NEW TENNESSEE LAW ALLOWS DEVELOPERS TO USE PRIVATE INSPECTORS, SPARKING DEBATE

A new state law allows developers to hire their own private building inspectors, which allows them to avoid using government inspectors.

The law will go into effect in October, and while developers say this is a big win, critics have some concerns.

From homes to commercial buildings, developers can soon hire a private inspector to sign off on projects to ensure structural integrity and make sure regulations are being followed.

“That should lead to a more fluid construction process—less time and expense for builders—which will eventually help save homeowners money because, of course, contractors are going to pass their expenses onto the marketplace,” said Relocation Director with RE/MAX, Jeff Checko.

Checko says because of Nashville’s rapid growth, there tends to be a backlog with inspectors on government payroll.

“You don’t often see that these departments that need to inspect are just ready to come out there the next day—and so sometimes you’re waiting days or even weeks depending on the department while you’re sitting there,” Checko said.

But Monty Kapavik, the Codes Director with the City of Nolensville and the President of the Tennessee Building Officials Association, says he has concerns. He adds, “For our local jurisdiction here, between 20 and 35 percent of all inspections fail.”

Kapavik says when you introduce a third party to do these types of inspections, there’s a concern their training, motivation, or loyalties would not be in the right places. He adds, “With the local building departments, our job and our loyalty are to the citizens of our jurisdictions—but when you’re in business for yourself, it seems you could be influenced.”

But Checko says inspectors will not put their reputation on the line.

“The people who do that typically don’t win out in the end; they have liabilities and will suffer financial and professional shortfalls,” he said.

FOX 17 News reached out to the governor’s office for comment. A spokesperson sent us the following statement:

While Tennessee continues to experience record growth, building delays increase the cost of homes and businesses for hardworking Tennesseans. Statewide permitting reform measures like this one will accelerate building times, lower costs and safely streamline construction.

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