Actually the permitting and review process is just as important as the actual inspection. It is here, that I have the most questions and advice before things get done incorrectly. I make you aware I will be reviewing the manufacture specs on the stove and liner. I tell you the cross-sectional code and how it applies to your situation. If your stove needs 18” in front of the loading door that’s what I expect to find. If your liner requires insulation per manufactures specs, I expect to confirm that during the inspection. Better than 90% of installations pass when an appointment is made and your installation is discussed in full. Makes my job so much easier. But these are ideal situations. I also require a full inspection report on chimneys over 10 years old and cleaning report I also request a copy of the contract to determine what is being installed.
What usually happens is, the permit is pulled after the installation is done? Usually pulled outside my office hours by the homeowner who is clueless as to the process. Most of the time the application is partially filled out, as he or she cannot answer the questions. Incomplete documentation, no specs on the liner, model or even brand. I believe the store,that subcontracts out the install should be obtaining the permit. Every manual states permitting and code compliance. They have to by law. There is no excuse from the storeowner or licensed installer, of not knowing the requirements. Have they not read page one of the manual of the product they are selling?. The Store or subcontractor is the one most qualified to know the product they install, so therefore know what is required to fill out an application. You the homeowner, do you know the installers license number? Do you know his liability insurance and workman’s comp carriers? Then why do you leave this responsibility up to the homeowner? Lazy can’t take the time could care less
Hopefully the workmanship and product support does not follow this same attitude.
It is the inspections that have already been installed; I have the most problems with. One, fire place inserts, I require the surround to be removed prior to inspection,, so I can see the critical connection point the flue collar and vent. I also can see the damper block off.
I have a few tool to assist me. Powerful flash light, telescoping dental mirror, ruler and a bore scope. The bore scope allows me to slide it up into the chimney cavity by the damper plate, to examine the existing flues and the liner. I cannot tell the many surprises this tool has uncovered. Like incomplete liners, disconnected joints, incomplete insulation of the liner, damaged liners gaping holes in the liners. Clay tiles cracked, and cresote build up just to name a few things I have discovered. Every time the installer questions how I know or how I uncovered my findings. Because of this diligence, every regular installer knows little gets by my inspections. They now all know I have the bore scope and mirrors. Once they had to do recall work a few times, they have learned it is easier to do it right the first time. Most homeowners have also taken my advice to hold final payment till the installation passes inspections. I have been there with both the installers and homeowners telling things are ok and to pay the installers. Usually they get paid immediately and all walk out mission accomplished.
It has taken a while to work the bugs out. I am in constant communication with the local retailers and installers. A mutual trust has formed. They know where I am coming from and the same respect from me. The playing field has been leveled, everybody is on the same page. The system works rather well. They have blank applications and do not have to run to my office for conferences every stove installation. I get complete documentation faxed in. It works as a two way street. Many times I am asked to recommend installers or retailers. Naturally I can’t select one. I must include as many as I can. I give the homeowner a list of licensed installers, but what I can do is place the order where they appear on the list. Most homeowner will call the first 3 names at the top of the list. In a way, I get them more work and the store more sales. I am a firm believer that good work has rewards, as does good service. No I do not tell them how I order the list. Finally I address the measurements to combustibles and if required the heath pad or extension. No, Inspectors do not carry ladders. They are not required to climb your roof.
The towns do not insure for that use nor, do they expect inspectors to be on your roof
If I suspect something out of wack, Time to reach in the truck for the bino’s
Part of requesting complete documentation is required but a service when one sells their home. Yeah 233 West street has a Quadra fire 4100i insert with a full insulated Homesaver liner Ul 103 approved with a certificate of inspections. Do you need a copy?
What usually happens is, the permit is pulled after the installation is done? Usually pulled outside my office hours by the homeowner who is clueless as to the process. Most of the time the application is partially filled out, as he or she cannot answer the questions. Incomplete documentation, no specs on the liner, model or even brand. I believe the store,that subcontracts out the install should be obtaining the permit. Every manual states permitting and code compliance. They have to by law. There is no excuse from the storeowner or licensed installer, of not knowing the requirements. Have they not read page one of the manual of the product they are selling?. The Store or subcontractor is the one most qualified to know the product they install, so therefore know what is required to fill out an application. You the homeowner, do you know the installers license number? Do you know his liability insurance and workman’s comp carriers? Then why do you leave this responsibility up to the homeowner? Lazy can’t take the time could care less
Hopefully the workmanship and product support does not follow this same attitude.
It is the inspections that have already been installed; I have the most problems with. One, fire place inserts, I require the surround to be removed prior to inspection,, so I can see the critical connection point the flue collar and vent. I also can see the damper block off.
I have a few tool to assist me. Powerful flash light, telescoping dental mirror, ruler and a bore scope. The bore scope allows me to slide it up into the chimney cavity by the damper plate, to examine the existing flues and the liner. I cannot tell the many surprises this tool has uncovered. Like incomplete liners, disconnected joints, incomplete insulation of the liner, damaged liners gaping holes in the liners. Clay tiles cracked, and cresote build up just to name a few things I have discovered. Every time the installer questions how I know or how I uncovered my findings. Because of this diligence, every regular installer knows little gets by my inspections. They now all know I have the bore scope and mirrors. Once they had to do recall work a few times, they have learned it is easier to do it right the first time. Most homeowners have also taken my advice to hold final payment till the installation passes inspections. I have been there with both the installers and homeowners telling things are ok and to pay the installers. Usually they get paid immediately and all walk out mission accomplished.
It has taken a while to work the bugs out. I am in constant communication with the local retailers and installers. A mutual trust has formed. They know where I am coming from and the same respect from me. The playing field has been leveled, everybody is on the same page. The system works rather well. They have blank applications and do not have to run to my office for conferences every stove installation. I get complete documentation faxed in. It works as a two way street. Many times I am asked to recommend installers or retailers. Naturally I can’t select one. I must include as many as I can. I give the homeowner a list of licensed installers, but what I can do is place the order where they appear on the list. Most homeowner will call the first 3 names at the top of the list. In a way, I get them more work and the store more sales. I am a firm believer that good work has rewards, as does good service. No I do not tell them how I order the list. Finally I address the measurements to combustibles and if required the heath pad or extension. No, Inspectors do not carry ladders. They are not required to climb your roof.
The towns do not insure for that use nor, do they expect inspectors to be on your roof
If I suspect something out of wack, Time to reach in the truck for the bino’s
Part of requesting complete documentation is required but a service when one sells their home. Yeah 233 West street has a Quadra fire 4100i insert with a full insulated Homesaver liner Ul 103 approved with a certificate of inspections. Do you need a copy?
