Austin American-Statesman Homes Section - April 24, 2005

Who is responsible for inspecting my home while it is being built?

Building a custom home is a manufacturing experience like no other. Surrounding yourself with a team of professionals is critical to the success of the project. In most manufacturing processes, inspectors are used throughout and it's the same in the home building business. When building in some areas, most inspections are a given; however, there are some communities in which no inspections are required. Mistakes can happen, and having another set of eyes reviewing the project protects the homeowner, builder and their trades.

Don't mistake the inspections your lender makes as inspections that will identify code violations or quality construction. These inspections only verify level of completion and approvals of draws. For example, if the foundation is poured, the inspector signs off and the draw is approved. At each draw request, the bank does another inspection.

When the city or a third-party inspector conducts the inspections, the inspector will make sure the home is built in compliance with the International Residential Building Code (IRC) or the local applicable Code.

Hire a builder who makes it a point to hire a third-party inspector when he is building in areas that don't require inspections. It will add a small amount to the bottom line cost of your home, but in the end, it is money well spent.

Our expert: Joel B. Katz, CPA, GMB, President of, Katz Builders, Inc., has been specializing in luxury custom home building and custom remodeling in Austin for more then 22 years. Among some of his professional accolades: Certified by the National Association of Home Builders as a Graduate Master Builder and a NAHB Trainer in Business Accounting and Estimating. Katz also co-authored the book "First Things First - Laying the Foundation." For more information, visit www.KatzBuilders.com.