I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, sometimes folks overthink what inspectors are looking for. I’ve seen people stress about the tiniest trim detail, but if it’s not a code issue or safety thing, most of us aren’t losing sleep over it. That said, having your paperwork in order is never a bad move—saves everyone a headache if something does come up. Still, I wish there was more consistency across the board... some days it feels like we’re all playing by different rulebooks.
Had an inspector once who was convinced my place was built in the 60s, even though it’s barely old enough to rent a car. He kept poking at the baseboards and muttering about “original craftsmanship.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him they were just cheap replacements from the big box store down the road. Guess a little scuffed paint and some creaky floors can really sell the vintage vibe.
I totally get what you mean about consistency, though. One guy flagged my handrail for being “too wobbly,” but the next one said it had “character.” Meanwhile, I’m just hoping nobody notices the patch job behind the fridge. Paperwork definitely helps, but sometimes it feels like you need a decoder ring just to figure out what’ll matter on any given day.
At this point, I just cross my fingers and hope for an inspector who’s more into big-picture stuff than counting nail holes in the trim.
The “original craftsmanship” line cracks me up. I had a guy once who spent half an hour tapping on my roof deck like he was listening for Morse code, convinced it was cedar shakes under there (it’s just plywood and asphalt, but hey, let a guy dream). Inspectors definitely have their own quirks.
Honestly, I’ve learned to keep a folder of receipts and photos for every little thing, even if it’s just swapping out a vent cap or patching a leak. Not that it always helps—one inspector flagged my gutters for “historic sagging,” whatever that means. Another barely looked up from his clipboard.
If it makes you feel any better, I’ve seen houses with brand new roofs get written up for “weathered appearance” just because the shingles were a darker color than expected. Sometimes you just gotta roll with it and hope the next one’s more interested in actual leaks than the color of your flashing.
- Had an inspector once who swore my “vintage” ridge vent was original to the house—problem is, the house was built in 2004 and the vent’s from 2018. Guess faded plastic looks historic if you squint hard enough.
- I keep a binder of receipts too, but half the time they just flip through it like they’re hunting for a coupon, not proof I replaced half the roof after that hailstorm.
- “Historic sagging” is a new one for me. I’ve heard “characterful weathering” and “patina of age,” but sagging? That’s just gravity doing its thing.
- Had a client get flagged for “excessive granule loss” on a roof that was literally installed two weeks before. Turns out, the inspector didn’t realize new shingles shed a bit at first. Go figure.
- Sometimes I think they’re just looking for something—anything—to write down so it looks like they did more than check their phone.
- At this point, I just hope they don’t start rating my gutters for “vintage charm” or my downspouts for “period authenticity.”
I swear, some inspectors see a little dust or sun-fading and suddenly think everything’s from the 1800s. Had one try to tell me my replacement windows were “original craftsmanship”—they’re barely six years old and the stickers are still on the inside. I keep all my paperwork too, but half the time it feels like a waste since nobody actually reads it. At this rate, I’m expecting them to call my water heater “antique” next time just because it’s not shiny anymore.
