November 13th, 2008

I hate to complain, really everything has gone so well. But we had a little inspector issue on Wednesday. Not that anything is wrong with the house, but something was very wrong in the way the discussion went. I admit to being ignorant about building and needing help knowing all the details of what yet needs to be completed. Some things are obvious: plumbing, heating vents, outlets, light fixtures, flooring. And I am even happy to say I realize we need to grade the yard for proper drainage and install gutters. Everything is in the process or on the schedule. But Mr. Inspector really threw me for a loop! Completely uncooperative. He was just having a downright rude morning. Wouldn't look at anything beyond the first question he had for the plumber. Started questioning what piping was in the ground, (which has been covered for months at his ok). Talking like he was suspicious that we were trying to hide something or not build to code. In discussing the electrical with Ventura's best electrician, there was no discussion allowed. Hmmm... we were his first stop and nothing was in his way when he got there. So what's a Plum to do? Its one thing to be rude to me, I take it quite differently when he is rude to people that are working hard for us. Looking back I wish I had just ended the meeting right away and stood up for respect and decency on our own property. So...off to the county to ask for help. #1 How should I best deal with this inspector who holds our house in his hands? #2 How can I find out all the things that are less obvious, but need to be done to get our final approval? Can I just say that Joe Martinez at Ventura County Building and Safety was so VERY helpful and is going to work with us to resolve everything. Boy we can get caught up in criticizing our government offices, so let me just balance the scale a bit and say everyone was wonderfully helpful. So we are back on track, discouragement overpowered by help and hope! And as "Bob the Builder" would say..."can we build it? YES WE CAN!"