I have just finished writing a list of points I want a Building Inspector (specifically, an electrical inspector) to deal with when I call him later this morning. He accepts calls only from 7-8 a.m. As president of my Condominium, I am acting as the contact person and I am listed on the $500.00 Violations ticket he issued to me as co-conspirator with Building “G”, (my Condominium). He has cited our building along with seven unit owners who have had work done on their Air-Conditioners and that work has been found wanting. It is complicated because not only this inspector, but PIONEER ROOFING, INC., has a contract with the building and the individual unit owners that have violated that contract.
This may seem bizarre and you are asking, why are you reading about my complaints while I live in the Sunshine State where life is easy and except for the rainy season, the sun shines every day on roofs, air-conditioners and unprotected skin? The reason why you are reading about this is because I have just finished writing a two page list of points and questions I am to put to this building inspector who has been pictured by an electrical contractor who has just finished speaking with him, as the toughest in the state. This is one page more than the usual THINKING ALLOWED I churn out each morning. I used the time to write questions to this inspector so I will not become tongue-tied when I speak with him in about five minutes.
Living here in South Florida has become complicated because of Hurricane Andrew. Before that tropical incident people in South Florida pretty much ignored building codes and got away with having the cheapest job done on repairs and installations by aspiring contractors (all unlicensed) just off the boat from South America. They remind me of the man who built our last house. He was a carpet installer who one day felt that he was a house builder. He had a sign painted that said he was a master builder. He put this sign up on a telephone pole and read it. He said, “Look at that! That sign says I am a master builder. I can build houses.” He believed the sign and made an agreement with me to build my dream house in New Jersey. This is pretty much how contractors are spawned in South Florida
The time has come and passed for me to call that Inspector. I called, reached him and told him my list of questions and he gave me answers, none of which are written in stone and when we meet on the roof of 7th Moorings, I will learn the extent of my culpability and the depth of my building’s crimes against Miami/Dade County.
The power of Inspectors is legend and this one can find other, new violations if he is of a mind to do so. He also can make our troubles go away - but we shall see.