I get what you’re saying about transparency, but honestly, I’ve had it backfire a couple times. Last year, I brought in a stack of old blueprints and photos for our 1920s porch restoration, thinking it’d help. The inspector got so bogged down in the details, he started questioning stuff that wasn’t even part of the project. Sometimes I wonder if less is more, especially with these older homes where nothing’s ever “to code” by modern standards. It’s a bit of a gamble either way, isn’t it?
Totally get it—sometimes showing too much just opens a can of worms. I once had an inspector ask about knob-and-tube wiring in a wall we weren’t even touching... Next time, I’m bringing only what’s absolutely necessary. These old houses are full of “surprises,” right?
I once had an inspector ask about knob-and-tube wiring in a wall we weren’t even touching...
That’s classic. I’ve had similar—had a guy want to see the crawlspace “just in case” there was old plumbing, even though our permit was for a second-floor bath. Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Only demo what’s needed for inspection, nothing extra.
- Keep plans and photos handy, but don’t volunteer more than asked.
- If they spot something unrelated, politely remind them what’s in scope per the permit.
Old houses are a minefield. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles and hope you don’t uncover another mess.
Honestly, inspectors seem to have a sixth sense for finding the weirdest stuff.
Couldn’t agree more—sometimes I feel like I’m on an archaeological dig, not a reno. I’ve had one ask about asbestos in a ceiling we weren’t even touching. Your tip about not demo’ing extra is spot on. Less they see, less they ask, right? Still, every now and then you get that one inspector who just wants to poke around... part of the fun, I guess.Old houses are a minefield.
It’s wild how every inspector seems to have their own pet peeves. I swear, in my place, one guy was obsessed with knob-and-tube wiring—kept poking at walls like he was hoping to find buried treasure. I get wanting things up to code, but sometimes it feels like they’re just looking for a reason to write something up. I do think being upfront about what you’re actually touching helps, though... no need to invite extra scrutiny if you don’t have to.