Inspectors recommending contractors

Timberwright · 01-24-2009, 03:33 PM

I have moved to the beautiful northwest to discover the building inspection department making recommendations on who to hire. Does anyone else run into this problem? I think that it is highly unethical.

**Termite** · 01-24-2009, 06:18 PM

I'm a city inspector and I find that INCREDIBLY UNETHICAL. I don't even like to take a bottle of water from a builder on a hot day because I don't like for there even to be a remote possibility of conflict of interest. I often get calls from residents asking for recommendations. I don't give them, but will let people know if the contractor they're asking about does good work in my opinion or not. I have to be very careful not to slander anyone or recommend anyone.

Christmas can be very complicated as well...Many builders will want to give food or gifts to the inspector (most out of the goodness of their hearts), and we have to be very careful with how that can be perceived.

You're certainly not obligated to follow their "recommendation". If it becomes an issue, I assure you that a call to the mayor, council or city manager's office will put a quick stop to it.

**Termite** · 01-24-2009, 06:22 PM

Fact is that there are actually inspectors without ethics just like there are builders and other people without ethics. The inspector might have the builder or subcontractor's interests in mind (some sort of shady arrangement).

Or...

He might be trying to recommend someone who just does really good work to you for your benefit. Although he needs an ethics lesson, there might not be any potential for gain on his part and his desire to help is just a little out of control.

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 01-24-2009, 06:28 PM

I'm with KCT. A building Inspector recommending a specific Contractor is a complete conflict of interest. It's an unethical practice. Most newspapers would have a field day with that....unless someone at the local papers is getting a payoff (too)....