# Tips for dealing with a challenging building inspector

> We have inspector who needs to check, recheck everything. It’s exhausting. Looking for advice…. Please help!

- URL: https://essential.construction/exchange/question/tips-for-dealing-with-a-challenging-building-inspector/
- Publisher: Essential Construction (https://essential.construction/)
- Last updated: 2023-04-20

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We have inspector who needs to check, recheck everything. It’s exhausting. Looking for advice…. Please help!

## Answers

### Answer 1

We've all had one. A few things that make it easier:

- **Pre-inspect everything.** Walk the work with your trade before the inspector shows up and fix the obvious items. Fewer findings means fewer return visits.
- **Have the paperwork ready.** Approved drawings, engineer letters, test reports and product data on site, organised and easy to hand over.
- **Walk with them.** Be there for the inspection, take notes and answer questions on the spot.
- **Ask for the code reference.** Politely ask which code section each deficiency relates to, and get the list in writing. It keeps things objective and helps you fix it right the first time.
- **Book properly.** Use a formal [request for inspection](https://essential.construction/files/construction/safety/inspections/request-for-inspection-2/) so it's clear what's ready to be inspected and what isn't.
- **Escalate only if needed.** If requirements go beyond the code, have a calm conversation with the chief building official. Keep it professional, as you'll likely see that inspector again.

Most of the time a thorough inspector is just being careful. Making their job easy usually speeds things up.