| A city inspector has a big job and a great deal of | | | | contractor has a job to do and will allow him to |
| responsibility. Most inspectors have multiple | | | | do it properly without cutting corners, which could |
| projects in progress at any given time and many | | | | jeopardize public health and result in serious |
| include testing city water lines to insure the water | | | | consequences. If the contract is not very clear, |
| is safe for residents to drink. A contractor | | | | then the attitude should be one of "okay, what do |
| responsible for the disinfection procedures should | | | | we need to do to make it right and do what is |
| understand this and do all he can help city | | | | best for the residents?" There are times, |
| inspectors make sure the water is up to existing | | | | however, when an inspector will want to follow |
| federal, state and local standards. | | | | the contract to the letter even if it doesn't make |
| Contractors working with city inspectors should | | | | sense. Some inspectors will work with contractors |
| follow an old fashioned but simple rule in dealing | | | | in that situation and others will not. Obstinate city |
| with them, which is treat them the way you | | | | inspectors, however, are more the exception than |
| want to be treated. Following this rule will help the | | | | the rule. |
| contractor if and when a job becomes difficult. | | | | Contractors should realize that few inspectors are |
| For example, sometimes contracts are not | | | | certified in water disinfection and therefore they |
| written as clearly as they should be. Arguing your | | | | may not have extensive knowledge of certain |
| point won't always help, but understanding the | | | | procedures, which means educating inspectors |
| inspector's point of view while treating him with | | | | becomes a natural part of the contractor's job. |
| dignity and respect will make your point much | | | | Another way to achieve a good working |
| more persuasive. Then you are on the same | | | | relationship with inspectors is finding common |
| team working toward the same goal. Otherwise, | | | | ground. In the process, it is important to |
| an inspector can make the job more difficult | | | | remember not to swear or poor mouth because |
| because he has the ability to do so. So treating | | | | you never know what he is thinking. He might be |
| him as a fellow professional will go a long way in | | | | a religious man who dislikes that kind of talk. |
| cultivating a solid working relationship. | | | | Never take anything for granted and never |
| In most cases the inspector understands that the | | | | assume anything because looks can be deceiving. |