fail electrical inspection

Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 1 vote

Hi everyone,

I just bought my first row home that was built around 1920's in Philadelphia. Planning to learn fix and flip or turn it to a rental after I stay there for a year or so.

My licensed electrician friend and his workers are helping me update the electrical wiring of the house. Electrical permit was pulled. The rough inspection was failed. After we have corrected everything on the list from the 1st inspector, the electrician requested another inspector from the same company to do the 2nd inspection. The second inspector reinspected the house like a new inspection and failed even more stuffs. The electrician said he could have a new company to do the 3rd inspection. I told him not to do that. I am afraid it will create more problem.

How should I handle this situation? Please help!!!

Mun

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Christopher Phillips

Real Estate Agent · Garden City, NY · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes

@Mun Mak.

Why didn't he have the original inspector come back and look at it? Doesn't make sense.

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Christopher Phillips
Real Estate Agent · Garden City, NY · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
@Mun Mak.
Why didn't he have the original inspector come back and look at it? Doesn't make sense.
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JD MartinBusiness Member
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Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
9y
Doesn't make sense to me either. Also, an experienced, licensed electrician that's familiar with working in your municipality should virtually never fail a rough-in inspection. Has your friend ever worked in Philadelphia before? The only rough-in inspection I ever had fail was on a house that I did all of the work myself (the county allows the owner to work on electrical systems without being licensed), and even that fail was only a couple of minor issues that I just didn't know because I'm not a licensed electrician.
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Mark Redmann
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2013 · 177 posts · 80 votes
9y
the electrical inspector is required to show you the article number of the code book that failed. your electrician friend should know this. if all this has failed (twice) I would seriously consider firing your friend from this job. What you should do now is to call the first and second inspector, ask them what has failed, and ask them how you can fix it. They are usually willing to help, at least the inspectors I've met.
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Brian Pulaski
Flipper/Rehabber · Montgomery, NY · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
You should have a list of what needs to be fixed to pass? Or someone should have been taking notes during the inspection. Do you know what "failed"? Usually it's simple things like nail plates, fire caulk, etc... if the walls are open and accessible the fix should be fairly easy.
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Mun Mak
OP
Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 1 vote
9y
Thanks everyone for all the comments.
@Brian Pulaski The rough inspection finally passed after the electrician fixed the list of things that the inspector failed.
@Christopher Phillips: I did not get it neither.
@JD Martin The electrician said he do mostly commercial jobs.
@Mark Redmann I called the inspector to reconfirm the appointment in the morning of the inspection. I told him I am the owner of the property and will meet him at the inspection. Neither the electrician nor me met the inspector in person at the last two inspections. I told the inspector we have fixed everything according to the fail list. He went through the property quickly then passed. Now, I just hope the final inspection will be alright.
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Chris SvendsenPro Member
Front Royal, VA · Member since 2016 · 306 posts · 240 votes
9y
I think the number one thing to do is have someone on site to meet the inspector is key. I met the inspector for all inspections on current property, that way I know exactly what he is looking for when items need to be corrected, and being I did all the work it allows for quick answers of what something is. Glad to hear you got through rough in inspection, final should be easy enough. When that time comes make sure you are there and everything is tested before he shows up to make sure all is right then things should go smooth.
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Mike McCarthy
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y
I agree, it's always important to meet the inspector to get a little camaraderie as well as ensure you understand the issues that are raised. It should be rare for an inspection to fail with an experienced tradesperson. I'm sure it happens, but they should know implicitly what's required by code.
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Mun Mak
OP
Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 1 vote
8y
Chris Svendsen,
Thank you for your comment.
I hope the final will be easy. I definitely will be there for the final. What kind of testing that I need to prepare for the final?
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Mun Mak
OP
Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 1 vote
8y
@Mike McCarthy
Great point about to get a little camaraderie with the inspector at the inspection. Actually, at the end of the inspection，the inspector told me I can pay the final inspection fee now to save money for both inspections. He also said I could call him anytime if I have questions. I think being at the inspection really worth it.
Thank you for sharing!
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