I went out on a service call the other day to a small restaurant that had one of the poorest craftsmanship and overall build out I've seen in a long time. This mall is a nice, larger mall so to see something like this was very disappointing. The mall provides the shell with a 480/277 service to a panel board and then has a ceiling mounted step down transformer to 120/208 200amp panel board, HVAC has gas heating and electric A/C, and a basic bathroom. So you can see the wiring method that was used on the shell which is done very nicely and then you can see the hacks that did the build out. I couldn't believe this was permitted and actually passed any inspections as there was so many issues like: sharing neutrals and indicated in the panel, track lighting was suspended by chain only (so if you tried to put in a light bulb you have 4'+ sections of track swing around) our State enforces energy code and the contractor submitted a energy worksheet for the lighting but what was installed is not even close to the plans and everything had incandescent lamps to boot, M/C cable was not secured in the 2 screw connectors and at one point shorted out and melted through the connector, some residential receptacles where installed (I'm not sure if the code says anything about this, but even if it doesn't come on really??) track lights had the ends cut off and no end caps where installed and the copper leads that run in the track lights are coming out and at one spot about ready to hit some metal bracing, a time-clock was installed most likely for signage but it was basically mounted on the floor on this bump out and you could barely open the door, the existing 480/277 panel before had 6"+ on the side of the cover and now they build a new wall and the cover is basically 1/8" into the drywall which you still can open it after I cut out the paint and crap, but still why?? I know some of these issues might not be a total code violation, but the inspector should of failed them on so many things that are not to code. The owner of the business is willing to pay us to fix all the problems and they need additional circuits added because they only installed 2 - 20amp circuits for all the kitchen appliances that are not built in, but shown on the plans so they are tripping breakers like crazy. Has anyone ever called out the City Inspector and brought up code violations and asked why they passed it off or something like this to hopefully help the business owner get something fixed or get some money back? When I found out what was paid to the GC I about fell over for what was done and I know its between the GC and the EC and the other subs, but how does someone go about addressing this? We don't need GC or EC around that would do this type of work as they cause more issues for the guys that actually care and do decent work and have pride in their work.
This one of my many reason with the Government that issues permits and inspectors that don't do their job one day and then the next day they will beat down/fail a quality install over the dumbest things. I wish the whole permitting process was changed, but that's a whole topic on its own. I would like to hear some feedback from someone that has seem someone deal with something like this in the past or current. Please don't tell me its not my business and this is between the customer and the GC because the customer has hired us to fix the issues and also help consult with all the issues that we are seeing while adding the additional circuits which is basically coming to re-wiring the business.
This one of my many reason with the Government that issues permits and inspectors that don't do their job one day and then the next day they will beat down/fail a quality install over the dumbest things. I wish the whole permitting process was changed, but that's a whole topic on its own. I would like to hear some feedback from someone that has seem someone deal with something like this in the past or current. Please don't tell me its not my business and this is between the customer and the GC because the customer has hired us to fix the issues and also help consult with all the issues that we are seeing while adding the additional circuits which is basically coming to re-wiring the business.
