First, let’s get rid of a common myth: bribery. “Buying off” building inspectors supposedly occurs, but in 25 years of building locally I have heard of only a single example — a Reno inspector who was subsequently fired.
In Sparks the integrity of the inspectors is complete. Never once have I heard of even a hint of such corruption. So put such myths out of your head. Such practices may go on elsewhere, but not here.
Building inspectors enforce “codes,” basically the bible of how things are supposed to be built. Codes are also like the bible in that they are frequently filled with all sorts of passages not easily understood. Each trade — heating, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and so forth — has its own code and the inspectors must know them all. In larger municipalities they sometimes have specialty inspectors (for example, an electrical inspector exclusively) but here a single inspector generally handles all trades. It’s actually a very tough job if done right.
A significant tightening of standards has occurred here in Sparks in the last 15 or so years, and consequently the quality of the work has gone up.
At an earlier time some inspectors were rather lackadaisical about portions of their job and some shoddy work got by, but no longer. If you have purchased a home built in Sparks in the last decade and a half, it has been carefully inspected — you can count on it.
Some of this has to do with lawsuits and homeowners hiring private inspectors, but much has to do with attitude.
I witnessed this change myself. A new inspector showed up one day, and to my amazement he did something never heard of before: He actually crawled under the building and double checked everything. It was a milestone moment. Now such practices are routine. I had not met this particular inspector previously, and his thoroughness, while initially annoying, was an absolute blessing in the long run. My men and I knew everything had to be in complete compliance with the code and any “cutting of corners” was quickly a practice of the past.
The new guy I mention is today the chief inspector for the city of Sparks, Lee Miles. I am not sure if Lee should get exclusive credit for the changes, but from that moment right up to today this thoroughness remains. The quality of construction overall went way up. And Sparks had until recently a bunch of inspectors — I think they peaked at about 20 or so — who really knew their job. Today, reflecting the dramatic decline, Sparks has only a token crew left; numerous well-trained men got laid off with the collapse of the local construction industry.
To the uninitiated the whole process, from getting a permit right down to the final inspection, is a bit of a mystery and a confusing maze. Through it all keep in mind the inspectors are really your best friend. Inspectors are a vital protection for property owners and are a check on the fly-by-night types. They are authority figures who ensure the work is done right. Working with inspectors, asking questions, making sure your own work is in compliance with the codes is a protection for the worker, of both your craftsmanship and reputation. For the owner they ensure your property is constructed with high standards and proper protections. And for someone buying property it provides peace of mind.
If you are working with someone in construction and they have nothing but contempt for inspectors, watch out. The contempt you hear expressed comes from individuals who have not learned the intricacies of their particular trade. They resent being reminded of their own inadequacies and being forced to do things right.
Bottom line: Inspectors are the field agents for quality control. If you want to do substandard work and are willing to settle for junk, by all means avoid them. But for those of you who appreciate quality and expect reasonable standards to be followed they are your advocates. And Sparks residents are fortunate to have some of the very best.
Ira Hansen is a lifelong resident of Sparks and owner of Ira Hansen and Sons Plumbing.
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