Notifications
Clear all

got denied for a permit—what would you do next?

673 Posts
595 Users
0 Reactions
8,437 Views
amandam47
Posts: 13
(@amandam47)
Active Member
Joined:

Had a similar experience when I was redoing my bathroom—inspector flagged the ventilation setup. At first I was like, seriously? But after tweaking it, the room felt way fresher and less humid. Funny how those little "annoyances" end up making things better overall...


Reply
Posts: 8
(@bearh13)
Active Member
Joined:

Had a client run into something similar recently—inspector flagged their bathroom venting as inadequate. Initially, they were pretty frustrated, but once we adjusted the setup, the difference was noticeable almost immediately. Proper ventilation isn't just about passing inspection; it genuinely improves air quality and protects your finishes from moisture damage over time. If your permit got denied, I'd recommend carefully reviewing the inspector's notes and addressing each point methodically. Sometimes it's tempting to see these requirements as nitpicky, but they're usually rooted in practical reasons. If you're unsure about specifics, don't hesitate to reach out directly to the inspector or your local building department—they're typically willing to clarify what's needed. A little patience and attention to detail now can save you headaches (and money) down the road...


Reply
fitness118
Posts: 17
(@fitness118)
Active Member
Joined:

"Sometimes it's tempting to see these requirements as nitpicky, but they're usually rooted in practical reasons."

I get where you're coming from, but honestly, I've seen cases where inspectors can be overly cautious or sticklers for outdated codes. Had a project last year where the inspector flagged our eco-friendly greywater system as "non-standard," even though it was perfectly safe and sustainable. We ended up having to provide extra documentation and examples from other jurisdictions. So yeah, patience helps—but don't hesitate to respectfully push back if something seems off or outdated...


Reply
cooperd20
Posts: 16
(@cooperd20)
Active Member
Joined:

I see your point, but sometimes inspectors flag things because they're genuinely unfamiliar with newer tech or methods, not necessarily because they're being overly cautious or outdated. A few months back, I had a client who wanted to use reclaimed wood paneling from an old barn for an accent wall. The inspector initially denied it, citing fire safety concerns. At first, we thought it was just nitpicking, but after chatting with him, we realized he just wasn't familiar with the specific fire-retardant treatment we'd used. Once we walked him through the details and provided some clear documentation, he was totally on board.

My advice would be to approach these situations as opportunities for education rather than confrontation. If you calmly walk them through your reasoning step-by-step and provide clear documentation or examples, most inspectors I've dealt with tend to come around. It takes a bit more effort upfront, sure—but it usually pays off in the end.


Reply
Posts: 6
(@rachel_williams)
Active Member
Joined:

Totally agree about keeping things educational rather than confrontational. Inspectors are human too—sometimes they just need a little extra info. I've found that patience (and snacks 😂) usually smooth things over pretty quickly. Hang in there, you'll get it sorted!


Reply
Page 81 / 135
Share:
Scroll to Top