Proper Use of H1 (Homeowner Waiting) Inspections
H1 inspections are a special residential inspection that can be utilized when the inspector needs access to the home to complete the inspection. Since these inspections require the homeowner to be on-site, we give H1 inspections our highest priority, to minimize the impact on the homeowner’s daily life, such as the need to take time off work. Residential contractors must request these inspections, but the inspector will coordinate with the homeowner (our online system will prompt the contractor to enter the homeowner’s contact information). This service should only be used for work that needs to be inspected inside the home, such as an HVAC changeout, or wiring inside the home. The normal procedure for H1 inspections is as follows:
- A contractor completes his work and requests an inspection using the H1 program with a preferred inspection date.
- Our inspector contacts the homeowner to determine what time of day works best for the homeowner -- usually within a two-hour window.
- The inspector contacts the homeowner when he is within 30 minutes of arrival.
With this service, there is no need for homeowners to wait at home all day.
Requirements for H1 Inspections
We are pleased that H1 inspections are helpful to our customers, but they are only appropriate under certain circumstances. They should not be used when the inspector does not need access to the interior of the home to complete the inspection, nor should they be used if the homeowner would normally be home during regular business hours. They should not be used when the inspector will be meeting the contractor, instead of the homeowner. In all of the above circumstances, a “regular” inspection should be scheduled. This ensures that we have the staff resources to continue to provide the H1 service to our homeowner customers. Questions about H1 inspections? Contact Residential Inspections Team Manager Jeff Griffin.
General Inspections Readiness Tips for Contractors
No doubt about it – a failed inspection is frustrating for everyone involved. Our code officials want our contractor customers to have successful inspections when the work is code-compliant. Each project is unique, but there are a few general guidelines to help ensure your inspections go smoothly:
- Be familiar with the applicable codes. Our inspectors check for compliance with state building codes. The more familiar our customers are with the codes as they build, the more likely the work will be in compliance.
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Don’t schedule the inspection until you’re ready. Schedules are always tight, so it’s tempting to schedule an inspection when the work is not yet complete, but you anticipate it will be by the time our inspector arrives. Weather, arrival of materials on site, worker absenteeism, and many other factors beyond your control can affect your ability to complete the work as anticipated. Plus, our inspector may show up earlier than expected if he is already in the area – we strive to be gas- and time-efficient. Our recommendation is to schedule the inspection only when you are ready. Remember, inspections scheduled before 7 a.m. will be on the inspector’s itinerary for the same day, and inspections scheduled after 7 a.m. will be on the next day’s itinerary. Most of our inspections are responded to within two days.
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Have someone walk the job prior to our arrival. A fresh set of eyes can be helpful in spotting things you might otherwise miss. When you’re ready for inspection, have another supervisor, manager, foreman, or anyone with code knowledge walk the job and think like an inspector. You may be surprised at how beneficial this can be.
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