same length, electrically. The short ones have coils of wire that make up the length so the whip doesn't have to be as long. There is very little difference among them as long as they are tuned correctly, which is done with an SWR meter. Adding an amplifier (linear) is actually illegal. It is also illegal to attempt to operate a CB over 20 miles. Like either of these are ever obeyed.

Question: Can I recover my earnest money on a newly costructed home due to a negative home inspection report? I submitted an offer on a home that was currently under construction when I submitted my earnst money deposit. I hired my own personal inspector who found numerous problems with the house and himself had concerns about the structural integrity of the home. Is there a way I can get my money back if no contingencies were stated in the contract?

Answer: The earnest money is returned to the buyer as long as the failure to close was due to contingencies included in the Contract to Purchase not being met or removed due to no fault of the buyer. Make sure you read your REPC(Real Estate Purchase Contract) in detail . http://www.lendermark.com

Question: Construction law...without going to school? I'm a 20 year licensed contractor in Los Angeles, Ca. holding five CSLB classifications including the very prestigious A-1 Engineering class, at this point in my life I would like to end the construction portion of the BIZ and learn as much as possible about construction law to be able to work along side of licensed construction attorney's investigating, inspecting and documenting alleged construction defects, contract breaches and other contractual disputed issues. I'm also a nationally certified (ICC) building and plumbing inspector (code inspector) with the same credentials as any city inspector and I have several other very credible Home Inspection credentials see my website at www.CAsafebuildings.com Books, on line classes, any idea to help me learn as much as possible about construction law as I continue to work and pay the bills. I'm hoping to outright end the construction BIZ before 2011 and set up as a 100% building and home inspector and investigator. Any and all advice shall be appreciated!!! Tony P. in Los Angeles, Ca. PLEASE GET ME STRAIGHT....I DO NOT WANT TO BECOME A LICENSED ATTORNEY, I WANT TO EDUCATE MYSELF TO PROPERLY COMMUNICATE WITH THE ATTORNEY'S AND BETTER UNDERSTAND ALL CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTION LAWS, I WANT 'CONSTRUCTION LAW' STUDY MATERIAL 'ESPECIALLY DEFENDING' MATERIALS WITHOUT GOING TO SCHOOL. THAT I CAN READ ON MY OWN TIME.

Answer: In the USA, to become a Lawyer, IF you go to school full-time: 1) Bachelor's degree - four years from a traditional college/university. 2) Study for LSAT. Take LSAT. 3) Law school - three MORE years. 4) Study for Bar Exam. Take Bar Exam in the state where you want to practice. 5) Pass the Character and Fitness Evaluation. Then you can practice Law. BUT........ 6) You still have to take classes/seminars etc. to obtain CEUs to keep your license to practice Law. (You aren't done with school!) Previous-poster "daaaave" is correct: You can't practice law without a law degree and a license to practice. daaaave has a good idea: If you are interested in the legal aspects of your work you should contact some construction law attorneys and offer your services as an expert witness. Experts can make great money and from the type of work you would like to do, it seems like it would be right up your alley. Choosing a career is one of life's most important and difficult decisions. We simply already have way too many Legal Professionals. ANd the legal profession is dramatically changing and is in absolute CRISIS!!! Job searching in this vocational field has changed >>DRAMATICALLY<< in the last five years. And, every year, more and more people graduate from law school, but there are fewer and fewer jobs. Even the largest and most reputable law firms are experiencing unprecedented cutbacks. I don't expect the situation to improve in the coming years..... Be aware of what you are proposing on getting yourself into. Please do more research first. Reminder: We are still in a World-wide Recession. Consider career paths that have available JOBS.<<<<< Even in a Recovery, there are some jobs that just won't return - the field of Law won't make a comeback. Warning> Jobs in the field of Law are drying up fast!! This is just not a good field to invest time and/or money into. This is a SHRINKING, crumbling, and dying vocational field. Many reasons. We now have computers. So, many people today (mistakenly) think they can do their own legal work, thanks to the Internet. Also, there are a lot of companies out there making very efficient legal software for the field of Law. Today's graduating lawyers tend to be very computer savvy, so they just do the work themselves to save themselves the cost of overhead. Also, the "Public" buys this legal software in order to get legal work done without the cost of an Attorney. Also, we simply already have way too many Legal Professionals - we have an absolute glut!! ("Legal Professionals" includes, but is not limited to: Attorneys/Lawyers, Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Bailiffs, Court Reporters, etc, etc) Sites like legalzoom.com have taken away work that many small-time attorneys/lawyers would do. The field of Law has a mystique that actually exceeds reality. The field of Law is an overrated career - mostly by television. There are many myths regarding the field of Law: working as a Lawyer is mentally challenging (Actually, most work as an attorney involves routine paperwork: research, cite checking, drafting documents, and document review. Attorneys need to write down and track every activity they do, all day long [in 6 to 15 minutes increments, depending on the billing system] - a painstaking but necessary task), being an attorney is thrilling, high-powered, and glamorous (remember: television is fiction - the fictional lawyers on TV are ACTORS - the majority of work that an attorney does, does not happen in a courtroom), law students think that because they are good at arguing they will become great attorneys (actually being a great attorney is more in one's ability to mediate between differing sides and bringing them to agreement), as a lawyer I can correct injustices (actually legal decisions are more about reaching compromises than about right vs. wrong), guaranteed financial success (actually when salaries are compared, you also need to account for cost-of living expenses [most large law firms are in large cities - the bigger the city, the more cost-of-living expenses will be], payment of debts accrued while attending law school, and time needed to build a client base. Many large law firms require lawyers to work 60-80 hours per week.). Cost of law school to be lawyer, approx $150,000+. Be prepared to take on a LOT of debt, if becoming an attorney is your "true", ultimate goal!!!<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< There are no jobs in this vocational field. My family, coworkers, friends, acqaintances, etc. have been laid off left and right in this vocational field. Employers (usually law firms) in the field of Law today want employees with degrees from traditional colleges/universities. Those "certificates" you see advertised aren't worth the paper they are printed on - they are generally scams. (I found this out the hard way.) Also, the law school's program needs to be accredited by the American Bar Association - if it isn't, you are just wasting your time/money. Even if you finish law school, you won't be able to find a job when you are done. Since this vocational field is shrinking, many new attorneys/lawyers are, themselves, having to work "down" as Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Bailiffs, Court Reporters, etc, etc, to simply try to keep some of their bills paid <that the job market/economy is just SATURATED with way too many Legal Professionals. Instead the schools will feed you a fairytale and will LIE to you. The root of the problem is we have too many law schools. We are in a recession, and the schools are fighting for their own survival - they will tell students anything to get to the students' money. (Which is why they won't tell you the truth about the job market for the field of Law.) And these schools continue to recruit and churn out even more graduates.............Remember: law schools are BUSINESSES - their top concern is making money for themselves. >>>>>THE MOST IMPORTANT THING (and I can't stress this enough>): You ESPECIALLY have to beware of the bogus, inflated law school salary/job stats given out by law schools AND by the U.S. Bureau of Labor!!!*****<<<<< If you don't believe me, then just do a SEARCH here on Yahoo Answers to see what other posters are saying about the current status of the field of Law. Call some local law firms - ask to speak to the Manager of Human Resources - ask them if they are hiring; ask them what they think about job availability in the field of Law.................. In the book "So You Want to be a Lawyer?" by Marianne Calabrese and Susanne Calabrese (ISBN 0-88391-136-1): "The United States has more lawyers than any other country in the world. About 38,000 students graduate >each year< from the 200+ law schools in the United States. The competition is very keen for jobs and clients." - Even Associate Justice Antonin Scalia (who served on the U.S. Supreme Court for more than 20 years) says there are too many lawyers. (9/14/2008) Check out these websites: http://informeddecisionmaking.blogspot.com http://calicocat.com/2004/08/law-school-big-lie.html http://abajournal.com/news/triplt_bad_news_for_law_students_three_firms_aX_summer_associate_programs/ http://abajournal.com/news/as_rio_tinto_saves_millions_other_corps_will_outsource_too_counsel_says/ http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/02/03/dont-try-to-dodge-the-recession-with-grad-school/ http://lawschoolscam.blogspot.com http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/02/another-view-lock-the-law-school-doors/?ref=business http://media.www.dailyorange.com/media/storage/paper522/news/2009/09/15/News/Law-Students.Face.Tough.Job.Market-3771810.shtml http://thirdtierreality.blogspot.com/ (A link to a website does not constitute endorsement.) If you want a job when you are done with your studies, consider and look into the fields of: >>>Healthcare, Information Technology, Law ENFORCEMENT, environmentalism, emergency planning, accounting, education, entertainment, utilities, home-car-commercial-industrial repairs, vice industries, clergy, and/or debt collection. I spoke to a career counselor from Jobs and Family Services, and HE told me that these areas are where the jobs are, and future job opportunities/availability....and scholarships. PLEASE DON'T YELL AT US!! WRITING IN ALL CAPITALS ON YAHOO ANSWERS IS CONSIDERED "YELLING" AND YOU MAY GET FLAMED FOR IT. We are just answering your question the best that we can with the limited amount of information that you have given us. That is no need to get defensive and start yellling at us. (This is based on my current knowledge, information, belief, and life experiences. This was intended as personal opinion, and not intended to be used as legal advice. Please be careful and do your research.)