DIYbanter - View Single Post

T. McQuinn

wrote:
On Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:55:32 -0400, "T. McQuinn"
wrote:

I'd be very careful to conceal what you're doing. If it does violate
the codes, you're in big trouble. You do know that the Bush
administration passed a bill allowing building inspectors to cut the
testicles off homeowners who violate federal and/or local codes.

Yeah, I know, it sounded a bit paranoid. But I don't keep up with every
code change and I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask. I don't fear the
government half as much as the insurance company! I just want my stuff
in compliance with the code!

Long ago I was at a party and met an electrical inspector. I didn't
think he would want to talk about business but he surprised me. I had a
bunch of questions about keeping in compliance and he answered every one
of them. What surprised me the most was the old work/new work stuff he
taught me (don't have to worry about stapling to the studs when fishing
a new wire in an existing wall, etc.). I was wanting to get rid of a
bunch of old knob and tube and was hung up on a lot of little nits
because most of what I had learned had been in new construction.
Anyway, the thing I never forgot was him telling me that he never, ever
wanted to get in the way of someone trying to improve their service to
modern standards. He was not there to discourage improvements, only to
ensure that the work was safe and of reasonable quality.