Originally Posted By: Ed Griffin This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
In training, I was taught not to cite references for discrepencies encountered during inspections, yet I seem to hear many people refer to codes. To what extent should I rely on international, national, state, and local codes? Should I obtain copies of each code?
Originally Posted By: staylor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ed,
Florida has adopted the Florida Building Codes which include building, plumbing, mechanical, and fuel gas. They also have the Florida fire codeand they use the N.E.C. for electrical. As for citing codes, I would try to stay away from that unless you have the Florida certifcations. If you do cite codes, I would recommend getting the certifications and having the copies of the code to support your position. This could be particluarly useful in new construction monitoring. Good luck
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ed,
Stay away from code references. Observe & Report to stay out of Court.
These codes are mentioned on this board just to give affirmation to the local and national set standards.
Originally Posted By: rwills This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ed, We refer to codes here in discussion because HI’s should be knowledgeable of them, at least, the more common ones however, we never, or at least most, don’t reference them in the reports we produce.
Originally Posted By: ekartal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ed,
An example would be not to cite code if balusters are more than 4'' a part. Describe as a safety concern for young children. Most code violations are due to safety related issues.
Originally Posted By: hgordon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Ed,
You have touched on a very important subject...one that we HI's go out of our way to get across to our clients, this is not a Code Inspection but a Visual Inspection, however, in many cases you will be confronted by the all knowing GC or Builder who will try to say that they build to code...Here you will need to be able to know wether the "call" you are making is a "code" call where the builder and/or GC failed to comply, since they will try to discredit you.
I must strongly advise you to know what you are "calling out" and be able to back up your call. To state that there is no GFCI in the bathroom when the home is 40 years old may not be the wrong call IF the bathroom has been substantially renovated in the last 30 years...but if not, it would simply be a "suggested improvement".
Those who discuss codes here do it as "education" and to be sure that they are making valid "calls".
I stand with the NACHI SOP's when it states that a HI is not required to cite Codes. Remember that you are conducting a VISUAL inspection, not a CODE COMPLIANCE inspection!
Realize that when you create your report based on codes you may one day have to stand before the Judge hear "but you were stating code on the GFCI's, how did you not call out the code violation that caused...."
As far as citing "code"...do as suggested...JUST SAY NO!! But know your code as it relates to your "call".