I hear you on the inspectors being stuck in the past—ran into the same thing with a green roof install last spring. They wanted me to use a type of root barrier that’s been phased out by most manufacturers. I ended up printing out a stack of spec sheets and just kept pushing until they finally relented, but it took weeks. Honestly, sometimes I think showing up organized with photos and documentation helps, but it’s a toss-up whether you get someone reasonable or someone who’s just checking boxes. The paperwork for variances is brutal, too—by the time you get approval, you could’ve reroofed twice.
Honestly, sometimes I think showing up organized with photos and documentation helps, but it’s a toss-up whether you get someone reasonable or someone who’s just checking boxes.
I get where you’re coming from, but have you ever tried looping in the inspector early—like before you even submit the paperwork? I’ve had a couple situations where just asking them what they’d want to see upfront saved me some headaches. Not saying it always works (some folks are just rigid), but sometimes they’ll tip you off about what’ll fly and what won’t. It’s still a pain, but maybe less of one?
just asking them what they’d want to see upfront saved me some headaches
That’s a smart move. I’ve noticed some inspectors are way more open to talking things through than others—sometimes you get a real stickler, but other times they’ll actually walk you through the gray areas if you ask. Ever had one change their mind after seeing your prep work? I’ve seen that happen, though not every time. It’s a bit of a gamble, but being proactive seems to tip the odds in your favor more often than not.
I had an inspector totally flip-flop on me once—at first, he was all business, barely said a word, then when I showed him my drainage setup and labeled everything, suddenly he was pointing out “bonus points” spots I hadn’t even thought of. Other times? Nope. One guy basically had his mind made up before he even got out of the truck. Guess it’s just luck of the draw... but yeah, having your stuff ready to show off definitely doesn’t hurt.
Had a similar thing happen when I did my solar install—one inspector barely glanced at my setup, the next wanted to see every label and wire. I started keeping a binder with photos and permits handy, just in case. Makes things smoother, but yeah, sometimes it’s just who you get.
