Boomer

Good luck with that. I'm sure it's the engineer's fault that you can't read the code.

While your talking to him, make sure you ask for the brick tie layout plan, the HVAC duct routing plan, the copper wire sizing plan, the PVC connection specification, and the paint feathering details.

He is on the hook when he was specifically retained to submit structural engineering plans compliant with City of Houston building code. The engineer was specifically retained because he is the one who is supposed to be up on the code. But thanks for your "helpful" tips, anyway, Mr. "I love Engineers!".

More trouble is coming.

There are good reasons for these inspections. If your eye is untrained and your inspector is incompetent, I would seriously consider hiring an outside engineering company to inspect the rest of the way. Or a regstered builder for that matter.

Things will only get more expensive for you.

Just to keep everyone updated (if anyone's paying attention): Figured out why I was having such a problem. The structural engineer that did my city approved plans DID NOT DO WINDSTORM PLANS. The city just rubber-stamped the plans they were provided by the professional engineer. I am looking at having to retrofit my new house. In addition to straps and ties, there are interior walls, framing and plate anchors that have to be beefed up. Still figuring out how to handle the nail pattern problems without taking down the siding. Another big problem is the columns on my house are done and they need to be strapped to roof structure. I am just going to have to remediate, get past inspection, then submit claim for damages to engineer for malpractice. I'm more than a bit peeved, to say the least.

More trouble is coming.

There are good reasons for these inspections. If your eye is untrained and your inspector is incompetent, I would seriously consider hiring an outside engineering company to inspect the rest of the way. Or a regstered builder for that matter.

Things will only get more expensive for you.

Thanks for the advice, but it's not all doom and gloom. Competent craftsmen that do quality work seem to be more valuable than inspectors. I have also seen the some of junk that registered builders churn out and the mark-up they extract on supposedly "high-end" materials. I'll take my chances and keep that extra $50/sq ft in my own pocket and feel good knowing what is actually behind those walls.

I'l be sure to let you know how it goes. What I learn here I will use on the next home I build.

Thanks, Gallagher!

I have made arrangements for straps and clips on the inside at 34 cents per sq ft. Also, lining up affidavit from inspector about nailing pattern on covered up OSB, if necessary. (but I don't think he has an engineering stamp, I don't know how far that will get me.)

I hired the "inspector" to give me heads up on inspections and indicated to him I was building my first house so I really needed him to keep me straight. He was referred to me by my father-in-law (a craftsman). I should never have delegated the responsibility to stay on top of the inspection process. Anytime I delegate something I seem to get burned.

The framing job appears "tight and clean" to my untrained eye (and my "inspector's" questionable eye) and I've been through three rounds of punchlists with framers to shore it up.

You bring up a good question. I have four feet of cultured stone all the way around the first floor of the house and a large chimney covered in it and (you guessed it) no lathe inspection. I hoping this is not more trouble coming. Wow. This could get ugly.

Shingles are on. And yes, I am the supervisor! I hired an "experienced" inspector to help me negotiate the inspection minefield. I thought I had sucessfully delegated the worry. I should have just stayed on top of it myself! My framers did good work, but they were not a crew from with City of Houston experience. They work in Montgomery County.

I like Red's idea better too. I have also "heard" there are contractors that specialize in applying Simpson Strong Tie products that would be able to easily install suitable ties and straps.

On the framing inspection, I have my mechanical, plumbing and electrical green tags. I was waiting for those contractors to finish making their messes and brought the framers back in to nail down everything that got knocked loose. I would have been fine if I strapped and tied before the sheathing and deck went on.

Now I'm looking at a retrofit. Thinking about visiting with city to see what they suggest.

Despite this setback, I'm having a blast building the house. My contractors have performed reasonably well except for this snafu.

I was wondering if anyone has had their house leveled recently or knows a good company? I have an old house just sitting on cinder blocks, I need to have jacked up, and leveled...should be a very easy job, and was wondering if anyone had a recommendation on a company who does that? Looking to do it relatively inexpensively, and some of the bigger companies have high minimums.

Thanks in Advance!

I used JTB Services to tear down a 1000 sq ft house and remove old foundation. They did a great job and I thought they were reasonable. Total was less than $5000 and they were quick. They have a website. They do all sizes of demo work. www.jtbservices.com

Yikes!

I just discovered that my framer did not put in hurricane ties and windstraps. To make matters (much) worse, the OSB sheathing/roof deck/windows/siding/stone are all on the house and the windstorm inspection was not called in. Discovered it when I was getting set up for framing inspection. Anyone have a good workaround solution? Obviously, I need to get this solved before I call City of Houston to inspect framing. I'm betting this has happened before and there is a reasonable solution that can be implemented to save the day.

I'm all ears!

Boomer in Spring Banch