Re: help needed for separate electrical inspections
I would like to buffer my last post by stating that the electrical inspection is not the most important inspection, they all are. After Hurricane Charley, it was very evident the need for good building codes and enforcement of those building codes.
When all was said and done, electrical related accidents were none existant, whereas structural and mechanical issues were the key issues. That seems obvious when dealing with wind and rain related destruction, but it was the little things that made the most impact. Signs, pool cages, sheds, a/c units, pool heaters, the list is endless of items and structures that were not inspected or not installed to specific codes standards that during the storm became projectiles that resulted in more damage and more debry to become free.
Funding is the key component. In my county, we seem to have a 5 year cycle of elevated drug use by minors. What is actually happening is attention and money is focused at the problem until it goes away. Then the funding stops because it appears to no longer be a problem. But the problem comes back because no one is paying attention to it. Again more attention starts being directed towards it and the cycle repeats.
The same will happen for the building industry in various communities. There will be a lack of fires or accidents relating to building and construction so it will be perceived as a lack of need for good inspections and code enforcement. But a few later when these structures start having problems, people will become concerned and start demanding better inspections and better codes. Its a horrible cycle.
I feel if education and training is sufficient, a person can be an effective "combination" inspector. In most cases however, the person should have an extensive skill set and experience with the particular trade they inspect. It's just not enough to only know the codes and what is or is not permitted to be done.